Holly & Smith Announces Phoebe Roussel as a Newly Licensed Architect

Holly & Smith Architects is proud to announce Phoebe Roussel has successfully completed her Architect Registration Examination (ARE) and is now a licensed architect.

Phoebe graduated from University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a Bachelor of Architectural Studies in 2022, then went on to attain a Master of Architecture in 2023. She interned at H/S during her time in Grad School, officially joining the team shortly after graduation. Since then, she has become an integral part of our team, bringing thoughtfulness, dedication, and professionalism to every project she touches.

The ARE, administered by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, is a rigorous, multi-division examination that assesses the knowledge and skills required to protect public health, safety, and welfare.

Congratulations Phoebe on this milestone achievement. We are proud to have you part of the H/S team!

Tangipahoa Parish Library System Celebrates New Loranger Branch

On January 23, the Tangipahoa Parish Library System hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new Loranger Branch.  Designed as a modern and welcoming space, the library supports education, creativity, and lifelong learning through thoughtful design and flexible, adaptable spaces.  Parish representatives, library board members, and local leaders joined the Tangipahoa Parish Library System team to mark the milestone and recognize the collaborative effort behind the project.

The new branch features dedicated areas for children and teens, providing age-appropriate environments for reading, learning, and exploration. A technology hub equipped with multiple computer workstations and digital resources helps bridge the digital divide while promoting digital literacy. Small group meeting rooms offer spaces for collaboration, study sessions, and local programs, supporting the library’s mission to be a hub for community engagement.

“We are proud of this new addition to the Tangipahoa Parish Library system and look forward to serving the citizens of our parish for many years to come,” said Barry Bradford, Director of the Tangipahoa Parish Library System.

Holly & Smith Architects worked closely with the Tangipahoa Parish Library System to ensure the design reflects their commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and innovation.

The opening marks an important milestone for the Tangipahoa Parish Library System as it continues to enhance and expand access to library services across the parish.

McLin Construction, LLC was the general contractor for the project. Consultants include Fox Nesbit Engineering, LLC (civil, structural), Eyre Engineering, LLC (mechanical, & plumbing), & Creative Engineering Group, LLC (electrical).

Rohit Sood, ALEP, Attends A4LE LearningSCAPES Conference in Phoenix

H/S Principal Rohit Sood, ALEP, recently attended the A4LE LearningSCAPES Conference in Phoenix, joining fellow members of the A4LE Advanced Academy for a national discussion on the future of educational design.

The event featured a special recognition of new ALEP (Accredited Learning Environment Planner) graduates, celebrating the completion of a year-long professional development program focused on educational planning, leadership, and the creation of high-performance learning environments.

Throughout the conference, Rohit participated in sessions examining the future of K–12 education and the design of student-centered, flexible, and collaborative learning spaces. Key discussions focused on fostering well-being and belonging, integrating real-world learning opportunities, and developing adaptable facilities that support evolving instructional needs.

LearningSCAPES provided a valuable platform for connecting with educational leaders, planners, and architects from across the country who are shaping the next generation of learning environments.

Renovated D Vickers Hall Unveiled, Featuring the Robin Roberts Broadcast Media Center

On Friday, October 17, 2025, Southeastern Louisiana University celebrated a significant milestone with the dedication of the newly renovated D Vickers Hall and the state-of-the-art Robin Roberts Broadcasting Center in Hammond.  The event was highlighted by a generous donation from Robin Roberts, an esteemed Southeastern alumnus, who donated funds toward the project.

This comprehensive project involved transforming an 80,000-square-foot academic building and adding a 33,000-square-foot broadcasting center. The building features three broadcast media studios, updated classrooms, modern labs, a renovated Vonnie Borden Theatre, and expanded office space. D. Vickers now houses 104 offices, 27 classrooms, two 100-seat lecture rooms, five computer labs, and four English/language labs.

