Meet the Designer

AMBER WASCOMB, IIDA

INTERIOR DESIGN EMERGING PROFESSIONAL

What made you want to pursue a design career?

My journey into design began during my second year of college when I embarked on remodeling an old camper to create my own space. Collaborating with my parents, we transformed it into a cozy tiny home where I lived for four years. This hands-on experience sparked my interest in interior design and set me on the path to pursuing it as a career.

What is it about your surroundings that inspires your design?

My design inspiration truly comes from God’s creations and the people around me. Nature’s beauty and the creativity of those I encounter really inspire me.

Are there any new design trends that excite or annoy you?

I love bringing the outdoors indoors, so biophilic design is always a favorite – alongside the vintage and retro elements that are rolling back around!

What is your favorite color?

Blue, Yellow & Orange are my favorite color combo!

Follow @hollyandsmithinteriors to learn more about Amber and the rest of our Interior Design department.

H/S Interior Design Director, Mary Mowad Guiteau, Appointed to the Downtown Development District Board of Directors

Holly & Smith Architects proudly announces the appointment of Mary Mowad Guiteau, a native of Oakdale, Louisiana, to the Downtown Development District Board of Directors by the Hammond City Council. Born into a family deeply involved in community leadership, Mary’s father served as the mayor of Oakdale for 20 years, instilling in her the importance of fostering vibrant communities through strategic business initiatives, park development, and building renovations.

Mary brings a unique perspective to her role as the East Side Business and Property Owners representative, with a two-year term commencing on January 1, 2024. Her firsthand experience witnessing the transformative impact of community-focused projects aligns seamlessly with her belief that Hammond epitomizes a thriving community—a model she envisions for cities nationwide.

As the Director of Interior Design at Holly & Smith Architects in Downtown Hammond, Mary has sustained a successful career, making her intimately familiar with the heartbeat of the city. She views her appointment to the Downtown Development District Board as an opportunity to further contribute to the community that has been integral to her professional and personal life.

When asked about her favorite activities in Downtown Hammond, Mary shared, “Supporting our local businesses! I love them all, but my favorites are a brownie from BATTER, a coffee from Luma, lunch from La Carreta, a massage from Paris Parker, a haircut from Salon NuoVo, and gifts from Chickie Collective or Susan’s General Store.”

Serving on the DDD Board holds special significance for Mary. “I’ve always been taught that your community gives to you, so you should give back to your community. Having worked in downtown Hammond for the past 16 years has given me such an appreciation for what it offers to everyone. I felt it was important to give back to this wonderful place,” she expressed.

Mary Mowad Guiteau’s commitment to community development and her unique perspective promise to be valuable assets as she joins other influential leaders in steering the future of downtown Hammond.

H/S Interior Designer, Catie Wiltz, Achieves WELL AP Credential

In a distinctive accomplishment, Catie Wiltz, Interior Designer at Holly & Smith Architects, has recently earned the prestigious WELL Accredited Professional (WELL AP) credential, showcasing her expertise in the WELL Building Standard and commitment to advancing global health and wellness in built environments.

The WELL AP credential, awarded to those who successfully pass the rigorous WELL AP exam, positions individuals at the forefront of a global effort to enhance human well-being. Catie’s achievement exemplifies her dedication to prioritizing health across organizations and communities. WELL APs play a pivotal role in creating spaces that foster productivity, engagement, and resilience. Catie’s accomplishment contributes to the broader movement for people-first places, showcasing her understanding of creating healthier environments for all.

H/S proudly congratulates Catie on this significant achievement and looks forward to the positive impact she will continue to make in the field of interior design. 

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.

H/S Interior Design Emerging Professional, Gabrielle Landry, graduates with the Leadership Tangipahoa Class of 2023

Gabrielle Landry, an emerging professional in interior design, graduated from the Leadership Tangipahoa Class of 2023. Leadership Tangipahoa offers individuals an opportunity to develop leadership skills, gain community knowledge, and actively engage in community affairs.

The program consisted of monthly sessions focusing on various aspects of Tangipahoa Parish, including City, State, and Parish Government, Social Systems, Criminal Justice, Health Systems, Education System, Hidden Treasures, and Economic Development. These sessions involved lectures, simulations, group discussions, panel presentations, field trips, and community projects.

As part of the program, the Leadership Tangipahoa Class of 2023 undertook a community project and raised $650 overall for Tangipahoa Voluntary Council on Aging and Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home.

The mission of Leadership Tangipahoa is to “improve the quality of life in Tangipahoa Parish by training a diverse group of current and emerging leaders about the interrelationships of community systems.” After nine months of exploring the different aspects of Tangipahoa Parish, 25 students graduated from Leadership Tangipahoa. The ceremony took place on June 15 at the Tangipahoa Parish School System Office in Amite with Scott M. Perrilloux providing the keynote address.

Gabrielle was also elected co-president of the Class of 2023 by her fellow leadership members. She will serve on the Board of Directors for the upcoming year and play an important role in directing Leadership Tangipahoa for the next year.

After committing almost an entire year to this program, Gabrielle said, “Leadership Tangipahoa has been an incredible experience. The professional and personal connections that were made and the knowledge gained over the course of the year about many parish entities will never be forgotten. This program allows you to see the success and vision of the parish and the wonderful people we met along the way whose passion makes Tangipahoa so successful.”

H/S has been participating in the Leadership Tangipahoa program since 2010, sending upcoming leaders and firm representatives. Several staff members, including Architects Paul Morvant, Pierre Theriot, Ryan Faulk, and Mark Beckers, Interior Designer Mary Guiteau, and Business Manager Robin Gray, have graduated from the program.

The program equips committed graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to become informed and responsible leaders, enabling them to apply their learnings to benefit the community’s continued growth.

“As Chairman of the Board, I can speak for the entire Board of Directors of Holly & Smith Architects in that we fully support the efforts and results of Leadership Tangipahoa. We find that it gives its participants a well-rounded and very grounded view of the entire Parish. We are proud of Gabrielle’s full emersion in this program and are especially proud of her being elected by her peers as Co-President of this class. We look forward to another year of participation with this very important program,” said H/S Founder Michael Holly.

H/S Marketing Manager Jennifer Hanson Earns CPSM Certification

In an achievement worth celebrating, Jennifer Hanson has passed the Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) exam. The CPSM certification is a rigorous process that assesses a marketer’s expertise in professional services marketing. Jennifer is the Marketing Manager at Holly & Smith Architects, and her success is a testament to her dedication to the field and her commitment to continuing education.

The CPSM exam is administered by the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS), a community of marketers in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries. The exam consists of six domains: marketing research, marketing planning, client & business development, proposals, promotional activity, and management.

Jennifer has been with H/S for 6 years and has worked in marketing for 13 years, focusing on professional services. She expressed her excitement about passing the exam and her gratitude to SMPS and H/S for providing her with the opportunity to showcase her skills. “I am thrilled to have passed the CPSM exam and to be recognized for professional services marketing. Additionally, I am grateful to H/S for their support and resources throughout the certification process.” Founder and Principal Michael Holly added, “In her time with H/S, she has excelled in showcasing the capabilities of Holly & Smith and has become an integral part of the H/S team.”

Jennifer’s achievement is a testament to the value of professional certifications in the marketing industry. As marketing continues to evolve and become increasingly specialized, certifications like the CPSM provide a way for marketers to demonstrate their expertise and stay ahead of the curve. Congratulations to Jennifer on this impressive accomplishment!

Kevin Morris honored as Distinguished Alumni of 2023 by Archdiocese of New Orleans

Kevin J. Morris was recently recognized by the Archbishop and the Archdiocese of New Orleans as a Distinguished Alumni of 2023. Over 50 individuals from both the public and private sectors were honored for their service to the Archdiocese. They included leaders in the fields of Spirituality, Education, Athletics, Medical, Politics, Legal, and Non-Profit Organizations.

As a lifelong Parishioner of St. Ann Church, Kevin has served previously on the Pastoral Council, Building Committee and for over 10 years in the music ministry. Additionally, as an architect, Kevin has been privileged to have led the design efforts for the St. Ann’s Early Childhood Center, church renovation, and most recently, Msgr. Duke Gymnasium improvements.

Kevin and his wife Kerri met in the second grade at St. Ann, and Kerri has been involved in the Early Childhood program there for over 15 years.

City of Abbeville seeks guidance of H/S with goal of spurring revitalization efforts in their historic district

Recently, Holly & Smith Architects’ Design Principal, Jeffrey Smith, spoke to a group of concerned citizens in Abbeville, Louisiana, about the revitalization efforts in the Historic District of Hammond, Louisiana.

In 2019, the City of Hammond hosted the Regional Main Street Conference with attendees from Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas. H/S Founders Michael Holly and Jeffrey Smith gave a presentation on the revitalization efforts of the Hammond Historic District. This presentation was followed by guided tours of historic properties that had been revitalized. Some of the conference attendees were from the City of Abbeville. Following the tours, Jeffrey Smith and H/S Principal Pierre Theriot visited with Roslyn White, an Abbeville city council member at the time. During this visit, Jeffrey shared with Roslyn that as a student at the University of Louisiana, he visited Abbeville several times with his roommates, who were from Abbeville.

