Monroe Hall at Loyola University receives Regional Design Award

On May 20, 2016, Architects from the Gulf States Region of the American Institute of Architects gathered in Philadelphia to celebrate the 2016 Honor Awards program. During the conference, the Monroe Hall Renovation at Loyola University in New Orleans, La., designed by Holly & Smith Architects in association with Holabird and Root Architects, received a Design Merit Award. Fourteen projects were recognized for their thoughtful response, refreshing simplicity, and overall design excellence. Respected jury members chose projects from those entered by architects practicing in the Gulf States region. This Honors program identifies built works of distinction, and projects were recognized as exemplary design solutions. An accomplished group of design professionals, led by William Carpenter, FAIA, founder and president of Lightroom (Decatur, GA) juried the projects. Jury members included Jim Burton, AIA (Carter + Burton Architecture, Berryville, VA) and Nicholas Cusimano, Associate AIA (Lightroom Studio). Philip E. Black, AIA, of Simonton, Swaika, Black Architects in Birmingham acted as Program Chair. Together, they awarded fourteen projects from the 130 submittals from architects in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee.

Three H/S projects win Interior Design Excellence Awards

Three H/S projects were recognized at the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Delta Regional Chapter’s annual awards gala, which was held in New Orleans on August 22. The Delta Regional Chapter consists of the states of Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi.

H/S continues to provide leadership to AIA

At the recent AIA New Orleans annual business meeting, three members of the H/S team were selected to serve key positions for the AIA New Orleans Chapter. Kevin Morris, AIA, the director of our New Orleans Studio, who recently served on the Executive Board as AIA Louisiana Delegate, will now begin a new term as Treasurer. We have great confidence in Kevin for this position as he is self described as being “tighter than two coats of paint”. We suspect the AIA NOLA finances will be in very capable hands. Amy Garrett, Associate AIA was elected to the position of Associate Director. Amy will be responsible for organizing all programs for associate members, including IDP, ARE, mentoring, NCARB and licensing issues, young architects events and more. Pierre Theriot, AIA has been appointed by the President as the Chairman of the Honor Awards Committee for 2013. He will be directing his efforts towards standardizing the entry formats to align with the state & gulf states programs.

These three positions continue an H/S tradition of AIA involvement which was first established by Jeffrey Smith becoming AIA New Orleans President in 2009 and his recent election as President of AIA Louisiana.

Holy/Splits wins prestigious CSI NOLA Bowling Tournament

Kevin Morris, Nathan Fell, Alex Sirko, Brent Baumbach and Rohit Sood of Holly and Smith Architects New Orleans bowling team, the Holy/Splits recently participated in the CSI NOLA Bowling Tournament and won 1st place! The tournament benefits the CSI Scholarship Program for Delgado Community College and was held at Mid City Lanes “Rock N Bowl”. Congrats to our guys for knowing how to roll!

Two H/S projects win AIA Baton Rouge Chapter Design Awards

On Friday, July 27, 2012, the AIA Baton Rouge chapter held its annual Rose Awards Gala at the Old Governor’s Mansion in downtown Baton Rouge. Hundreds of guests attended and over 50 projects were entered in the awards program. The prestigious jury was comprised of three members from local and distant parts of the country. The jury was chaired by Wayne Troyer who is principal of studio WTA , a New Orleans based architectural firm that maintains a focus on the use of innovative materials, attention to detail, and regional design sensitivity. The other two jurors were Dan Maginn, AIA, Principal with el dorado inc , an architecture firm in Kansas City, Missouri and Randy Brown, founder of Randy Brown Architects in Omaha, Nebraska.

