Rooted in Place: Inside Duvall Decker, the 2026 AIA Firm Award Winner

How does a small firm in Jackson, Mississippi, become the 2026 AIA Architecture Firm Award winner? Duvall Decker's next generation explains.

Duvall Decker, the Jackson, Mississippi firm named the 2026 AIA Architecture Firm Award winner, builds its practice on community roots, long-term care for its buildings, and a habit of teaching. Awards coverage centers on founders Anne Marie Duvall Decker and Roy Decker. In this special episode of Practice Disrupted, three of the firm's architectural associates, Daniel Barker, Hattie Morrison, and Madison Holbrook, describe what that practice looks like day to day. Host Evelyn Lee made the call announcing the award during her AIA presidency.

The associates explain why they chose Duvall Decker: human-scale, regional work, and a decision to build careers in Mississippi instead of leaving it. They describe an office that works like a studio, and the firm's "Foundations," 53 lessons collected in a book that shapes how the team works, collaborates, and makes decisions.

Duvall Decker's practice also reaches past design. Dunn Management handles building and facilities maintenance, and Elden Development provides development consulting. Staying involved in a building after it opens keeps the firm answerable to its clients, and the same research-first habit shows in how it approaches mass timber.

The associates come back to access. Leaders who are available for mentorship, teaching, and open conversation make the difference for people early in their careers.

"We come in from school kind of a blank slate, ready to learn. And I think just keeping leadership and those higher ups available to the newer architects, making sure that people are spreading that knowledge and that it's attainable, is important." - Madison Holbrook

Guests:

Daniel Barker, AIA, is an architectural associate with five years at Duvall Decker who has helped lead major projects like the University of Mississippi’s Data Center and the NorthWest Arkansas Veterans Home. He received the 2023 AIA Mississippi Emerging Professional Award.

Hattie Morrison, AIA, is an architectural associate with four years at Duvall Decker who has contributed to diverse projects, including the Pecan Park Elementary Renovation and the firm's exhibit at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale. She received the 2022 John G. Williams Medal and mentors MSU students.

Madison Holbrook, AIA, is an architectural associate with five years at Duvall Decker who has contributed to key projects for the Jackson Public School District, the University of Mississippi, and the Mississippi Air National Guard. She is involved in mentoring fifth-year architecture students.

This episode is especially for you if:

You want a look inside Duvall Decker, the 2026 AIA Architecture Firm Award winner.

You are curious how a firm can add building maintenance and development consulting to its practice.

You want to know how a studio culture and 53 written Foundations guide daily decisions.

You run a firm and want to hear what your newest staff look for in leadership.

Want more between episodes? Read Practice Rebuilt, our weekly newsletter, at practiceofarchitecture.com/newsletter. Ready to test change in your own firm? Join The Lab at practiceofarchitecture.com/lab.

Show Links:

• Learn about Duvall Decker
• Explore the Foundations
• Connect with Daniel Barker
• Connect with Hattie Morrison
• Connect with Madison Holbrook