Roslyn White was elected Mayor in 2022 and remembered her positive experience at the Main Street Conference in Hammond three years prior. Mayor-elect White reached out to Jeffrey with a request for H/S to consult with the City of Abbeville to help her realize her goal of revitalizing their historic district. Abbeville has an inventory of underutilized historic buildings.

Like the City of Hammond, Abbeville is committed to community engagement and believes it will be the key to success. After a meeting to discuss how H/S could help, it was decided that Jeffrey would present to a group of concerned Abbeville community leaders the history of Hammond’s Historic District revitalization. The talk included the creation of the Downtown Development District in Hammond and the necessary efforts over the past 40 years to achieve success. In addition, Jeffrey presented Holly and Smith Architects’ designs in Hammond’s Downtown Development District and how these adaptive reuse projects helped lead the way to the revitalization of the often-neglected historic structures.

Mayor White’s passion for her community is what compelled H/S to help with providing guidance based on the success of the Hammond Downtown Development District, which recently received the Great American Main Street Award in 2022. H/S looks forward to a continued relationship with the City of Abbeville to help the revitalization of its historic district.

Alumni Center Refresh

Read the full article in OURSOUTHEASTERN.

More Campus Enhancements Coming Soon

Read the full article, which includes D. Vickers Hall, in OURSOUTHEASTERN.

Gabrielle Landry Elected as New Board Member for IIDA Delta Chapter

H/S Interior Design Emerging Professional Gabrielle Landry has been elected as a Board Member for the IIDA Delta Regional Chapter. She was appointed as the Graphics Director for the Board. As Graphics Director, Gabby will be helping to facilitate the graphics for IIDA! Her work includes working with the gallery committee and planning upcoming events like the members’ Gala.

The IIDA Delta Regional Chapter was formed in 1994 to support interior designers in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. IIDA Delta Regional Chapter is a member-focused organization of interior designers and industry partners.  

Gabby said, “IIDA has brought me closer to alike colleagues in my profession.” She will be in great company with like-minded supporters of IIDA and interior design.

Meet Our Studio Directors

W. Geoff Gjertson, AIA

LAFAYETTE STUDIO DIRECTOR

What does it mean to be the Studio Director at H/S?

It is an honor to lead the new Lafayette office. My job is to provide mentorship for the younger emerging professionals, aid in development, and provide quality control.

What does your day look like at H/S? 

Check in with the emerging professionals in our office, coordinate with the other H/S offices, and review documents.

What made you want to pursue a career in architecture? 

Always liked to build things when I was a kid, and my mother is an interior designer.

What is it about your surroundings that inspires your work?

The culture of Louisiana: music, good food, and heat!

Meet Our Studio Directors

Robert Boyd, AIA

NEW ORLEANS STUDIO DIRECTOR

What does it mean to be the Studio Director at H/S?

I love knowing a little bit about every project we are working on as a firm and keeping tabs on all of the challenges and overlapping deadlines of so many different project types. 

What does your day look like at H/S? 

Every day is different.  Some days are spent with butt planted firmly in chair and knocking out email after email.  Others are spent in meetings with clients, consultants, and colleagues, coordinating a myriad of issues and working through design challenges. But the best days are spent on a job site, reviewing construction projects, meeting with contractors, or climbing on a roof.  There’s nothing better than seeing a project design slowly come to life, piece by piece.

What made you want to pursue a career in architecture? 

In a word, the Kimbell.  From the first time I visited as a kid, I had my first sense of the emotional impact a building can have on a person.  I didn’t understand it at the time, but I knew the building was different from every other one I had ever visited, and I wanted to understand how and why it was so special.

What is it about your surroundings that inspires your work?

Living and working in the Garden District of New Orleans provides endless inspiration for everything I do.  The scale and rhythm of the houses, the canopy of live oaks, the mix of architectural styles, and diversity of building types all create a powerful and unique sense of place that few cities ever achieve.

Meet Our Studio Directors

Mark Beckers, AIA, LEED G.A.

HAMMOND STUDIO DIRECTOR

What does your day look like at H/S?

Mentoring, quality control, specifications, putting out the occasional fire, and getting the work done.

What made you want to pursue a career in architecture?

I enjoyed drawings and building things, plus my father wanted me to be an engineer, so a little rebellion also.

What is it about your surroundings that inspires your work?

Nature as well as human nature.

Are there any architectural trends that excite or annoy you?

I enjoy reviewing all future trends but lean into timeless ideas.

Like a Lantern in the Woods

Holly & Smith Architects announces Geoff Gjertson, AIA as Studio Director of new Lafayette office

Holly & Smith Architects, APAC (H/S) is pleased to announce that Geoff Gjertson, AIA has been appointed studio director of the firm’s new Lafayette office.

Gjertson is a former H/S team member who has been in practice for over thirty years and a UL Lafayette professor for over twenty years. A graduate of Arizona State University (undergrad) and Rice University (graduate), he has been a licensed architect since 1994. Gjertson integrates teaching and practice, and each benefit from the other. He is thrilled to return to practice periodically, especially with H/S in Downtown Lafayette. Gjertson will teach full-time in the fall and spring while remaining with H/S part-time. As studio director, he provides project management of Lafayette and Lake Charles projects as well as additional Quality Control across all three H/S offices.

At the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Gjertson is the director of the Building Institute, a “hands-on” design/build program that serves the community by building market-rate, sustainably-designed homes, as well as other community projects in urban neighborhoods. Prof. Gjertson’s research has focused on the integration of the professional and academic worlds through educational design/build and community service. He has published over twenty papers and articles in peer-reviewed journals on architectural pedagogy, design, and history, written a book (GENERATING HOPE) on the BeauSoleil Louisiana Solar Home, a chapter in Thinking While Doing: Explorations in Educational Design/Build, and won over a dozen design awards for his professional practice work. His design expertise includes sustainable design, resiliency, material science, residential, educational, and institutional work.

“Geoff is a true leader in and out of the office. He plays a significant role in increasing value for our clients. As an educator and former colleague, we welcome his valued input in our organization.  We look forward to his continued leadership in his role at Holly & Smith Architects,” said Michael Holly, AIA, Founding Principal.

Meet the Designer

CATIE C. WILTZ, IIDA, LEED GA

INTERIOR DESIGNER

What made you want to pursue a design career?

My eye for interior design began at a young age of 10. I remember flipping through interior design magazines with my sister and mom. Those memories always make me smile! 

What is it about your surroundings that inspire your design?

My favorite source of inspiration is travel! Experiencing different cultures forces me to think outside the box and admire architecture.

Are there any new design trends that excite or annoy you?

The wallpaper trend is coming back, and I love it! It is exciting and inspiring to see new patterns and textures launching.

What is your favorite color?

Hunter green

Follow @hollyandsmithinteriors to learn more about Catie and the rest of our Interior Design department.

National Guard breaks ground on new Readiness Center in Lake Charles

A groundbreaking ceremony was held recently for the new Lake Charles National Guard Readiness Center that will be constructed on the Chennault International Airport complex. Symbolic gold shovels went into the ground for officials to mark the start of the beginning of construction.

The 60,000 sq. ft. facility will house the readiness center, a general-purpose training bay, detached unheated storage, personal vehicle parking and parking for 82 military vehicles and trailers. The facility will house 21 permanent occupants and 120 reserve occupants for a total of 141 soldiers.

“They deserve a state-of-the-art facility because they’re the best in the country at what they do, ‘’ said Major Gen. Keith Waddell, the adjutant general for the Louisiana National Guard. “This is a monumental step for this organization for the 256 infantry brigade combat team of La. National guard. It is going to help us, take us to the next level in terms of facilities,” said Waddell.

Located in Calcasieu Parish, the new facility is expected to be complete in fall 2023. M.D. Descant Construction is the general contractor. Consultants are Fox-Nesbit Engineering, LLC (Structural), M & E Consultants, Inc. (MEP), Unabridged Architecture (LEED), CSRS, Inc (Civil), and Roy T. Dufreche & Associates (Landscape).

Meet the Designer

Gabrielle Landry, Assoc. IIDA

INTERIOR DESIGN EMERGING PROFESSIONAL

What made you want to pursue a design career?

I think what really pushed me to become an interior designer was the fact that I wanted to wake up every day and be creative. To me, design allows that and so much more. It is forever changing and challenging, and every day is always something different. That is what I look forward to in day-to-day tasks because it is always something new challenging you to really push your creative limits and think outside the box.

What is it about your surroundings that inspire your design?

Nature and color inspire me the most. I have always had the thought process of “bringing the outside in,” especially when it comes to places of healing or a work environment. As far as color, when used in the right application, it really helps to tie a space together.

Name a recent project you’re particularly proud of and why?

Recently we completed the Stoa Building in downtown Hammond, and for me, the way everything came together was something of which to be proud. From the outside of the building to incorporating the client’s brand into the finishes and furniture. It is truly a beautiful space and such a great environment to be in.

Are there any new design trends that excite or annoy you?

What annoys me most is when things are overly trendy or not thought out for the future moving forward. So my thought process when it comes to designing the space is not only meeting the client’s needs for the current time but also making sure that in the future, the applications and materials we chose for that space will still be current in 5-10 yrs.

What is your favorite color?

That’s a tough one for me! Of course, I like particular colors on certain applications, but if I truly had to narrow it down for what my favorites are at the current moment, it is jewel-tone greens and pinks.

