By Anna Grace Moore
Photos by Blair Ramsey
If great minds think alike, then an architect marrying an interior designer is the perfect match for a beautiful home. Aubrey and Jeanne Garrison first met at ArchitectsSouth when Aubrey was recruited to build an architectural branch of the company and Jeanne was working as an interior designer.
The two parted ways after working on several projects together. Aubrey left the company and founded his own architecture firm, The Garrison Group, in 1980.
His firm later merged with Lauren Barrett in 1992. In 2008 in partnership with Aubrey’s now son-in-law, Craig Krawczyk, the firm became Live Design Group. Jeanne, on the other hand, left ArchitectsSouth to start her own company, Silkwood, which specialized in artificial botany design for commercial spaces.
The two reconnected later in life, tying the knot in 1999. After deciding to design their first home together, Aubrey and Jeanne chose to build in Greystone Crest on a lot with sprawling stones cascading down 2-acres of beautiful topography.
Looking out over the view, one can see for miles–even as far as The Summit and Mountain Brook High School’s football stadium. When first building, Aubrey designed a tunneled walkway leading up to the face of the home.
The tunnel is comprised of Alabama sandstone that was excavated from nearly a depth of 15 feet into the property. Strolling inside, the home’s interior transports one to the Italian countryside–its tuscan design reminiscent of a quieter, easy-going way of life.
Unique design elements such as the entryway’s floor–modeled after an alcove in Vatican City–and the living room’s cloth tapestry add an upscale yet unpretentious mood about the home. An architectural marvel, the center staircase with its cast-iron railings and sandstone columns connects the home’s three stories, reaching a height of more than 30 feet.
Both inside and out, the Garrisons’ home’s alluring beauty is the perfect reflection of their talents–artfully-inspired architecture elevated by intentional design.
The Tunnel
The tunnel is made from Alabama sandstone excavated from the property.
Entryway
Modeled after an alcove in Vatican City, this entryway’s floor tile was broken to replicate an old-world look.
Kitchen
Aubrey designed this island with a concrete base and honed granite countertops. The hanging light fixtures are imported from Venice, Italy.
Kitchen Nook
From the kitchen nook’s window, one appreciates a “living artwork,” or as Jeanne says, “God’s talent.”
The Butler’s Bell
Inspired by restaurants in Italy, this butler’s bell was repurposed as a doorbell for the home.
Living Room
Jeanne designed this entertaining area with an Earth-toned color palette, in order to create a warm yet calm and inviting atmosphere for company.
“Map of the Heavens”
Hand-painted by Arthur Price, this 12-foot-long tapestry provides a gorgeous focal point for the room.
Dining Room
This hand-crafted dining room table dates back to the 17th century and was gifted to Aubrey by his aunt, Kathryn Cheek.
Studio
Aubrey and Jeanne’s offices are adjacent to one another in this room, which provides an abundance of natural light–necessary for creative minds.
The Lookout
From the studio, one can see out for miles all the way from Greystone to The Summit and Mountain Brook High School.
Master Bedroom
Adorning the posterior wall, one of Jeanne’s original paintings, “Our Journey,” is a beautifully ornate depiction of her and Aubrey’s commitment to each other.
Hanging Memorabilia
Jeanne decorated the master suite with hand-blown glass ornaments hanging from beaded copper wire.
The Circus
The Garrisons acquired this vintage piece from Fritz Whoele. Originally, this artwork was a wall panel from a Barnum & Bailey carousel.
The Gate
This rod-iron grill was originally part of the Birmingham Terminal Station.
Artfully Inspired
When Jeanne was a little girl, she loved playing with dolls. As she grew older, she enjoyed dressing mannequins with the latest fashion statements. Aubrey bought a mannequin for Jeanne, surprising her at a party with the mannequin dressed up and holding a picture of Jeanne.
Playroom
Aubrey and Jeanne built a fun “hideout” for their grandkids on the first floor of their home.
Celebrity John Hancocks
Aubrey’s aunt, Kathryn Cheek, and her friend and Olympic skier, Anderl Molterer, opened a ski shop in Aspen, Colorado. Every time they had celebrities enter their shop, they asked them to sign these two panels, which sport signatures from Sonny and Cher, Clint Eastwood, Brook Shields, O.J. Simpson, Willie Nelson and more.
