Jeffrey Dungan Architects
Coastal Elegance with Classical Grace
In the depths of luxury architecture, where the interplay of tradition and innovation defines greatness, Jeffrey Dungan Architects stands as a beacon of timeless design. Based in the quaint town of Mountain Brook, Alabama, Dungan’s firm has spent over a decade reimagining classical architecture with a modern sensibility, creating homes that resonate with authenticity and endure through generations. With projects spanning the Gulf Coast, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and even international locales like the Dominican Republic, Jeffrey Dungan’s work captures the essence of place—whether it’s the sandy shores of Alys Beach or the rugged peaks of Colorado—while weaving in a deep reverence for history, materials, and the human experience. For elite homeowners seeking a forever home, or designers and architects aiming to master the art of coastal elegance, Dungan’s portfolio offers a masterclass in creating spaces that are as soulful as they are stunning.
Coastal Vision grounded in Elegance
Jeffrey Dungan’s journey began in the South, where he grew up surrounded by the region’s rich architectural heritage. A graduate of Auburn University’s School of Architecture, Dungan founded his firm with a clear mission: to design homes that feel eternal, blending the clean lines of modernism with the enduring principles of classical architecture. His approach, often described as a “modern approach to traditional vernaculars,” has earned him accolades from the American Institute of Architects (AIA), including the 2015 Honor Award from the state of Alabama, the 2017 Southeast Architect of the Year by Veranda magazine, and a prestigious 2018 Palladio Award, the only national award for classical architecture. Named a Shutze Fellow by the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art in 2015, Dungan’s work reflects a deep understanding of historical design, but with a fresh voice that resonates in today’s luxury market.
What sets Dungan apart is his belief in “forever houses”—homes meant to be handed down through generations, as detailed in his book The Nature of Home: Creating Timeless Houses, published by Rizzoli. “I want to create spaces that feel authentic, that tell a story through the patina of honest materials,” Dungan has said. This philosophy guides every project, from the selection of natural textures like stone and wood to the thoughtful integration of light and landscape, ensuring each home feels deeply connected to its surroundings.
Iconic Projects That Echo Place and Purpose
Dungan’s portfolio is a tapestry of diverse landscapes, each project a testament to his ability to harmonize architecture with nature. One standout is the Sandcastle at Alys Beach, a white stucco beach house along the Gulf Coast that exudes coastal elegance. Featured in Architectural Digest, this home uses clean, minimalist lines and a palette of whites to reflect the sandy shores, while expansive windows capture the turquoise waters of the Gulf. The design prioritizes indoor-outdoor living, with shaded verandas and courtyards that invite the ocean breeze—a nod to the region’s warm climate. For elite homeowners, the Sandcastle offers a serene retreat, blending classical proportions with modern functionality, complete with bespoke details like handcrafted millwork and a central fireplace that anchors the living space.
Another gem is the Kyoto-Inspired Colorado Ranch, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Continental Divide. Inspired by Dungan’s travels to Japan, where he was captivated by ancient temples with heavy, brooding rooflines, this project echoes the surrounding mountains with its own man-made silhouette. The ranch uses layered roofs and natural stone to blend into the rocky terrain, while interiors feature warm wood tones and panoramic views of rivers and horse-dotted fields. “Faced with such a majestic scene, I found myself whispering, ‘don’t screw this up,’” Dungan recalls, a sentiment that underscores his reverence for nature. This project, with its fusion of Eastern influences and Western landscapes, showcases Dungan’s ability to adapt classical principles to diverse settings, creating homes that feel both timeless and innovative.
Closer to home, the Country Farmhouse in South Alabama, winner of the prestigious Shutze Award, transformed a modest cabin into a sprawling retreat for an outdoors-loving family. Dungan expanded the living space by adding a larger kitchen with 180-degree views of the farm, French doors opening to a new porch with an outdoor fireplace, and a master wing with a shuttered porch for respite. The design celebrates the rural setting—perfect for horse riding, fishing, and entertaining—while doubling the home’s usable space through seamless indoor-outdoor connections. It’s a prime example of how Dungan balances practicality with luxury, ensuring every project serves its inhabitants as much as its surroundings.