Two projects by Holly and Smith Architects received recognition; The new senior housing community, Village de Jardin in New Orleans East and the Renovations and Additions to the Kinesiology and Health Studies Building at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, La. The Village de Jardin project received the merit level “Rose Award” and the “Members Choice” award which is given to the one project which is voted majority favorite by the AIA Baton Rouge Members. The jury gave the Kinesiology and Health Studies Building at Southeastern Louisiana University the highest level award for design excellence; the “Gold Rose Award”

Jury comments:

Village de Jardin Senior Housing:
In the past, Senior Housing projects have typically been designed with an institutional expression that is barren and soulless. Those characteristics are nowhere to be found in this submission of 224 living units on an 11 acre site for a subsidized senior housing community. Utilizing bold forms and a varied expression of program, this project was immediately identified by the jury as a fresh take on this building type while expanding the dialogue about affordable design and the importance of establishing a sense of community. Expressive use of vernacular elements provides a contextual reference about place while contributing to a sense of serenity through familiar forms and varied types of public spaces.

Kinesiology and Health Studies Building, Southeastern Louisiana University:  
This project is a complete transformation of a 1970’s era educational building. The jury loved the playfulness of the forms, the successful framing of particular architectural forms, and the sensitivity of the massing. The detailing of the connecting tissue is particularly successful with an elegant shift and varied materials that provide a sense of entry. The covered breezeway and bridge are clever ways to expand the program creating an outdoor room and plaza that connect the existing to new. Wonderful architectural moments and details.

Continuing a playful tradition

When reminiscing on a playhouse, what memories come to mind? Playing pirates with a best bud? Exploring with a much loved Teddy? Recalling your favorite flashlight hideout? Projects like Cottages for CASA encourage our team to pull inspiration from the depths of their childhood, letting the imagination flourish into endless possibilities. Upholding the four year design tradition for Cottages for CASAintern architects Chris Dufreche and Paul Morvant from Holly & Smith Architects, APAC developed a functional design with a focus on interactive and imaginative play.

Drawing inspiration from traditional Louisiana architecture suggestive of Creole Cottages and Shotgun homes, Chris and Paul also blended the essence of contemporary transparency; creating a fantasy appeal for kids. “The best part of the design process is designing a structure with minimal guidelines and constraints, then seeing this playful project come to life” Chris states. The fusion of the two styles makes the structure well-suited for any backyard setting.

Collaborating with builder Glenn Alack and Gabriel’s Building Supply for the materials, Paul mentions “The majority of the structure will be constructed with a limited palette of donated material, which was embraced as a driving factor in the design aesthetic of the playhouse. This allowed the design to stay true to the non-profit aspects of the Cottages for CASA program.” Once built, interactive features of the two-level playhouse will include: a steering wheel, rope climb, slide, swing, cubby areas, writable backdrops and an open play space perfect for blossoming creativity. These design features of the playhouse will cultivate a variety of imaginary play for kids of all ages and a lifetime of fun memories to pull inspiration from in their future.

H/S Porkitecture does well in BBQ Challenge

For the past nine years Holly and Smith Architects has participated in the Hammond Smokin Blues and BBQ Challenge. Every year, with great determination and enthusiasm we give it our best shot. The results have varied widely over the years….sometimes good, sometimes not so good. This year we did pretty good. Out of 55 competing teams in the categories of sauce, chicken and ribs, the H/S Porkitecture team placed 4th in sauce, 5th in chicken and a solid 25th in ribs 🙂 The combined scores put us in 9th place overall…..not too shabby…. Regardless of the outcome, the BBQ challenge has become an annual tradition for our firm and fosters camaraderie like no other event. Next year will be the tenth annual event for the Hammond Smokin Blues and BBQ Challenge. The H/S Porkitecture team plans to make a big showing. Just wait and see…..