Externally, the design aimed to completely revamp D Vickers Hall’s appearance and its relationship to the surrounding campus quadrangle. Two new lobby spaces on the building’s north and south ends draw inspiration from the recent Student Union expansion, creating welcoming entrances that enhance the building’s visual identity. The overall design balances a distinctive broadcast/media aesthetic with harmonious integration into the campus landscape.

University officials stated the facility will enhance instruction for communication and media studies while also improving resources for English, Theatre, and Foreign Language programs.

“I could never have imagined what is behind us right now, but what is most important  —  everyone who is going to walk through those doors, because you are rooted to rise,” Roberts stated. She then went on to say, “It’s really important for them to know — yes I’m very proud. But I’m the legacy. They’re the future. They are the now.”

Holly & Smith Architects is proud to have contributed to this transformation, building on their role in developing the master plan that reimagined the quadrangle and its surrounding buildings.

Louisiana Army National Guard Breaks Ground on Lafayette Readiness Center

The Louisiana Army National Guard held a groundbreaking ceremony on October 8, 2025 for the new Readiness Center in Lafayette. Located on West Congress Street, this sustainably designed 83,943 sq, ft. facility will be highly energy-efficient, constructed from highly resilient, low maintenance materials. The project is expected to achieve LEED Silver Certification. It will serve as the headquarters of the 256^th Infantry Brigade, housing roughly 200 Soldiers.

The design complements other new readiness centers designed by H/S such as the new Lake Charles Readiness Center, bringing in traditional elements of military construction and design while integrating modern technology. Officials stated the new facility will substantially improve readiness for soldiers and units that operate in the Lafayette area.

During the groundbreaking, Maj. Gen. Thomas Friloux, adjutant general of Louisiana stated: “I joined this unit 37 years ago in the old armory by Surrey Street. I mobilized twice to go to war with that unit, and we made do with what we had, but having a brand-new facility right here is just unbelievable.”

The Lafayette Readiness Center is expected to be completed in about 20 months. The 256^th Brigade are currently housed at the readiness center on Surrey Street, which has been around for more than 50 years.

Nunez Community College Student Testing and Career Counseling Center Honored with AIA Louisiana Award of Merit

Holly & Smith Architects is honored to announce that the Nunez Community College Student Testing and Career Counseling Center has been recognized with an Award of Merit at the 2025 AIA Louisiana Design Awards.

This student-centered facility was envisioned as a bold new identity for the campus, offering career counseling, testing services, flexible meeting and training rooms, and a welcoming café. The design preserved the live oak grove on site while incorporating brick, metal, and wood to reflect the college’s industrial training curriculum and create spaces that are both functional and inviting.

The jury recognized the project’s thoughtful design solutions, elegant massing, and restrained material use, noting: “This project shows how thoughtful choices can elevate a simple volume with a basic material palette to become refined and high-quality design.” They also commended the use of daylight in the central corridor, the varied openness to adjacent rooms, and the harmonious balance of durability and warmth throughout

Congratulations to our H/S team and partners for their dedication to this meaningful project supporting student success at Nunez Community College.

639 Desire Street Honored with AIA New Orleans Award of Merit for Historic Preservation and Restoration

Holly & Smith Architects is honored to announce that our restoration of 639 Desire Street has been recognized with a 2025 AIA New Orleans Award of Merit in Historic Preservation and Restoration.

Presented at the AIA New Orleans Design Awards Gala on July 17 at Generations Hall, this project thoughtfully restored the historic structure while adapting it for modern use—respecting its past while ensuring its future.

This recognition celebrates the firm’s thoughtful transformation of the historic property, showcasing a balanced approach to restoration, modernization, and architectural integrity. Once a neglected structure with non-contributing additions, the site was reimagined to respect its original character while creating livable, functional space for today.

The jury commended the “innovative transformation of the detached ‘dependency’ into a comfortable, compact apartment” and noted that removing non-contributing structures enhanced the spatial integrity of the site. Key restoration work included reconstructing the original front and back porches, both vital to the home’s historic character.

The design carefully preserved and exposed original materials—most notably, the old-growth cypress framing—while introducing modern elements like calibrated walls and strategic height limitations. The result is a refined balance between craftsmanship and contemporary living.