Follow @hollyandsmithinteriors to learn more about Gabby and the rest of our Interior Design department.

Meet the Designer

Mary Mowad Guiteau, IIDA, IFMA

DIRECTOR OF INTERIOR DESIGN

What made you want to pursue a design career?

My dad was a doctor and also the mayor of our town.  He was always developing something to improve the quality of life in Oakdale.  I loved watching him draw buildings and work with architects to create great things for our community.  Ever since then, I knew I wanted to pursue a design career.  Every summer during college, he had me intern with different design firms all over the state. That’s how I found my love of commercial interior design, with a nod to residential design in there as well.

What is it about your surroundings that inspire your design?

Color inspires me.  I’ve never been one to shy away from bold things.  I love incorporating pops of color in my designs to bring them to life.  I want to feel happy when I am in a space, and I want others to feel the same way.  Color, done well, is a great way to bring a space to life. 

Name a recent project you’re particularly proud of and why?

I’m proud of all of our projects because they fulfill our clients’ needs and make them happy at the end of the day.  One that I’m most proud of recently is the Envoc office at City Farm in Baton Rouge.  We were able to take our client’s techy-edgy vibe and combine it with the modern farmhouse feel of the office park. The marriage of those styles culminated in a wonderfully exciting space.

Are there any new design trends that excite or annoy you?

I love white walls for the envelope of a space!  Give me all the white walls!  The rounded corners and curvy lines that look like they came from the set of Miami Vice annoy me.  That was in style in the 80’s.  I don’t think it needs to make a comeback!

What is your favorite color?

There are so many!  It used to be red, and then it was orange.  At the moment, it’s a deep aqua blue.

Follow @hollyandsmithinteriors to learn more about Mary and the rest of our Interior Design department.

Holly & Smith Architects announces Christie Badinger and Wil Finley as newly licensed architects

Holly & Smith Architects is proud to announce that both Christie Badinger and Wil Finley have successfully completed their Architect Registration Examination (ARE) and are both newly licensed Architects. Christie joined the H/S team in 2013 and Wil joined in 2015. Both are an integral part of the firm and our architecture practice.

The ARE is administered by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) and designed to assess aspects of architectural practice that affect the integrity, soundness, and health impact of a building. The exam also assesses an architect’s responsibilities within firms, such as managing projects and coordinating the work of other professionals.

Christie received her Associate’s Degree in Architecture from Delgado Community College in New Orleans and continued her pursuit for her Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from the University of Houston and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2013. She is a member of the New Orleans Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and Women in Architecture. Christie also sits on the Delgado Community College Architectural Advisory Board and is a recipient of the Delgado Community College Circle of Excellence Award.

Wil earned his degrees from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and after receiving his Masters in 2015,  he began his career with H/S the same year. He is a member of the New Orleans Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. Wil is also a recent recipient of the AIA Academy of Architecture for Health Herman Miller Healthcare Scholarship.

We commend both of them on this milestone achievement and are proud to have them as part of the H/S team!

Holly & Smith Architects announces Mary Mowad Guiteau as a new firm shareholder

Holly & Smith Architects, APAC (H/S) is pleased to announce that Mary Mowad Guiteau, IIDA, IFMA has become a shareholder in the firm.

Mary is Director of Interior Design at H/S and has over 24 years of commercial design experience, working with owners, facility managers, users, developers, and real estate companies.  A graduate of Louisiana State University, Mary has been a state-registered interior designer since 2001. She joined H/S in 2007 and serves as the integrator of programming, space planning, interior build-outs, finish selections, and furnishings to ensure a complete holistic project deliverable. Whether it’s a corporate office, a hospital, a residence, or an academic building, each project represents an opportunity to engage her problem-solving skills and detail-oriented approach to develop functional, engaging interior environments.

Mary is a member of International Facility Management Association (IFMA), International Interior Design Association (IIDA), National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ), and Louisiana State Board of Interior Designers (LSBID). She has been a speaker at IFMA’s World Workplace international conference in Charlotte, NC, and has been published in IFMA’s Facility Management Journal magazine on three occasions.  Mary is a graduate of the 2021 Baton Rouge Business Report Executive Leadership Academy and of the 2014 Leadership Tangipahoa program. She is involved in numerous volunteer activities, from raising funds for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital to raising awareness for Children’s Miracle Network through the statewide Phi Mu Ladies of Louisiana philanthropic organization, of which she is a founding member. She was named Woman of the Year in 2004 and 2013 by the Southern Federation of Syrian Lebanese American Clubs and has been active in this nonprofit group’s executive leadership for many years, currently serving as Vice President. 

“Mary is a true leader in and out of the office. She plays a significant role in increasing value for our clients. We look forward to her leadership in her role at Holly & Smith Architects,” said Michael Holly, AIA, Chairman of the Board.

Mary Guiteau Completes Business Report Executive Leadership Academy

H/S Director of Interior Design Mary Mowad Guiteau recently completed the Business Report Executive Leadership Academy. Hosted by the Greater Baton Rouge Business Report, the Leadership Academy is a sought-after, energizing, and career-enhancing program. This exclusive program offered the best of personal development, professional growth, leadership exposure, and insight from guest CEO speakers. The program’s goal is to help rising professionals elevate their leadership skills.

 This unique learning experience has enabled Mary to grow by:

• Personal and professional development, leveraging innate leadership strengths.
• Hearing from guest speakers who provided leadership exposure and fresh perspectives.
• Working with a professional network of like-minded peers from a cross-section of industries and organizations.

The Leadership Academy consisted of five sessions with exclusive programming. It was a dynamic experience combining personal assessment, coaching, applied learning, networking, and thought leadership.

Mary said, “the Leadership Academy provided motivation, inspiration, and invaluable leadership training that will be a huge asset to my career, to our firm, and to our clients for years to come.”

With more than 24 years of experience in the design industry, Mary plans to utilize what she learned in the Leadership Academy to manage projects and project teams more efficiently and effectively and ultimately provide the best possible service to H/S clients.

Delgado celebrates new Advanced Technology Center in Algiers

On August 16, Delgado Community College celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the new Advanced Technology Center at the West Bank Campus in Algiers, Louisiana. The Delgado Advanced Technology Center represents a significant expansion of the 15-acre footprint of the West Bank Campus.

This center will house all academic STEM programs, labs, and faculty to serve academic and workforce programs for Algiers and the West Bank of New Orleans, specifically the healthcare, petrochemical, digital media, and transportation logistics industries.

“This beautiful facility provides a magnificent gateway to the main entrance to New Orleans Riverside at Federal City and personifies the Algiers Development District’s ongoing commitment to education,” said Mark Major, Chairman, Board of Commissioners for the Algiers Development District.

This facility will be a place to foster innovation, education, and technology in an academic environment. It will serve as a place of gathering, study, research, active learning, and collaboration.

MAPP, Inc. was the General Contractor for the project. Consultants include Morphy, Makofsky, Inc. (Civil, Structural), Creative Engineering Group (Electrical), Crumb Engineering LLC (Mechanical), and Roy Dufreche & Associates (Landscape).

Jennifer Hanson promoted to H/S Marketing Manager

Holly & Smith Architects is pleased to announce the promotion of Jennifer Hanson to Marketing Manager. Following her start at H/S in 2017, Jennifer has grown from her initial responsibilities of tackling proposals and managing website content to advancing the firm’s marketing planning and social media presence. In addition, she has spearheaded the firm’s efforts to generate white-paper articles, demonstrating the firm’s expertise in thought leadership. Her most recent and notable contribution has been her research and energy associated with our latest Marketing Campaign – Celebrating 40 Years of Design for Life.

Throughout this years’ worth of campaign collateral, Jennifer has generated promotional and information articles featuring the firm’s development over the last 40 years, the significant company milestones, and the celebrated projects realized along the way. Additionally, this campaign was complemented with articles featuring the firm’s leadership and everyone’s contributions towards this firm’s 40 years of success.

We are grateful to have the talents of Jen as part of our H/S team and celebrate this significant milestone achievement with her.

Design at heART celebrates design and community

The Design at heART event was a wonderful celebration of design, artistry, and culture while giving back to the community. Hosted by AOS and Knoll at the newly renovated Hotel St. Vincent in New Orleans, this event raised $7,775 for Son of a Saint’s new headquarters in Mid-City, helping further their mission of transforming the lives of fatherless boys through mentorship, emotional support, and life skills.

H/S Interior Design Director, Mary Guiteau, was asked to be one of the designers/artists for this fundraiser. Along with thirteen other local artists and designers, they were challenged with transforming the blank canvas of a Mutto Fiber Chair into unique works of art. The designers/artists were given free reign as to their concepts. Mary’s chair was inspired by a stained glass design by Frank Lloyd Wright from 1905. Other chairs were inspired by graffiti, butterflies, bamboo, the Son of a Saint mission, bold shapes and colors, and paper art.

The event was a huge success. All fourteen individuals were able to use their creativity to make the chair something unique while also benefitting a worthy organization in the community.

H/S Project Architect Rob Garcia brings real-world problem-solving into the Tulane classroom

Robert Garcia, AIA, NCARB, project architect for Holly & Smith Architects, is Tulane University School of Professional Advancement Media + Design Program’s newest adjunct instructor. Garcia is currently teaching introduction to modeling for design and animation students for Summer 2021.