The Rebirth of the Cove at UNO

The Cove: what used to be the hub of student life and nostalgia at the University of New Orleans has been rejuvenated. After more than 6 years the campus dining facility, severely damaged during Hurricane Katrina, is fully renovated and reopened. Holly and Smith Architects, APAC has been heavily involved with FEMA in the restoration and repairs of most of the UNO campus facilities damaged after the storm. H/S was commissioned to renovate the 16,416 square -foot popular student hangout which will host a contemporary dining and entertainment facility featuring: the Sandbar a live music venue, a full service bar, and a luxuriant outdoor courtyard. With a second line band leading the way to the grand opening ceremony, hundreds of students, alumni, and members of the community including UL President Randy Moffett and jazz phenomenon Ellis Marsellis awaited in anticipation for the official ribbon cutting on December 2nd, 2011. The festivities continued with an enlightening speech by Governor Bobby Jindal along with Student Government President John Mineo commemorating the success of the project and future opportunities for UNO. Guests could feel Irvin Mayfield recalling memories of the past and creating notes for the future as he serenaded the crowd on his trumpet. With the grand opening a remarkable success, the rebirth of the Cove will quickly regain its status as the verve and the center of student life at UNO

Jeffrey K. Smith reappointed to Louisiana Fire Prevention Board of Review

Governor Jindal reappointed Jeffrey K. Smith to serve as the Registered Architect for the Louisiana Fire Prevention Board of Review. This will be Jeffrey’s fourth year serving on the board.The Louisiana Fire Prevention Board of Review serves to review and evaluate alternatives to fire prevention or protection laws and regulations established by the fire marshal when a request of review is properly submitted.

According to statute, the board is composed of nine gubernatorial appointments which are subject to senate confirmation including one voluntary fire department chief, one full-time fire department chief, one registered architect, one registered engineer, one member will represent building owners and managers, one member will represent mercantile- industry interests, two members must represent the general public who have no vested interests directly or indirectly in the construction industry or the ownership or management of commercial buildings, and one member selected by the Rating and Fire Prevention Bureau. Additionally, the state fire marshal will serve on the board as an ex-officio member and will select one member to represent fire marshals, according to statute.

To view the list of current board members please visit the Louisiana Legislature website.

Design Recognition from the Gulf Coast to the East Coast

As a member of AIA Louisiana, Kevin J. Morris recently participated as a juror and award ceremony presenter for the AIA Maryland Design Awards Gala, which was conducted at Morgan State University Center in Baltimore Maryland.

The Jury was composed of Judith Kinnard, FAIA, and Trula Remson, AIA, Kevin J. Morris, AIA, and was chaired by Steve Dumez, FAIA. Following a two day review of over 150 submittals, the jury identified 25 projects for design recognition. Included were four awards which were granted to outstanding students, for their submittals in the Student Design Awards and Architectural Drawing Competition.

Kevin participated as the presenter of the awards at the Maryland Design Awards Gala. The process and event presented a tremendous opportunity for the AIA to integrate the Design Awards, by engaging out of town jurors for participation. This process provides a cross integration between the Regional AIA chapters, in addition to providing true anonymity for the jury and award recognition process.

The AIA Maryland Design Awards recognize excellence in architectural design of Maryland Architects, both worldwide and for work specifically performed in Maryland. The purpose for the awards program is to encourage and recognize distinguished architectural achievement and to honor the architects, clients and consultants who work together to improve the built environment and their role in shaping the quality of life through design excellence

Jeffrey K. Smith President Elect for AIA Louisiana

Congratulations to Holly and Smith Architects’ Principal Jeffrey K. Smith, President Elect for AIA Louisiana 2013. Over the past 30 years, Mr. Smith has made an exceptional impression on the architectural community through his professional leadership. As he prepares for his term of presidency Jeffrey’s platform stands for being actively engaged and establishing an agenda for building our communities. He believes “We must continue our efforts as lobbyists to our government agencies, maintain our relationships with our ally professionals and the construction industry in order to understand the needs of our community.” Jeffrey’s goals to strengthen the solidarity among AIA members include:

– Restarting Architectural South Magazine a reference for design excellence and inspiration.

– Helping the Louisiana Architects Foundation to prominence by increasing funding.

– Establishing an open portal to all AIA members with blogs, surveys, and chat rooms facilitating camaraderie and references for members.