Once a neglected property, 639 Desire Street now stands as a vibrant example of historic preservation done with care, creativity, and deep respect for place.

Congratulations to our fantastic team and everyone who contributed to this project!

Celeste Landing Celebrates Grand Opening in New Orleans’ Lower Garden District

Holly & Smith Architects (H/S) is proud to celebrate the grand opening of Celeste Landing, a transformative affordable housing development in New Orleans’ Lower Garden District. Designed by H/S, the project combines the thoughtful restoration of a historic structure with new construction to provide 46 modern, energy-efficient housing units for residents earning up to 60% of the area median income.

The design approach preserved the architectural character of the original three-story brick building—listed on the National Register of Historic Places—while introducing a complementary new construction that fits seamlessly into the surrounding neighborhood. The result is a cohesive development that respects the site’s history and supports the community’s future.

The development includes one- and two-bedroom units, a community room, gated parking, and enhanced security features—all within walking distance of grocery stores, schools, parks, and transit. Thirty percent of the units are reserved for vulnerable populations, including veterans, elderly residents, individuals with disabilities, and those transitioning out of homelessness or domestic violence situations.

Developed through a collaborative effort led by Renaissance Neighborhood Development Corporation (a subsidiary of Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana), Atrium Housing, and Cobalt Construction, Celeste Landing was made possible in part by funding from the Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC), which awarded $1.4 million in Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC).

Holly & Smith Architects is honored to have contributed to a project that not only preserves a significant part of New Orleans’ history but also addresses critical housing needs for the community.

Holly & Smith Architects Named Medium Business of the Year by Tangipahoa Chamber

Holly & Smith Architects (H/S) is proud to announce its recognition as Medium Business of the Year at the 2025 Tangipahoa Chamber Annual Installation and Awards Luncheon. This prestigious honor celebrates the firm’s longstanding commitment to excellence in design, innovation, and community engagement throughout Tangipahoa Parish and beyond.

Founded in 1980, Holly & Smith Architects has grown from a small practice into a multi-office leader in architectural design, planning, and interior design with locations in Hammond, New Orleans, and Lafayette. The firm has played a vital role in shaping the built environment across Louisiana, having designed numerous schools, libraries, government buildings, commercial spaces, and residences—each reflecting H/S’s dedication to thoughtful, sustainable, and regionally responsive architecture.

“In the nearly 45 years since Holly & Smith was founded, we’ve been blessed with countless opportunities to work and collaborate with this community. From designing schools, libraries, and civic buildings to transforming downtown Hammond and Southeastern’s campus, our work has touched nearly every corner of Tangipahoa Parish,” said Ryan Faulk, Principal and CEO at Holly & Smith Architects. “It all began right here, and we are honored to continue impacting and enriching lives through thoughtful design.”

Beyond their design work, H/S is a strong advocate for community growth, actively participating in local organizations such as Rotary, Kiwanis, the Hammond Historic District Commission, the Downtown Development District, and the Northshore Business Council. The firm’s leaders also contribute to professional and civic organizations, reinforcing their mission to give back and invest in the future of the region.

The Tangipahoa Chamber’s Annual Installation and Awards Luncheon, held on January 16, 2025, at the Southeastern Student Union Grand Ballroom, brought together local business leaders to celebrate achievements and recognize outstanding contributions to the community.

Holly & Smith Architects extends gratitude to the Tangipahoa Chamber, its clients, partners, and the local community for their continued trust and support. The firm looks forward to furthering its mission of “Designing for Life” and continuing to make a positive impact through architecture and community involvement.

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Held for New Louisiana National Guard Readiness Center in Lake Charles

The Louisiana National Guard celebrated the ribbon-cutting of the new Readiness Center at Chennault International Airport in Lake Charles today, marking a significant milestone for the 3rd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment. The new 60,391-square-foot facility, owned by the State of Louisiana Military Department, replaced the aging center, which had been serving the region since the 1950s.