SoPA’s Media + Design program began offering 3-D modeling in 2018 using Maya, Z Brush, and other industry technology but asked Garcia to develop this class specifically in an effort to cast a wider net for students interested in modeling for packaging, prototyping, environmental design, signage, and other studio projects.

Using his extensive expertise in modeling, which stems from his over a 20-year career in design and architectural modeling for projects such as Mission of Mercy Hospital, Café du Monde, and McNeese State University, to name a few, Garcia’s environmental modeling course was developed to further expand students’ understanding of modeling.

“We pride ourselves in hiring expert adjunct faculty to teach specialty courses that bring real-world problem-solving into the classroom,” said Dr. Amanda Garcia, Tulane SoPA Media + Design program director.

“Holly & Smith Architects is proud to support its team members and create community connections such as this one. We know that through Robert’s unique blend of expertise and personality, he will create a strong connection with his students and look forward to future pathways of collaboration with Tulane,” said Kevin Morris, senior partner and President of Holly & Smith Architects.

City leaders break ground for the Village De L’est Multi-Purpose Building

A groundbreaking ceremony was held recently for the Village De L’Est Multi-Purpose Building. Mayor LaToya Cantrell joined other city officials and neighborhood leaders to break ground for this community center that will serve NORD in District E .

“This is an exciting project for New Orleans East and the surrounding community, said Larry Barabino, Jr., NORD CEO. “Our parks and playgrounds are essential in providing healthy recreation and social engagement for residents of all ages. The new multi-purpose building and playground equipment will raise the bar for community programming and activities at Village De L’Est Playground.”

The new building and play area designed by Holly and Smith Architects includes a large, multi-purpose room, ideal for community gatherings and small events. Support spaces include a new concessions area, accessible from the building interior and exterior, as well as restrooms and an office for the park manager. The much-welcomed spaces can be used to enforcing the mission of the community including Community-Oriented Policing, as well as Neighborhood Engagement.

“Village De L’Est residents and NORD users will benefit from a state-of-the-art, energy-efficient facility and new playground equipment for this community to enjoy,” said Ramsey Green, Deputy CAO for Infrastructure.

This 1,758 SF new community building is expected to be complete in the fall of 2022. Stallings Construction Company, Inc. is the general contractor.

Robert Boyd appointed to the Central Business District Historic District Landmarks Commission Architectural Review Committee

H/S Associate Principal Robert Boyd has been appointed to the Central Business District Historic District Landmarks Commission Architectural Review Committee in New Orleans. The CBD Historic District Landmarks Commission (HDLC) is the regulatory agency for the local Historic Districts and Landmarks in the Central Business District, including Canal Street, Lafayette Square, Picayune Place, and the Warehouse District.The Architectural Review Committee members assist the City’s staff of preservation professionals in reviewing new construction and proposed changes to existing properties within the Historic Districts and make recommendations to the full Commission.

The HDLC is tasked to safeguard the City’s heritage by preserving and regulating historic landmarks and historic districts that reflect elements of its cultural, social, economic, political, and architectural history. They help preserve and enhance the quality of neighborhoods, strengthening the City’s economic base, stimulating the tourist industry, improving property values, fostering economic development, and encouraging growth.

This appointment allows Robert to apply his extensive professional experience in historic restoration, the design of new structures in historic contexts, and his lifelong passion for New Orleans architecture and history.

NOPD 4th District Police Station Breaks Ground

A groundbreaking ceremony was held recently for the NOPD 4th District Police Station. Mayor LaToya Cantrell joined other officials to celebrate the opening in Algiers, Louisiana.

“Capital Projects is honored to participate in the construction of this new, 18,000 square foot, state-of-the-art police station. The station will be co-located with a new, two-story, 9,000 square foot, 4-bay, NOFD 8th District fire station that will begin construction in the fall of this year. It is our expectation that the co-location of these public safety facilities will lead to better coordination when responding to emergencies,” said Vincent A. Smith, Director, Capital Projects Administration.

The two-story police headquarters will replace original facilities that are no longer able to service the needs. The building shares a site and material palette with the new NOFD 8th District Police Station creating a new civic campus.

These spaces can be used by the community enforcing the mission of Community-Oriented Policing and neighborhood engagement of the community.

“This new, modern NOPD Fourth District Police Station and soon-to-be firehouse will use the latest technology to address the safety and emergency response rescue needs of the people it serves in Algiers. It’s also a facility that the community can be proud of because it’s an example of the City’s continued effort to investing in public safety and ensuring every neighborhood is a better place to live, work and raise families,” said Kristin Gisleson Palmer, City Councilmember, District C.

This 18,600 SF new facility is expected to be complete in early 2022. FH Meyers Construction is the general contractor.

Envoc’s new Baton Rouge office space combines an edgy techy style with modern farmhouse

When software development company Envoc decided to relocate its Baton Rouge office from the Perkins Rowe mixed-use development to City Farm office park, it enlisted Holly & Smith Architects to design the build-out of the 3,400 square foot shell space. H/S designed Envoc’s previous space around the company’s branding and culture of Think – Work – Play.  That concept was carried over to the new space but with a twist. Since the new building shell had a modern farmhouse aesthetic, the interior of the space needed to acknowledge that. H/S was tasked with combining Envoc’s edgy, techy style with the building’s modern farmhouse style.

The new office space is the perfect combination of both. A building envelope with soft white walls and black trim creates a clean, crisp backdrop for the colorful elements within the space. The space is divided into zones and color-coded accordingly: Think [purple] – Work [blue] – Play [green]. The playful culture of Envoceans is exhibited in the playful break room, where unlimited snacks are always on hand, as well as in the lounge area outside the large conference room, where impromptu Scrabble games can take place at any time. Each office pod has a full glass front with a sliding door, allowing acoustic privacy for focused work while still allowing transparency to the rest of the office.

Dantin Bruce Construction was the General Contractor for the project with Salas O’Brien LLC providing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing. Frost-Barber, Inc provided the Steelcase interior glass walls.

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

Once again, Governor John Bel Edwards has reappointed Jeffrey K. Smith to the State Fire Prevention Board of Review.

The Fire Prevention Board of Review is established to evaluate alternatives to fire prevention or protection laws and regulations established by the fire marshal when a request of review is properly submitted. As a Board of Review Member, Jeffrey assists in determining whether the suggested alternative provides equivalent or better protection within the context of the intent of the law.

Jeffrey said, “it’s an honor and a privilege to serve the Office of the State Fire Marshal. “Butch” Browning has done an exemplary job as the State Fire Marshal, and has made the Fire Prevention Board of Review board member responsibilities very easy”.

Jeffrey has been on the State Fire Prevention Board of Review since 2009, when he was initially appointed by Gov. Bobby Jindal. In 2015, he was elected chairman.

St. Michael Special School wins AIA New Orleans Merit Award

On Thursday, November 5th, AIA New Orleans held its annual Design Awards ceremony. Each year their 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.

This year’s virtual format was livestreamed for all to see on AIA’s YouTube channel. The H/S team was thrilled to receive a Merit Award for St. Michael Special School.

Congratulations to our incredible team and especially to all who worked on this project!

Some of the Jury Comments can be found below.

St. Michael Special School – Merit Award
“The restoration of the historic building was well done. The delineation between the new and old is complimentary. The student chapel was done with modest means, but the outcome is greater than the sum of its parts. The final project elevates what was there originally.”

View the entire ceremony on AIA New Orleans’ YouTube

St. Michael Special School, NTCC Livingston, and Bayou Blue House each win at the AIA Baton Rouge Rose Awards

On Thursday, November 5th, AIA Baton Rouge held its annual Rose Awards Gala, a competition recognizing and awarding outstanding design projects in various categories. While this year’s ceremony looked a little different going virtual, H/S celebrated from our very own conference room. The H/S team was thrilled to receive the Gold Rose Award for St. Michael Special School, the Silver Rose Award for Northshore Technical Community College – Livingston Campus, and a Rose Award for Bayou Blue Retreat House.

Congratulations to our incredible team and especially to all who worked on these projects!

Some of the Jury Comments can be found below.  

St. Michael Special School – Gold Rose Award 
“The restoration part was done very successfully, especially the addition of the chapel on the other side. It was very modern but very tasteful. I just thought this was very elevated, and I really appreciate this project.”

Northshore Technical Community College, Livingston Campus – Silver Rose Award
“I really love the exterior detailing of this project. I thought it was very well executed. The uses are so separate but yet at the same time, cohesively held together. This has a theme they have established for the whole project. They have taken that throughout the whole thing. To get your head, as a designer, around that purpose to be able to do all that variety in one facility was pretty tricky.”

Blue Bayou Retreat House – Rose Award
“There is something about the proportions, the textures, and the general feeling.There is a lot of attention to detail. If you look at each of these elements kind of separately, it is very well done.”

Take a tour of all the winning projects here.

Gabrielle Landry voted as new Board Member with Hammond Regional Arts Center

H/S Interior Design Emerging Professional, Gabrielle Landry, has been voted in as a new Board Member with the Hammond Regional Arts Center. As a Hammond Regional Arts Center Board Member, Gabby will be helping to build the future of the Arts in our region! Her volunteer work may include working with the gallery committee, planning upcoming events like the members’ Gala and exhibit openings as well as building membership. Gabby will be in great company with like-minded supporters of the Arts.