Jeffrey takes to heart the AIA national Slogan “Design Matters”. This has been his philosophy as an architect. Over the past 36 years Jeffrey has energetically worked towards establishing a culture of design at Holly & Smith Architects, which has manifested into over 70 design awards. His professional activities include Past President of AIA New Orleans (2009), prior Editorial Board Member for Architectural South Magazine, and serving on the State of Louisiana Fire Prevention Board of Review for the last four years. As a community leader, Jeffrey has served as a member of the Hammond Historic District and Hammond Downtown Development District and currently serves as Chairman for both Tangipahoa Parish and City of Hammond new master planning efforts.

H/S Intern Incentive Program

Holly & Smith Architects would like to congratulate Rohit Sood and Jason Hernandez for participating in the H/S Intern Incentive Program and completing their Architectural Registration Exams.

The H/S Intern Incentive Program is for all architectural interns that are currently enrolled in the Intern Development Program (IDP) within the firm. The program provides an incentive package to interns that successfully complete the Architectural Registration Exams (ARE) and become licensed in the State of Louisiana.

The Intern Incentive Program encourages interns to complete the Architectural Registration Exams by reducing the financial requirements normally associated with the Exams, and by providing an entire day of Paid Time Off to be used for each of the tests that are successfully passed.

Interns are encouraged to enter the program when they are ready to begin taking the exams, and not when they first enter the IDP. This is because the exams require knowledge that cannot be obtained from study material alone, so Holly & Smith Architects has instituted the H/S Mentoring Program to further develop the intern’s knowledge base in preparation for the exams.

The H/S Intern Incentive Program and the H/S Mentoring Program reinforce Holly & Smith Architects’ commitment to having all interns employed by the firm become licensed architects.

Jeffrey K. Smith, AIA, participates in a Panel Discussion at Tulane University

Mr. Smith was invited to give a presentation and sit on a panel to discuss “Sustainability, Adaptive Reuse and Renovation in Local Architecture – an architect’s approach to sustainability within the existing urban context”. Participating with Mr. Smith were Brett Petry, AIA, and Marcel Wisznia, AIA. The panel discussion is a series sponsored by AIA New Orleans, Global Green and the local chapter of United States Green Building Council.

The topic of Mr. Smith’s presentation was “It takes a village to be sustainable”. Mr. Smith presented 8 projects that H/S had provided architectural services for in Historic Downtown Hammond. He discussed the particular client goals for each project and identified how the buildings were put back into commerce using the historic tax credits as an economic incentive. After the presentation, the panel discussed the significance of historic renovation with regards to sustainability. The premises of the concept is that historic renovation and adaptive reuse is sustainable not only cost wise and energy wise but also culturally by maintaining our historical heritage.

Michael Holly AIA, appointed to Board of Directors – Friends of Louisiana Public Broadcasting

The Chairman of Friends of Louisiana Public Broadcasting, Dr. Rebecca Pennington has announced the appointment of Michael Holly AIA to the Board of Directors of the support group associated with Louisiana Public Broadcasting.

The Board of Directors is comprised of volunteer members from across the state. Not only do they attend monthly Board meetings, but they also provide support to the organization in other ways. For instance, they volunteer to go on-air during membership campaigns, act as Phone Captains, bring phone groups, provide corporate sponsorship, assist with Community Chapters, and help plan annual Louisiana Legends Awards Banquet.

H/S receives Honor Award at AIA Louisiana Design Conference

On Saturday, September 20, 2008, AIA Louisiana held its annual Honor Awards Luncheon at the state conference in New Orleans, Louisiana.

This year 51 projects were submitted for Honor Award consideration. The awards were judged by Jeannie Gang, AIA from Chicago, Illinois. Ms. Gang is principle and founder of Studio Gang . Ms. Gang’s jury selected seven projects to receive awards, two received Award of Merit and five received Honor Award. H/S received a Honor Award for North Oaks Medical Center Rehabilitation Hospital.