Maj. Gen. Thomas Friloux, who spoke at the ceremony, highlighted the importance of the new center. “I know the soldiers of the 3rd Battalion will appreciate this facility for many, many years to come,” Friloux noted. The readiness center will house over 200 soldiers and features state-of-the-art technology to support both administrative work and critical training.

It has a “campus-like feel,” said Friloux. The facility includes separate areas for administration, training, and shared spaces such as classrooms and an auditorium. The cutting-edge audio-visual systems will enhance operational planning, especially in times of disaster response, such as hurricanes or when preparing soldiers for deployment.

The new Readiness Center stands as a symbol of progress and resilience, ensuring that Louisiana’s soldiers have access to modern facilities to support their critical mission.

Holly & Smith Architects to lead St. Louis Cathedral renovation | Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans (prcno.org)

Over the last year, Holly & Smith Architects has had the privilege of serving the Catholic Community Foundation, as well as the Archdiocese of New Orleans, in providing a study for the historic St. Louis Cathedral. The goal of this effort is to define the scope of work required to provide a complete restoration of the Cathedral, as well as establish an endowment for its preservation for the next 50 years. Funded through the Our City – Our Cathedral Capital Campaign, this icon of New Orleans is scheduled to endure a major restoration over the next 5 years, with the intent of restoring this grand-dame to her greatest splendor.  The Preservation Resource Center recently met with Holly & Smith Architects to tour the church and discuss the project conditions. More information can be found at the full article link below.

UL Lafayette Breaks Ground on New Engineering Building

Holly & Smith Architects, in joint venture with The Sellers Group, is thrilled to announce the groundbreaking of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s new Engineering Building. This 64,700-square-foot facility is designed to meet the needs of UL Lafayette’s expanding engineering program, providing more student-oriented spaces and fostering innovation and collaboration. Once completed it will be home to the newly established Engineering Center of Excellence, or ECoE.

Strategically located per the UL Lafayette Masterplan, the new building will be the second component of a three-building quad adjacent to Oliver Hall and overlooking Girard Park. The three-story facility will house the Dean’s Suite, Student Organization Space, Engineering Center of Excellence (ECoE), and various teaching spaces, including an auditorium, makerspace, laboratory, and faculty support space. The design conforms to the master plan guidelines with brick veneer and hip roof elements while incorporating modern engineering technologies.

The building features a unique bridge form spanning a major student circulation corridor, creating an exciting covered outdoor venue connection to the existing Madison Hall, the main engineering building. The planning allows for generous student interaction and collaboration spaces on all levels, with a tiered gathering space, coined the Collaboratorium, connecting ground-level student work areas to the second level.

Designed to foster teamwork, creativity, and student success, the building and accompanying ECoE “are significant milestones in our commitment to reimagining and advancing engineering education, research, and workforce development,” said Dr. Joseph Savoie, UL Lafayette president. Dr. Ahmed Khattab, dean of the College of Engineering, added, “ECoE is not just a center – it’s a dynamic movement and a bold vision. It’s where education meets innovation.”

The exterior design respects the historical campus architecture while adding modern features to enhance views of the park and new quad. The building also addresses the potential for future expansion, ensuring it remains a vital part of the campus for years to come.

LSU Barnes Ogden Art and Design Complex, Kentwood Library Branch, and Stoa Group Headquarters each win at the AIA Baton Rouge Rose Awards Gala

On Thursday, April 25th, AIA Baton Rouge held its annual Rose Awards Gala at The Water Campus, celebrating outstanding design projects in various categories.

The H/S team was thrilled to receive the Gold Rose Award for LSU Barnes Ogden Art and Design Complex and the Silver Rose Award for both Kentwood Library Branch and Stoa Group Headquarters.

Congratulations to our fantastic team and everyone who contributed to these projects!

Judge’s Comments:

LSU Barnes Ogden Art and Design Complex

This campus project presents a very successful knitting together of the building creating a continuous piece of fabric and fitting into the larger campus context. The designers kept the best parts of what they started with, showing respect of the historical materiality and use while giving the school new energy. They did this with an extremely light touch. They also illustrated an admiration of the decay and detritus, honoring the ruin, and celebrating the space as it was used and is used and will be used. The additions of occupiable metal screens, glazed thresholds, and system forward ceilings balanced the aesthetics of the work and the presentation of the work (exhibitions) that happens in the facility. The jury appreciated how little can appear to be done to achieve a major transformation and keep an architecture and its users healthy, resilient, and referential. 

