Classical Design, Reimagined: Tradition, Technology, and the Future of Architecture

In this episode of Made to Design, Sarah Couture talks with Ball State University architecture student Ethan Gustafson about his passion for classical and traditional architecture—and his vision for carrying those traditions forward.Ethan shares how he co-founded Students for Classical Architecture and Design at Ball State, studied at the ICAA Summer Studio in New York City, and developed his skills in measured drawing, classical proportions, hand drafting, and watercolor rendering.Sarah and Ethan also explore the relationship between tradition and innovation. From hand drawing to computational design, Ethan explains how emerging tools can help architects reinterpret classical forms while preserving the beauty, craftsmanship, and human-centered principles that make architecture endure.In This EpisodeDiscovering a passion for architecture at a young ageBringing classical design education to Ball StateEthan’s experience at the ICAA Summer StudioLearning the classical orders, measured drawing, and watercolor renderingWhy classical architecture remains relevantCombining hand-drawing traditions with computational designUsing technology to evolve architectural ornamentDesigning beautiful buildings with lasting materialsEthan’s internship, study-abroad plans, and future in architectureConnectEthan Gustafson on Instagram: @ateliergustafsonIndiana Regional Committee of ICAA on Instagram: @icaa_indianaICAA Chicago on Instagram: @icaachicago⁠Institute of Classical Architecture & Art⁠⁠ICAA Chicago-Midwest⁠⁠Sarah Couture Design⁠