Holly & Smith Architects Contribute to Louisiana Preservation Conference in Hammond

Holly & Smith Architects team members recently participated in the 2026 Louisiana Preservation Conference, hosted by the Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation in downtown Hammond. The annual conference brings together preservationists, community leaders, and industry professionals from across Louisiana to share ideas, explore best practices, and support the continued stewardship of the state’s historic places.

As part of this year’s program, H/S contributed to multiple sessions focused on downtown revitalization and the long-term value of preservation efforts.

Michael Holly, AIA, Chairman of the Board, and Pierre Theriot, AIA, Design Director, presented “Turning the Past Into the Future: The Story of the Revitalization of Downtown Hammond,” sharing insight into the evolution of the city’s historic core through strategic planning, design, and development.

Michael Holly also participated in “Investing in Heritage: The Power of Historic Tax Credits,” highlighting how tax credit programs can support preservation efforts while encouraging economic growth and long-term community impact.

Ryan Faulk, AIA, CEO, and Pierre Theriot also participated in the Tax Credits in Action walking tour, which explored a series of historic downtown Hammond properties demonstrating the impact of state and federal historic tax credit programs. The tour highlighted a range of adaptive reuse projects, from early 20th-century commercial buildings to performing arts and mixed-use spaces.

Through continued involvement in events like the Louisiana Preservation Conference, H/S remains engaged in conversations shaping the future of preservation across the state while supporting the communities and historic environments that define Louisiana.

This work reflects H/S’s continued involvement in preservation efforts and long-standing role in the revitalization of downtown Hammond.