“I want to teach there, or I want to be a student there.”

Kentwood Library Branch

The jury appreciated the urban infill and the cleaning up of a brownfield site. The library illustrates a scale of the pieces that moderate the institutional typology and the context and is appropriate to its context. For example, the use of the trellis in the outdoor space the jury found was a nice way of completing the urban fabric even though there is no adjacent or building. The interiors presented a modesty while all of the wood gives a richness to the space that makes people feel very comfortable. The jury loved the open street façade, finding it super smart and extremely performative knitting together the sidewalk, the street edge, and the library.

“It filled the hole really humanely.”

Stoa Group Headquarters

A nice response for an inexpensive building. Looks less corporate and more of a warehouse relative to its context. The façade has a push pull to it that breaks down what could be a really long building making it have an appropriate scale. There is a consistency between the industrial exterior and the interior palette, the dark ceilings, the standard stair, the tones, and the dark brick, dark mortar, and the metal. The rear courtyards present a composite of everything the jury found pleasing about the project, the textures, the subtle detailing, the use, the monochrome, the attention to every piece. They also acknowledged the contrast between the more austere street façade and the playfulness of the courtyards.

“It could be that this was a renovation, it almost looks like it could have always been there.”

“It’s a handsome building.”

Southeastern Louisiana University breaks ground on new Robin Roberts Broadcast Media Center at D. Vickers Hall

In a momentous ceremony attended by Good Morning America Co-Anchor Robin Roberts, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards, and representatives from Southeastern Louisiana University, the official groundbreaking for the Robin Roberts Broadcast Media Center and the $40 million renovation of D. Vickers Hall took place on November 2. The state-of-the-art media center, designed by Holly & Smith Architects and generously funded by a donation from Southeastern Alumna Robin Roberts, will add 33,000 square feet to the existing 80,000-square-foot academic building. The facility will house three broadcast media studios, including a newsroom, a film studio, and a multimedia studio.

Southeastern President William S. Wainwright expressed excitement about the project, emphasizing the long-overdue upgrade to provide much-needed space for faculty and students. “The new facility will greatly enhance the classroom and specialized lab space needed to provide modern instructional opportunities to our students,” said President Wainwright.

The expanded facility, totaling 113,000 square feet upon completion, will enhance existing academic programs in English, theatre, foreign language, and communication. The Communication and Media Studies department will undergo a major expansion, featuring film and TV studios, radio studios, foley and film audio studios, along with control, support, and edit rooms. Roberts, speaking at the event, shared her personal connection to Southeastern and expressed her hope that the new media center would pave the way for future students to pursue their dreams.

The renovation of D. Vickers Hall includes 104 offices, 27 classrooms, two 100-seat lecture rooms, five computer labs, and four English/language labs. Additionally, the Vonnie Borden Theatre will undergo a significant makeover, accommodating 498 people and featuring scene and costume shops, a green room, and dressing rooms. The project aims to transform the image of D. Vickers Hall, with exterior designs blending modernity and functionality, contributing to the overall enhancement of Southeastern Louisiana University’s campus.

Holly & Smith Architects opens new office in Lafayette

Allons a Lafayette…The Heart of Acadiana!

Holly & Smith Architects is returning to its roots! We are thrilled to announce that the firm has expanded to southwest Louisiana with a new office in Lafayette.

Around 40 years ago, both H/S founders left the architecture nest at UL Lafayette to find their place in the world. Since then, the organization has grown into a renowned, award-winning, regional design firm with offices in Hammond and New Orleans. The H/S design ethic was incubated in the environment that is the Heart of Acadiana.

The Lafayette studio director is former H/S team member and current professor of architecture at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Geoff Gjertson, AIA.