Since the 1950s, modernism, with its emphasis on simplicity and functionality, has been shaping the standards in architecture. The University of Notre Dame, where Charbonneau ended up studying, was the only school he knew of that offered a program focused on training for classical architecture.
But things have been changing since Charbonneau earned his degree in 2009, and when it comes to designing churches, Charbonneau is busier than he’s ever been. Working from Washington, D.C., he leads Harrison Design’s Sacred Studio, which focuses on designing traditional and classical churches. In the 10 years since Charbonneau launched the studio, it has seen an increase in commissions from all around the country for classical and traditionally designed churches, mainly in the Catholic tradition, a surprising development given the backdrop of declining church attendance and church closures.
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