The Hammond Regional Arts Center (HRAC) supports, promotes, and coordinates visual, performing, and literary arts in Tangipahoa Parish and surrounding parishes. Their primary mission is to enrich lives through quality arts education, develop an appreciation of the arts within individuals, and introduce the public to professional exhibitions, performances, and literature.

St. Michael Special School wins Honor Citation Award at the AIA Gulf States Region 2020 Design Awards

On Thursday, September 10^th, architects from the Gulf States Region of the American Institute of Architects assembled via Zoom to celebrate the 2020 Design Awards. The honors program identifies built works of distinction and strives to promote the excellent work by architects from Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. The jury reviewed and selected 17 projects for recognition from the 131 entered in the program. The H/S team was honored to receive the Honor Citation Award recognizing the design of St. Michael Special School.

Congratulations to our incredible team and especially to all who worked on this project!

Some of the Jury comments:

St. Michael Special School – Honor Citation Award – Renovation and Restoration
This project does a fantastic job as they describe as a “cohesive sense of place”… Sophisticated point of view of history preservation, memory, and evolution. The old and the new can come together with similar architectural elements but operating in a more contemporary way. Appreciate the white being a unifying color…. Daylighting and natural light really bring life to the interiors.

 To view all the winning projects and full jury comments, go to: 
https://www.aiagulfstates.com/honor-awards-2020

St. Michael Special School, SLU Science & Technology Building and The Fold House win IIDA Delta Regional Chapter Interior Design Excellence Awards

On Thursday, August 27th, IIDA Delta Regional Chapter held its annual Interior Design Excellence Awards (IDEA), a forum for recognizing excellence in interior design within the region of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. The competition’s purpose is to celebrate outstanding examples of designed interior spaces. Special guest speakers included Louisiana First Lady Donna Edwards and IIDA National President, Cheryl Durst.

While this year’s Gala looked a little different going virtual, H/S celebrated from our very own conference room. The H/S team was thrilled to receive an Award of Excellence for St. Michael Special School, and an Award of Recognition for both Southeastern Louisiana University Science & Technology Building and The Fold House. Additionally, our Interior Design Director, Mary Guiteau, was featured in the very first Member Spotlight, highlighting her design experience and volunteer efforts in the community in order to share how design can impact lives.

Some of the Jury comments:

St. Michael Special School – Award of Excellence – Renovation/Historic Preservation
It is a lot more challenging to work within an existing framework, and this project combined the old and the new perfectly…The concept of unifying the existing historical convent building with the chapel addition through a neutral color palette is very successful.

Southeastern Louisiana University Science & Technology Building – Award of Recognition – Governmental/Institutional-Large
The project intention of creating opportunities for collaboration and connection is evident throughout the design… Overall the space is versatile and functional for a learning environment.

The Fold House – Award of Recognition – Residential
Beautiful and elegant space that I would love to live in… Through manipulation of space and elegant juxtaposition of finishes, textures, and interior architecture, this project successfully portrays the client’s vision and beautifully integrates the surrounding environment.

H/S Architect, Paul Morvant, graduates with the Leadership Tangipahoa Class of 2020

Leadership Tangipahoa is for individuals interested in developing their skills as leaders, increasing their knowledge of our community, and learning what they can do to actively participate in community affairs.

Throughout the program, class sessions on various aspects of Tangipahoa Parish were held each month on topics such as City, State, and Parish Government, Social Systems, Criminal Justice, Health Systems, Education System, Hidden Treasures, and Economic Development. Sessions included lectures, simulations, group discussions, panel presentations, field trips, and community projects.

During the program, the Leadership Tangipahoa Class of 2020 chose to donate funds collected from all class members to benefit one of the local social service organizations that serve the community every day. This donation will be given to the Tangipahoa Council on Aging facility in Hammond to purchase equipment and fund some operational costs for an ongoing tai chi class for senior citizens.

The mission of Leadership Tangipahoa is to “improve the quality of life in Tangipahoa Parish by training a diverse group of current and emerging leaders about the interrelationships of community systems”, and after 9 months of exploring the different aspects of Tangipahoa Parish, 25 students graduated from Leadership Tangipahoa. The Ceremony was held on August 5 at the Amite High School auditorium with Southeastern Louisiana University Director of Athletics Jay Artigues providing the keynote address.

After committing almost an entire year with this program, Paul said, “The professional and personal connections that were made and the knowledge of Tangipahoa Parishes’ many governmental entities, treasured and successful businesses, and critical social services gained throughout the process are priceless. This class is a foundation to set up graduates with the skills and knowledge base to become a contributing leader in both their professional and community involvement in the area.”

Since 2010, H/S has continuously participated in the Leadership Tangipahoa program by sending upcoming leaders and firm representatives, and we have had several members on staff who have participated and graduated from this program, including Architects, Pierre Theriot, Ryan Faulk, and Mark Beckers; Interior Designer, Mary Guiteau; and Business Manager, Robin Gray.

Committed graduates who have become trained, informed and responsible leaders are able to take the skills and knowledge learned from this program and transfer these to real community applications for continued growth.

Michael Holly appointed as sub-committee chairman of the Construction Resilience Committee for the Resilient Louisiana Commission

Principal Architect Michael Holly was recently appointed as sub-committee chairman of the Construction Resilience Committee for the Resilient Louisiana Commission. The Resilient Louisiana Commission (RLC) is charged with making recommendations for more resilient business-related activities and commerce in the wake of COVID-19. Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards appointed a commission to bring together public and private sector expertise to prepare and guide the state through the on-going aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The sectors defined were:

• – Construction
• – Economic & Community Development
• – Education & Workforce Development
• – Energy
• – Gaming
• – Healthcare & Human Services
• – Hospitality & Tourism
• – IT & Communications
• – Financial Services, Insurance, & Real Estate
• – Food & Agriculture
• – Manufacturing
• – Restaurants & Entertainment
• – Retail & Small Business
• – Rural Development
• – Transportation & Infrastructure

The Construction Task Force first defined Charge 1 and issued a report to the Commission. After that report, known as short term initiatives, the Task Force on Construction focused on long term initiative and divided into two categories: Workforce / Crafts Training Resilience and Construction Resilience.

As a sub-committee of the Construction Task Force sector, the Construction Resilience Committee has broken down initiatives as follows: Private Sector Initiatives, Public Sector Initiatives, Liability, Healthy Communities Initiatives, and Safety in the Construction Workplace.

The results of the above-referenced report will be published and sent to the Commission as recommendations from the Task Force on Construction on June 14, 2020.

To learn more about the Resilient Louisiana Commission, go to https://www.opportunitylouisiana.com/resilientlouisiana.

Michael Shares His Unique Recipe for Shrimp Bisque

We hope you have had a chance by now to have tried out Katie’s Pumpkin Bread, Mary’s Syrian-Lebanese Risbishadia, or Ryan’s Banana Nut Bread recipe over the last few weeks.

Since we all have found ourselves quarantined in our homes with much (or little) to do and have gotten all the yard chores completed, it might be time for a challenge……some gourmet cooking!

Michael Holly, Principal Architect at H/S, has studied various recipes for Shrimp Bisque and come up with his very own approach, which is a mixture of multiple recipes. This is his go-to recipe for Shrimp Bisque. We must warn you, however, that it takes time and patience, something we may all have during this time, alone together, but I assure you the outcome will thoroughly impress your diners!

Shrimp Bisque

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds jumbo shrimp (cut into ¼ inch pieces leaving a few whole)
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 3 stalks celery, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 leeks, trimmed, halved lengthwise, and rinsed well
• 2 carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 clove of garlic (chopped)
• Seafood Stock (enough to cover vegetable/shrimp mixture)
• 2- strips orange zest
• 1 large bay leaf or 2 small bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (This is for color add to the color you like!)
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups heavy whipping cream
• Salt, as needed to taste
• Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning to taste (please know that this seasoning has salt in it)
• Freshly ground black pepper, as needed, to taste
• Finely grated orange zest, for garnish
• Finely chopped fresh green onions & parsley for garnish
• A light dusting of Old Bay Seasoning for garnish

Directions

Step 1 – Peel and Devein Shrimp

1. Peel and devein the shrimp
2. Place the shrimp in a covered bowl and put into refrigerator. Keep them cold!
3. Reserve the shells. If they came with heads, discard the heads, keep the shells, legs, and tails, do not wash any of these and keep refrigerated until used.

Katie Shares Her Childhood Recipe for Pumpkin Bread

We hope you have had a chance to try the recipes we have shared so far the last two weeks, including Mary’s Syrian-Lebanese Risbishadia and Ryan’s Banana Nut Bread, this week we have another tasty dish to satisfy that sweet tooth.

Another one of our H/S home chef’s is putting her baking talents on display and sharing her childhood recipe you can make while you are safe at home.

With many of us still working from home, or our office environments temporarily changed, we know that everyone is managing various adjustments in their lives. This quick recipe is made with many staple ingredients already found at home.

Katie Leleaux, an Emerging Professional at H/S, shares her recipe that was given to Katie’s mom by her kindergarten teacher, and she makes it all the time! Katie says it’s especially good for Thanksgiving, but she makes it year round… great for breakfast with a cup of coffee.

We will share more over the next few weeks, so be on the lookout for other tasty recipes, including this sweet one below. And don’t forget to try out last week’s recipe if you haven’t already.