Ms. Gang stated that she was impressed with how H/S re-envisioned the facade of the existing facility. The intervention of a white metal wall that curved across the front of the existing facade established new identifiable entries. The wall also created interesting spaces between the existing facade that enhanced the arrival experience. The outdoor dining with fountain and landscaping connected the interior to exterior for a successful harmony.

Mary Mowad Guiteau participates in NCIDQ Pre-Test

Mary Mowad Guiteau took part in the NCIDQ National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) pre-test in New Orleans on August 14, 2008. Licensed Interior Designers were asked to take the practicum portion of the exam and then to evaluate it. The practicum portion involved producing a design solution for a multifunctional facility, and included creation of a floor plan, finish schedule, adjacency matrix, reflected ceiling plan, electrical/data plan, section and elevation. After the exam, designers were asked to write an evaluation of the problem to assist the NCIDQ exam committee with their work in preparation of the exam for potential candidates.

H/S announces a new Mentoring Program

Holly & Smith continues their commitment to their interns and licensed architects by providing a Mentoring Program based on the requirements of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the National Council of Architectural Registration Board’s (NCARB) Intern Development Program (IDP) guidelines. This mentorship program will aid the intern through their IDP requirements, their career decisions, their office responsibilities, the Architectural Registration Exam (ARE) process, and their professional development.

Mentoring is an essential part of the Intern Development Program that provides interns with additional support, knowledge, and advice through the process. As part of the IDP requirements, an intern must select a supervisor, who will monitor them in the firm on a daily basis, and a mentor, who will review their progress periodically. Both of these individuals will work towards the long and short-term goals and responsibilities of each intern.

Throughout all stages of an architect’s career there will be decisions that they must make that can be easier with the assistance of their fellow colleagues. As per the AIA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, members are obligated to nurture fellow professionals and respect the rights and acknowledge the professional aspirations and contributions of their colleagues. The mentorship creates relationships that an intern and architect can use when making decisions concerning their career.

As an intern transitions from the educational environment to the office, it is important that they are familiarized with the general operations and daily tasks that are required in the firm. The supervisor and mentor will assist the intern with learning their office responsibilities and providing knowledge either directly or through a surrogate that may be more familiar with the task at hand.

The ARE is a necessary part of the architect’s professional career as they transition from their internship to acquiring their state license or NCARB certification. It is important that an intern studies the guides that are provided for the test, but it is also necessary that they are provided with a wide range of experience during their internship that will allow them to gain the additional education required for the ARE.

The professional development during an internship is essential to facilitate the growth of the individual into the architectural profession. Mentorship will encourage an intern to develop relationships in their firm and in the architectural community, and to participate in local and national AIA events and seminars. This will allow interns to build the professional relationships required for their career.

The Mentoring Program is currently being developed by the H/S IDP supervisor, David R. Hoover, AIA, NCARB, and will be available starting in the Fall 2008.

Jeffrey Smith Receives appointment by Governor

Governor Jindal announced new appointments to the Louisiana Fire Prevention Board of Review – Jeffrey Smith will serve as a registered architect.

The Louisiana Fire Prevention Board of Review serves to review and evaluate alternatives to fire prevention or protection laws and regulations established by the fire marshal when a request of review is properly submitted.

According to statute, the board is composed of nine gubernatorial appointments which are subject to senate confirmation including one voluntary fire department chief, one full-time fire department chief, one registered architect, one registered engineer, one member will represent building owners and managers, one member will represent mercantile- industry interests, two members must represent the general public who have no vested interests directly or indirectly in the construction industry or the ownership or management of commercial buildings, and one member selected by the Rating and Fire Prevention Bureau. Additionally, the state fire marshal will serve on the board as an ex-officio member and will select one member to represent fire marshals, according to statute.

H/S Wins Big!

On Friday July 18th, 2008 AIA Baton Rouge held its annual design awards program banquet at the Louisiana State Museum in downtown Baton Rouge.