A Commitment to Authenticity and Craft
At the heart of Dungan’s work is a dedication to authenticity, evident in his use of “honest materials” like stone, wood, and stucco, which develop a patina over time. His book The Nature of Home explores this ethos through eight projects, from a Gulf Coast beach house to a Blue Ridge Mountain “firehouse,” each celebrating the beauty of natural textures and classical proportions. Dungan’s interiors are equally compelling, with warm, layered designs that invite connection—think reclaimed timber beams, hand-troweled plaster walls, and custom furniture that feels both modern and heirloom-quality.
Sustainability is woven into his practice, though not as a buzzword but as a natural extension of his philosophy. In projects like the Mountain Retreat Jarabacoa in the Dominican Republic, Dungan uses local stone and native hardwoods to minimize environmental impact, while designing for passive cooling to reduce energy use in the tropical climate. This thoughtful approach resonates with today’s luxury clients, who seek homes that are both opulent and responsible, blending modern technology—like smart home systems—with classical design elements.
Building Relationships Through Design
Dungan’s process is deeply personal, often fostering long-term relationships with clients. In La Petite Maison, a project for repeat clients, he describes the ease of working with those he knows well, creating a “shorthand of communication” that enhances the design process. This home features a standout “boot room”—a multifunctional space for flower arranging and everyday entry, with materials and light that Dungan calls “just the right attitude.” Such spaces reflect his passion for crafting moments of joy within a home, ensuring every room serves a purpose while delighting its inhabitants.
His firm, based at 1906 Cahaba Road in Mountain Brook, Alabama, operates with a team of architects and designers who bring creativity and expertise to every project. With a global footprint—spanning North and Central America and beyond—Dungan’s work has been celebrated in publications like Architectural Digest, The Wall Street Journal, Veranda, and Forbes. His ability to merge classical architecture with modern luxury has made him a sought-after name among elite homeowners, from the Gulf Coast to the Caribbean, who value his meticulous attention to detail and his knack for creating spaces that feel both timeless and contemporary.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Beyond his architectural practice, Dungan is committed to sharing his knowledge, as evidenced by his book and his influence in the design community. His work aligns with educational platforms like Luxury Coastal Design, which offers the Mastering Luxury Coastal Design course—an NCIDQ-aligned program that draws on insights from architects like Dungan. Spanning 12–16 weeks, the course provides video lectures, interactive tools, and a “Certified Luxury Coastal Designer” credential, empowering design students, aspiring architects, and even homeowners to master coastal design. Paired with the Coastal Mastery PDF, which features visuals and insights inspired by Dungan’s projects, this educational suite offers a pathway to learn from his expertise.
Challenges and Triumphs
Designing across diverse landscapes—from Alabama’s farms to Colorado’s mountains—comes with challenges, like navigating local regulations or adapting to extreme climates. In the Kyoto-Inspired Colorado Ranch, Dungan had to ensure the design respected the untouched landscape while providing modern amenities, a balance he achieved through careful material selection and site planning. His Gulf Coast projects, like the Sandcastle at Alys Beach, face salt corrosion and hurricane risks, which he mitigates with durable materials like stucco and impact-resistant glazing, ensuring longevity without sacrificing beauty.
Dungan’s triumphs are evident in his awards and media recognition, but his greatest achievement is the legacy of his “forever houses.” These homes, built to last generations, embody a philosophy of authenticity that resonates with clients worldwide. From the Tennessee River House to the Mountain Retreat Jarabacoa, each project tells a story of place, history, and human connection, proving that classical design can be as relevant today as it was centuries ago.
A Future of Enduring Beauty
Looking ahead, Jeffrey Dungan Architects is poised to continue its global influence, with plans for new projects in coastal and mountainous regions alike. Dungan’s vision—to create homes that stand the test of time—promises to shape the future of luxury design, blending classical grace with modern innovation. For those inspired by his work, the Mastering Luxury Coastal Design course and Coastal Mastery PDF offer a chance to learn from his approach, whether you’re designing a Gulf Coast retreat or a Caribbean villa.
In a world where trends come and go, Jeffrey Dungan Architects remains a steadfast advocate for timelessness, crafting homes that are as enduring as the landscapes they inhabit. Through his mastery of classical architecture and his passion for coastal elegance, Dungan invites us all to imagine spaces that not only shelter but also inspire—generation after generation.