Pumpkin Bread

Ingredients:

• 3 ½ cups sifted flour
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup Wesson oil
• 4 eggs
• 2/3 cup water
• 2 tsp soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 2 cups pumpkin (#303 can)
• 3 cups sugar
• 1 ½ cups pecans (optional)
• 2/3 cup raisins (optional)
• Sometimes we add mini chocolate chips instead of pecans / raisins

Directions:

Mix all well until smooth.

Fill pans ½ full (use 2 loaf pans).

Bake 1 hour @ 350 degrees

We would love to hear from you if you try this recipe yourself! Enjoy!

Mary Shares Her Syrian-Lebanese Risbishadia Recipe

We were thrilled to hear many of you tested out Ryan’s Banana Nut Bread recipe last week. And this week we have another yummy dish that is sure to please your taste buds.

Ryan Shares His Go-To Recipe for Banana Nut Bread

With many of us working from home, or our office environments temporarily changed, we know that everyone is managing various adjustments in their lives.

Since many of our staff at H/S are also very talented in the kitchen, we thought we would share some of our favorite (and easy) recipes to make while you are safe at home.

We will share more over the next few weeks, so be on the lookout for several tasty recipes, including this sweet one below.

Ryan Faulk, a Principal Architect at H/S, shares his go-to banana bread recipe that his mom would use. His kids may even like it more than he did when he was their age…in fact, his teenage son can eat almost a third of the loaf in one sitting! It’s easy to make, so his kids even want to do it themselves when his family makes it. 

Banana Nut Bread

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter or margarine (2 sticks)
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup finely chopped pecans

Directions:
Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, beating well after each addition. Mix in bananas, flour, soda, salt, and nuts. Mix until just blended. Pour into greased loaf pan and bake at 300° for 1 hour or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.

The banana bread is best fresh from the oven (let it sit for about 15 – 20 minutes to cool), but will keep for almost a week without refrigerating if you keep it sealed. It usually gets eaten well before that! If you find that you only will have one or two bananas that are over-ripe, freeze them until you have more to make the recipe…you may want to peel them first though.

We would love to hear from you if you try this recipe yourself! Enjoy!

Affordable Smiles celebrates opening of new clinic in Hammond

On March 10, Affordable Smiles celebrated the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for its new dental clinic in Hammond, Louisiana. H/S designed the tenant improvements and exterior renovations for this build-out of a 4,176 square foot dental office located on Hwy 190 in Hammond. The ceremony was followed by an Open House where guests were invited to tour the new state-of-the-art facility and congregate with local business partners and friends.

The new facility was designed to provide comprehensive treatment planning and to use restorative and cosmetic dentistry to achieve optimal dental health. “We deliver the highest quality dental care at an affordable price with an emphasis on implant dentistry and all related implant therapy treatment,'” Dr. Darrell Bourg, DDS said.

Regal Construction, LLC was the General Contractor for the project with Salas O’Brien, LLC providing mechanical, electrical & plumbing.H/S collaborated with p-l-a-i-d, inc. on the interior design of the facility.

Affordable Smiles will also be opening a Baton Rouge location. With H/S designing the tenant improvements for this facility as well, it is scheduled to open in the coming weeks.

Northshore Technical Community College celebrates new campus in Livingston Parish

On October 3rd, Northshore Technical Community College celebrated the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for its new Livingston Parish Campus. Located in Walker, Louisiana, this is the first community college in Livingston Parish. The ceremony was followed by an Open House where guests were invited to tour the new state-of-the-art building and congregate with local business partners and friends.

The new facility was designed for accommodating specialized training for nursing, welding, advanced manufacturing and electrical systems, administrative, and faculty and support spaces. All these spaces are envisioned to support the Workforce Training Center mission of the Northshore Technical Community College.

“It’s a facility that will by design speak to innovation but also technology,” Chancellor William Wainwright said.

Cangelosi Ward G.C., LLC was the General Contractor for the project. Consultants include Forte & Tablada, Inc. (Civil, Structural) and Marrerro Couvillon & Associates, LLC (MEP).

Kevin J. Morris appointed to Board of Directors for The Green Project

Kevin J. Morris was recently appointed to the Board of Directors for The Green Project – a New Orleans based nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote a culture of “Creative Reuse” by diverting discarded paint and building waste materials from local landfills. Since its conception in 1994, TGP has been directly responsible each year for the diversion over 40,000 gallons of discarded paint, as well as 2,000,000 lbs. of building materials.

Through the utilization of its salvage store, common building materials are offered for creative reuse on craft projects or DYI home improvement projects. Paints are processed and blended into trendy colors and then sold at significantly reduced rates. These materials and products offer incredible opportunities for the inspired Artist and Architect inside us all.

Additionally, the mission of TGP is to educate the public on the ecological ramifications resulting from negligent discarding of materials, and what you can do personally to help. There are weekly workshops conducted by the staff with members of local schools and the community, which teach craftsmanship, woodworking and creative reuses of materials.

A culmination of these “Creative Reuse” efforts is exemplified at the “Salvations Design Competition” event, which will be held this year on November 8^th. Local artists, craftsmen, and designers compete to create meticulously detailed paintings and furniture pieces, which are displayed and auctioned at the event. All proceeds from the event go to help support the mission of TGP.

Personally, Kevin’s commitment to TGP is fueled by his love of Architecture, its effects on the environment, and the legacy that he leaves for his three sons. He is constantly promoting awareness of the environment and how common daily activities can significantly influence sustainable results for their future.

Through the commitment of organizations like TGP, we can be assured that the efforts expended today will benefit the environment for years to come.

For additional information about The Green Project, or how you can get involved, please visit the website at www.thegreenproject.org or www.facebook.com/thegreenproject.

Southeastern celebrates new student housing with ribbon-cutting ceremony

On September 23rd, Southeastern Louisiana University hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony, officially celebrating the opening of two new residence halls on campus – Ascension Hall and Twelve Oaks Hall. This 556-bed new student housing center consists of two 4-story residence halls located on the western part of the main campus.

The new residence halls provide flexible living / learning meeting spaces, classrooms, group study spaces, informal lounges, common kitchens, common laundries, a convenience store (Grab and Go), as well as a common dining / gathering space that allows a diversity of places for students to live and learn in the digital environment.

The building utilizes several sustainable features including: geothermal wells for heating and cooling, operable windows at each bed, shading louvers at the corners (where fully glazed), and LED light fixtures through-out.

The incorporation of a unique hybrid geothermal system will save Southeastern yearly in operational cost. The implementation of this approach to a dormitory building is more complex than typical commercial applications and is reported to be the second-largest hybrid geothermal system in the United States [Climate Masters 2018].

DonahueFavret Contractors was the General Contractor for the project. Consultants include Salas O’Brien (MEP), Schrenk, Endom & Flanagan (Civil, Structural) and Ritter Consulting Engineers (Abatement).

Kevin Morris participates in Lake Pontchartrain Basin Beach Sweep

Rotary Clubs of GNO participated this past weekend in a clean up effort supported by the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation. The goal was to remove waste, plastics and environmentally harmful materials from Bayou St. John drainage areas before they can enter into the Lake Pontchartrain tributaries. Multiple bags of waste and debris were collected over the morning, including the removal of concrete, bricks, metal and tree branches. Several catch basins along the route were relieved of excessive debris and tree foliage.

Kevin Morris and his sons volunteered their efforts to assist in this mission. Their time spent addresses the problem at the source and ensures that all these harmful waste materials never enter the drainage system to further effect the environment.

For further information on how you can help, please visit www.saveourlake.org or any of the Rotary Clubs of the greater New Orleans area.

St. Michael Special School wins Award of Merit at the AIA Louisiana Design Awards Conference

On Friday, September 13^th, AIA Louisiana held its annual Awards Ceremony at the AIA LA 2019 Conference on Architecture in Baton Rouge. A nationally recognized panel of judges selected 11 winning projects from 69 entries in seven categories, submitted by architects across the state. Several members of the H/S team were there to accept the Award of Merit recognizing the design of St. Michael Special School.

Congratulations to our great team and especially to all who worked on this project!

JURY COMMENTS (click the project name below to view the full project submission)

St. Michael Special School was entered into the Restoration/Rehabilitation/Adaptive Reuse Category

This is a high-level restoration project with a sensitive, well-executed, addition. We appreciated the new structure’s form and detailing, and how it acknowledges the context and original architecture without being repetitive nor cartoonish in its approach. The restraint of the addition’s interior is compelling, especially the use of indirect natural light. This was a tightrope of a project, gracefully balancing old and new.

Holly & Smith Architects to participate in Destination Downtown 2019 in Hammond

Holly & Smith Architects’ Principal Architect, Jeffrey Smith, has spent the last few months talking about the History and Revitalization of Downtown Hammond, speaking in May at the Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation Conference and in June to the IFMA Baton Rouge Chapter. And this month, he will get to show everyone what he’s been talking about, by leading a walking tour throughout Downtown Hammond on the Secrets of Adaptive Reuse as part of Destination Downtown 2019. Destination Downtown is a regional conference sponsored by Louisiana Main Street, Mississippi Main Street Association and Main Street Arkansas.