It was a hot night in July in more ways than one for Holly and Smith when they were acknowledged four times for their design work submitted in the Rose Award Program, sponsored by the Baton Rouge Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. The firm was awarded 2 Rose Awards, One Silver Award and One Gold Award, the highest honor given for design work in the awards program.

The design jury was made up of architects from other parts of the state who are acknowledged designers in their own right. They included:

– Doug Ashe FAIA
– Charles Beasely AIA
– Karl Puljak

Their comments on each of the projects follows:

Avoyelles Public Charter School in Mansura, La.
Rose Award
“We all know how difficult it is to do quality architecture on school work in Louisiana with such limited funds. The architects were able to get the most out of every dollar and produce a design that creates a sense of place, has wonderful detailing, and provides a wonderful learning environment for students. The placement of the buildings to produce a courtyard and covered areas provides opportunities for the students to get together for informal conversation.”

Iberville State Office Building in Baton Rouge, La.
Rose Award
“A wonderful partner with the building across the street to create a gateway entrance into the Capitol Complex. The two buildings, although different, work well together and each is made better by the presence of its neighbor. A wonderful contemporary response to the strong Art Deco expression of the State Capitol tower. The glass and metal top to the building is beautifully detailed and at night, when lighted up, makes a wonderful gateway tower. The interiors are flooded with natural light, making wonderful spaces to work in, where a window view is never very far away.”

North Oaks Rehabilitation Center Renovations in Hammond, La.
Silver Award
“A great addition to an ordinary building, making what was ordinary extraordinary. The curving white wall is wonderfully detailed and relates well to the hospital across the way. A strong presence is created by the curving wall and the space in between the wall and the existing building becomes a great place for sitting and quiet relaxation. The interiors are simple, but beautifully detailed, to create quiet dignified spaces.”

The Kirin Sushi Restaurant in downtown Hammond, La.
Gold Award
“The best project in the group. Very nice street presence. The use of the roof trellis and how they are carried down the front façade emphasizes the vertical and gives the building a stronger presence on the street. A wonderful variety of spaces within, each different in its detailing and color, to provide a variety of dining experiences each time one visits the restaurant. Wonderful vibrant colors and a creative use of a variety of materials.”

The firm has been a leader in the design field over the past twenty-seven years. With these four awards the firm has been cited 59 times for their design excellence since 1981.

H/S receives recognition for Historic Renovation

H/S received an award of merit for their project; The Historic Renovation to the Hammond Train Depot at the 2008 AIA New Orleans honor awards banquet.

In order to recognize excellence in Architecture, AIA New Orleans held its annual Design Awards program on Thursday, March 6, 2008. Each year, AIA New Orleans Design Awards program accomplishes three simple, yet invaluable, goals: celebrate the best of this region’s architecture; recognize achievement in a broad range of architectural work; and inform the public of the breadth and value of architectural practice.

AIA New Orleans is proud to honor the architects, clients, and consultants who work together to improve the built environment. The theme of this year’s awards was ‘Architecture Matters.’ AIA New Orleans aims to continue raising awareness of why architecture matters. It is clear that it takes the efforts of not only great designers and their teams, but that of great civic leaders, business leaders, and a myriad of individuals working in harmony to achieve important works of architecture. When done well, the result is a sustainable, beautiful, working, healthy built environment that serves the people and planet in which we live.

This year, eight winners were selected from over 70 entries.

H/S introduces a new Intern Incentive Program

Holly & Smith has created a new Intern Incentive Program for all architectural interns that are currently enrolled in the Intern Development Program (IDP) within the firm. This program provides an incentive package to interns that successfully complete the Architectural Registration Exams (ARE) and become licensed in the State of Louisiana. An additional bonus for completing the exams within a certain time frame is also provided. H/S has assigned an IDP Supervisor at the firm that will maintain a record of each individual intern’s progress, and the reimbursement of certain fees associated with the IDP and ARE.

The Intern Incentive Program will encourage interns to complete the Intern Development Program by reducing the financial requirements normally associated with the Architectural Registration Exams, and by providing an entire day of Paid Time Off to be used for each of the tests that are successfully passed. The IDP Supervisor at H/S will provide study material for both the ARE 3.0 and 4.0, and serve as the firm’s contact for the Louisiana State Board of Architectural Examiners IDP Coordinator.

Interns are encouraged to enter the program when they are ready to begin taking the exams, and not when they first enter the IDP. This is because there are additional incentives for completing the exams within a certain time frame, which further reinforces Holly & Smith’s commitment to having all interns employed by the firm become licensed architects.

David Hoover named the H/S IDP Supervisor

Holly & Smith has appointed David R. Hoover, AIA, NCARB as the new IDP Supervisor. As the IDP Supervisor he will be responsible for providing guidance for interns that are enrolled in the Intern Development Program (IDP), providing the study material to candidates that are ready to sit for the Architectural Registration Exam (ARE), and monitoring the progress of the interns as they proceed through the IDP and the H/S Intern Incentive Program, which provides interns with an incentive package for completing the ARE.

The IDP Supervisor position in the past has been a responsibility that was spread out among all of the H/S architects, but due to the continued growth of the firm through the recent years, it was decided to make the position the sole responsibility of one architect. This will allow for one point of contact for interns, and also provide a liaison between the H/S management and interns. It is the goal of H/S to provide a well structured program that addresses the needs and requirements of interns until they acquire their license to practice architecture.

David Hoover is an NCARB certified architect and is a member of the national and local AIA. He currently holds architectural licenses in Louisiana and Texas, and is an active member in the Congress for the New Urbanism.

Holly and Smith gets a new look!

As you can see, we’ve been doing some building of our own.

A collaboration between Holly & Smith and Zande+Newman Design of New Orleans, our new branding and website are together a reflection of our modernist approach, tempered by regional values.

This site is designed to be shared with our current clients, future clients and colleagues everywhere, giving an opportunity to get to know our firm, check out our recent successes, and catch up with what’s new in our work around the region.

While the look is different, Holly & Smith remains the same firm, run by the same professionals who have built our reputation and continue our tradition of success. We are as committed as ever to an approachable design philosophy that puts the client first.

Please take a moment to explore this new site. You’ll find portfolio highlights, staff profiles, and information about life at Holly & Smith and the approach that sets us apart.

We think you’ll like what you see.

Rohit Sood obtains LEED A.P.

Rohit Sood, an intern architect with H/S Architects has received his LEED A.P. This makes him the first of the firm to receive the designation. Congratulations Rohit!

Cassie Ragan and Mark Beckers named Principals

Michael Holly, AIA and Jeffrey K. Smith, AIA are pleased to announce that Cassie Ragan, AIA, ASID, and Mark Beckers, AIA, have become principals in the firm of Holly and Smith Architects of Hammond.

Ragan began her career with Holly and Smith Architects in 1989 after graduating with a degree in architecture from LSU.

She obtained her license to practice architecture, interior design, and became a member of the National Council for Interior Design Qualification in 1994.

She is a member of the national, Louisiana and Baton Rouge chapters of the American Institute of Architects and has served as associate in charge of interiors and project manager prior to appointment as principal.

Mark Beckers graduated from LSU with a bachelor’s degree in architecture in 1984 and began working at Holly and Smith Architects in 1990.
He obtained his architecture license in 1990 and has been a project manager and an associate in charge of production with the firm.

He is a member of the national, Louisiana and Baton Rouge chapters of the American Institute of Architects.

Jeffrey Smith named AIA New Orleans Chapter Officer

Jeffrey K. Smith, a principal and the director of design of Holly and Smith Architects in Hammond, was recently elected to serve as president elect on the 2008 Executive Committee of the New Orleans Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. He will work to represent, promote, advance and strengthen the architectural professional in the area.

The New Orleans Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, formed in 1909, is one of the oldest in the nation and serves as the organized voice of the architectural profession across an 11-parish region, including Tangipahoa Parish.