The process of rejuvenation of the very successful historic district as a model for downtown redevelopment is being used as a shining example throughout the State of Louisiana. Jeffrey’s walking tour will uncover some of the secrets of adaptive reuse, and he will share the experience Holly & Smith Architects has of renovating over 50 projects in Downtown Hammond.

Principal Architect, Michael Holly, will also be participating in this year’s conference and will be speaking at the conference on Turning the Past into the Future: The History and Revitalization of Downtown Hammond. The success of downtown Hammond as a vibrant community is a testament to the persistence of its citizens. Michael will discuss how the citizens, business owners, and investors have utilized innumerable tools to bring about results in this top-10 finalist Great American Main Street Award community.

Destination Downtown 2019 will take place at the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts in Hammond, Louisiana September 11-13. This event attracts more than 200 professionals in preservation-based commercial district revitalization. Attendees hail from communities of all sizes, from small rural towns to neighborhood commercial districts in larger cities across the states of Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas.

For the full agenda, go to: http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07egcmfka50344d4bc&llr=ft4f485ab

St. Michael Special School celebrates with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

On August 28th, St. Michael Special School hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new chapel and restored Convent Building. Archbishop Gregory Aymond presided over the building’s dedication and blessing, followed by a prayer service. The ribbon-cutting marks the successful completion of a capital campaign begun during the celebration of the school’s 50th anniversary in 2015.

The project included the restoration of the circa 1850’s Greek Revival Convent Building, providing new classrooms, a music room, a technology lab,and a transition academy for young adults. A new chapel addition was constructed to the rear of the historic building, providing a dignified, light-filled space for daily student mass. The adjacent school building received a new entrance and refreshed interior spaces to provide a more inviting entry to the campus.

“St Michael School has survived and thrived for over 50 years, educating some of God’s most special children through the generosity of the greater New Orleans community,” says Maureen Huguley, a campaign co-chair. “The renovation was made possible by donations from our community; St. Michael School is grateful to have so many who recognize our mission and the over 200 special needs we serve.”

The restored and renovated buildings are an anchor for the school campus and help to reconnect the school to its Lower Garden District neighborhood.

Voelkel McWilliams Construction, LLC was the General Contractor for the project. Consultants include Heaslip Engineering (Civil, Structural) and ADG Engineering (MEP).

Cambria Hotel Nashville, Cambria Hotel New Orleans and The Fold House win a combined four awards at the AIA Baton Rouge Rose Awards Gala

On Friday, July 26th, AIA Baton Rouge held its annual Rose Awards Gala, a competition recognizing and awarding outstanding design projects in various categories. Several members of the H/S team were there to accept the Gold Rose Award for Cambria Hotel Nashville, the Rose Award and Members Choice Award for The Fold House, and the Rose Award for Cambria Hotel New Orleans.

Congratulations to our great team and especially to all who worked on these projects!

JURY COMMENTS (click the project name below to view the full project submission)

Cambria Hotel Nashville was entered into the Architecture Category

This high-rise hotel seeks to carve out a place for its brand within the vibrant urban skyline of downtown Nashville.The design consists of a contemporary, stepped-tower of rooms perched atop a podium containing street-level dining, parking garage levels and the main lobby floor.The architects chose a fenestrated, brick facade that engages people at the street level and recall’s the area’s historically industrial vernacular.Above this are three levels of parking:We felt that the graphic elements and screened windows were a creative and economic solution for turning one of architecture’s most problematic program elements into a street facade that feels exciting and relatable. The choice to step the tower back from the street-front provides lobby floor access to the rooftop where one can experience the context of the growing cityscape from above and below.Atop the podium base sits the tower block of rooms.Here too, the architects’ have visually divided the mass into contrasting facade treatments.Tying the parts together is an LED delineation that entwines the massing components and introduces elements of graphic design to the three-dimensional form.The interiors also use contrasting colors and textures, paying homage to the city’s country & western music heritage without being kitschy.

For making an otherwise imposing structure manageable in scale, energetic, and appealing to Nashville’s eclectic, urban demographic, the jury awards Rose Gold to this Hotel.

• Interiors pay homage to the country music industry without being kitschy.
• Dining/bar, pool deck and meeting rooms overlook dynamic city streets
• Perforated, back-lit metal scrim is a creative and economic solution to shielding parking garage
• decision to split the facade of the massive podium into separate elements better maintains the city street’s rhythm.
• Creative use of economical materials makes a big impact for a modest per square foot cost.

The Fold House was entered into the Residential Category 

This modern, single-family residence is centered around the theme of the folded planes which are peeled back to create a harmony between solid and void. Within the voids created by the folded-plane, large areas of glazing are punctuated by protruding cubes, further animating the play of solid and void.

The jury appreciated the architect’s decision to set geometric parameters within which to develop the design and their success in incorporating them creatively and consistently throughout the project, even down to the level of architectural millwork. We appreciated too, the thoughtfully restrained landscaping which showcases the house as sculpture amid a natural landscape.

• Rather than framing a view as in a picture window, the fenestration punctuated by solid masses creates the feeling that the landscape is part of the fabric of the room.
• Organized by pods each serving separate function and connected by art gallery bridge
• Embraced the garage and skillfully composed its elements
• Client is identified as a landscape architect who wanted to collaborate. “goals and expectations established early in the process” – suspect this had a lot to do with the project’s success i.e. clear expression at the outset of goals and needs.

Cambria Hotel New Orleans was entered into the Architecture Category

Presented with a very constrained site in an awkward bootleg shape, a 65-foot height limit, and a historic district, the architects were really challenged to make this hotel design feasible and appealing.The solution uses thin post-tensioned slabs to achieve 7 stories, and minimal interior lot setbacks to achieve 165 rooms in this well-scaled infill lot.

The context slides helped us understand the character of the warehouse district and the rationale for the architect’s double floor elevation treatments which provide verticality and massing that suits its context well.

6 interior rooms on each floor of the narrow arm are set back 15 feet from the property line, somewhat of a calculated gamble that the neighboring property won’t build higher in the future.The limited language of brick, steel, and glass also contribute to the hotel’s success as a contemporary infill project in this historic district.

Pierre Theriot to participate in NORLI’s Regional Leadership Program

Architect and Lead Designer, Pierre Theriot, has been accepted to the Class of 2020 for NORLI’s Regional Leadership Program.

Over the next 10 months, Pierre will take part in seven independent monthly seminars as part of an immersive learning experience that focuses not only on community issues, but also on collaborative leadership and group process skills development.

The Regional Leadership Program focuses on key issues that impact our economy and quality of life within the region. Regional Leadership includes over 40 participants from around the ten-parish region. The program creates value through education, networking opportunities, and leadership skills building.

The Mission of NORLI is to help promote regionalism and to provide a diverse cross section of current and emerging leaders from the business, non-profit, and governmental sectors from throughout the Region with a more thorough understanding of issues and an enhanced ability to collaborate for the greater good of the community.

The insight Pierre will obtain with this unique platform for leaders across the region will benefit Pierre and his role in the firm at Holly & Smith Architects.

H/S Emerging Professional, Abigail Comeau, graduates with the Leadership Tangipahoa Class of 2019

Leadership Tangipahoa is for individuals interested in developing their skills as leaders, increasing their knowledge of our community, and learning what they can do to actively participate in community affairs.

Throughout the program, class sessions on various aspects of Tangipahoa Parish were held each month on topics such as City, State, and Parish Government, Social Systems, Criminal Justice, Health Systems, Education System, Hidden Treasures, and Economic Development. Sessions included lectures, simulations, group discussions, panel presentations, field trips and community projects.

During the program, the Leadership Tangipahoa Class of 2019 chose to do a Community Project benefiting one of the local systems that serves the community every day, in which they purchased two pieces of exercise equipment benefiting the Tangipahoa Council on Aging.

The mission of Leadership Tangipahoa is to “improve the quality of life in Tangipahoa Parish by training a diverse group of current and emerging leaders about the interrelationships of community systems”, and after 9 months of exploring the different aspects of Tangipahoa Parish, 22 students graduated from Leadership Tangipahoa. The Ceremony was held on June 11 at the Tangipahoa Parish School System Office in Amite with Wallace Lewis providing the keynote address.

After committing almost an entire year with this program, Abi said, “Leadership Tangipahoa has been an incredible experience that allows you to engage with local business owners and community leaders, while learning about the various systems and organizations that work together to lead this wonderful parish. The success and vision of the parish was made evident through the many places we visited, and more importantly through the wonderful people we met, who are passionate about what they do and about the future of Tangipahoa Parish.”

Since 2010, H/S has continuously participated in the Leadership Tangipahoa program by sending upcoming leaders and firm representatives, and we have had several members on staff who have participated and graduated from this program, including Architects, Pierre Theriot, Ryan Faulk and Mark Beckers; Interior Designer, Mary Guiteau; Business Manager, Robin Gray; and Emerging Professional Nick Clesi, who was also elected to be the president of the Class of 2018 by his fellow leadership members.

Committed graduates who have become trained, informed and responsible leaders are able to take the skills and knowledge learned from this program and transfer these to real community applications for continued growth.

Louisiana Governor’s Mansion gets a refresh

The Governor’s Mansion Preservation Foundation was created in 1996 by First Lady Alice Foster for the purpose of updating the run-down Governor’s Mansion. The mission of the Foundation was to identify, secure, and manage assets dedicated to the refurbishment and preservation of the Mansion properties of the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion for the educational and cultural enhancement of the people of Louisiana. The Foundation is privately funded.No tax dollars are used for its projects. 

Fast forward 21 years, and current First Lady Donna Edwards realized the Mansion was, again, in need of a refresh.Edwards revived the Foundation, and worked with its Executive Director, Sandy McClelland, to create a new project for the state’s historic home. In 2017, the Foundation brought together 17 Interior Designers from across the state to design and refurbish the interior of the Mansion.The Designers volunteered their services to the Foundation, equaling hundreds of hours of work. The Designers also worked with numerous vendors to obtain donations on some items and deep discounting on other items, such as fabrics, furniture, flooring, and accessories. The overall project took about 18 months from concept to completion. Assisting McClelland with the overall project coordination were Heidi Meibaum of LA Coalition for Interior Design and Mary Mowad Guiteau of Holly & Smith Architects.

In addition to working on the overall project coordination, H/S interior designer Mary Mowad Guiteau was also part of the design team for the Jazz Room. The team included Guiteau, Judith Verges and Elizabeth Walther. The Jazz Room is the family room located on the 3^rd floor of the Mansion. Previously, it had been used as a storage room, with 2×2 suspended ceiling tile, 2×4 fluorescent light fixtures, a utilitarian cabinet, and lots of attic space in the room’s 5 dormers. The design team wanted to create a space that was fun and family-oriented, a space for game night, movie night, relaxing, or studying with friends.The former palette of golds and reds was traded for an updated palette of creams and blues. Two zones were created:a lounge zone with a sectional, lounge chairs, and a wall-mounted TV; and a game zone with an antique poker table, antique foosball table, and large wall-mounted Scrabble board game. The old suspended ceiling was removed and replaced with a painted gypsum board ceiling with recessed light fixtures and 2 decorative pendant fixtures. New millwork provides ample storage for games, snacks, and books, as well as serving areas for entertaining. The end result is a space the First Family enjoys spending time in together.

*Of note:

The name of this room was inspired by a ceramic statue of a musician playing the saxophone. The First Lady found the statue in the Mansion, and thought its appropriate place was in the family room, which was then dubbed the Jazz Room. While going through the Mansion storage space, she also found a clarinet lamp. The base of the lamp was crafted from an old clarinet, it was wired for electrical and had a simple lampshade. She placed the lamp in the room just as the designers were completing the space. It wasn’t until the Mansion Showcase on March 23 that the real story was unveiled. One of the Governor’s security personnel, Evan, is the grandson of the late great Louisiana jazz musician Pete Fountain. Evan saw the lamp and realized it was from his grandfather! In the 1960’s, clarinet manufacturer Lambert would send Pete Fountain many clarinets to try out and use. The ones Pete decided not to use would then be made into lamps and given as gifts to several Governors and other friends. Since the instrument is hollow, it has a perfect space to run electrical wiring.Evan recognized the lamp in the Jazz Room and realized it must have been a gift from his grandfather to either Governor McKeithen or Governor Edwin Edwards. It had been stowed away in the Mansion attic for many years. Now, it has a prominent place of display in the newly renovated Jazz Room!

The collaborative effort of the renovation project was quite a feat. The Governor’s Mansion Preservation Foundation did an excellent job coordinating 17 designers between 6 different rooms, and assuring that all of the designs were cohesive and timeless. The finished product is a refurbished landmark that will serve the state of Louisiana for many years to come.

Cambria Hotel New Orleans wins 2019 Louisiana Landmarks Society Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation

On Wednesday, May 15^th, the Louisiana Landmarks Society presented the 2019 Award Winners for Excellence in Historic Preservation at Hotel Peter & Paul in New Orleans. The Awards honor projects completed in Orleans Parish that represent outstanding examples of restoration, rehabilitation or new construction in an historic district. We are proud that our project, the Cambria Hotel New Orleans, was one of the award recipients.

The new Cambria Hotel New Orleans in the Warehouse District represents a successful approach to urban infill in a historic district, transforming a former parking lot into a handsome and vibrant hotel building that is respectful of its surroundings. Thoughtful design and careful planning have resulted in a building that is appropriately scaled for its neighborhood, and sensitive to its context, utilizing a simple palette of materials commonly found in the district.

Congratulations to our great team who worked on this project, including Landis Construction Co., LLC (General Contractor), Salas O’Brien Engineers, Inc. (MEP Engineer), and Morphy, Makofsky, Inc. (Structural and Civil Engineer).

H/S completes update for Southeastern’s Master Plan and the growing campus

Holly & Smith Architects prepared the first comprehensive master planning study of the Southeastern Louisiana University Campus in the year 2000. Within the original plan, design guidelines were developed that established the groundwork and outlined the elements by which all circulation, buildings, hardscape and landscape work would be defined for the future. As is typical with all master plans, it was only expected to be a 5 to 10 year plan. Subsequently, our studio has assisted the university to update the plan at 5 to 7 year increments.

The plan has been updated in 2007, 2013 and most recently in 2018. The purpose of each update has been to check the status of incremental growth as it relates to the previous plans and to reassess the priorities of the university. Over the years, an additional component was added to the update. This additional piece involved the development of the university’s fiber optic data infrastructure network.

Additionally, in the most recent update, several critical questions were asked: How is higher education changing? How does that impact space needs? How is technology affecting the future of higher education? The answers to these questions are ever evolving.

It is expected that the next update, which coincides with the Centennial of the University, will encompass a fully comprehensive update similar to the original scope and breadth of the first 2000 master plan.

Neurocovery celebrates new location with grand opening in Covington

On April 4^th, Neurocovery of Louisiana celebrated the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for its new medical and rehabilitation facility. Located in Covington, Louisiana, Neurocovery opened its doors to the community in early January of 2019. The ceremony was followed by an Open House where guests were invited to tour the new state-of-the-art building and congregate with local business partners and friends.

Neurocovery provides a comprehensive program unique to the Northshore area which specializes in outpatient care associated with physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and cognitive neurology.

The design of the facility responds to a desire to create a space conducive for a wide variety of rehabilitation services, therefore, the building takes on a multi-purpose role, where all spaces within become opportunities for multiple types of therapy. The program includes a physical therapy gym, therapy rooms, exam rooms, kitchen, dining, and a simulated apartment unit where patients are nurtured back to health.

A private garden incorporating a water feature and various types of walking surfaces is utilized for outdoor physical therapy which further enhances patient experience and provides a natural setting for recovery. The exterior material palette consists of a variety of metal panel types, plaster, and glass creating a simple, yet a timeless contemporary look.

Devier Construction was the General Contractor for the project. Consultants include Heaslip Engineering (Civil, Structural), Salas O’Brien (MEP), and Roy T. Dufreche (Landscaping).

Making Big Moves – H/S provides Move Management for Ochsner’s new Medical Office Building at High Grove

Moving is a big task. Multiply that by 500 people, add in 600 computers and numerous pieces of medical equipment, and that’s what took place at the Ochsner Medical Complex at High Grove.

In January 2019, H/S served as the Move Planner/Coordinator for Ochsner Health System’s relocation from its existing Medical Office Building on Summa Avenue in Baton Rouge to its newly constructed Medical Complex at High Grove. The move involved the relocation of 250,000 square feet of space, which included 500 employees (medical and support staff) within 38 medical specialty departments, 600 computers, all medications, and hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of existing medical equipment.

The Planning phase began in August 2018. It included initial move scheduling and issuance of a Request for Quotes to qualified moving companies.It then involved numerous site visits to evaluate medical equipment, computers, and other items that would need to be moved. Detailed move schedules were prepared and vetted with all parties involved. Meetings with executives, departmental leaders, move captains, and the moving company were held throughout the planning process to make sure every aspect of the move was well coordinated.

The Move phase was originally planned in multiple phases over a 2-month period but was changed to a compressed move in a single phase. It was executed over a 13-day period in January 2019. H/S was on site to coordinate all aspects of the move. Our approach to making this an easy and efficient move for all parties involved revolved around communication and attention to detail. The move went very smoothly and was completed on time which allowed Ochsner to acclimate its employees to the new facility and new work-flow, in time for opening the clinic to patients.

The biggest challenge related to moving the clinic from an existing facility into a new facility was coordination of equipment, vendors, and schedules. The planning phase was intense and thorough in order to alleviate any problems during the move. H/S Architects prides itself on the attention to detail and the efficient planning that was implemented during this move for the Ochsner Medical Complex – High Grove.

Mary Guiteau invited by First Lady Donna Edwards to be a charter member of Phi Mu Ladies of Louisiana

Mary Guiteau was invited by First Lady Donna Edwards to be a charter member of the newly-formed Phi Mu Ladies of Louisiana organization. The organization’s purpose is to provide scholarships and charitable donations. It will raise money to provide scholarships to collegiate students throughout the state and to make charitable donations to Children’s Miracle Network (Phi Mu’s national philanthropy). The organization will consist of Phi Mu sorority alumnae who live throughout Louisiana.

On Sunday, March 10, the Phi Mu Ladies of Louisiana hosted its inaugural event at the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion, in celebration of the sorority’s Founders Day. Governor John Bel Edwards issued a Commendation to commend and recognize Phi Mu Ladies of Louisiana on its inaugural Founders Day Celebration. All proceeds from the event will be used to fund the scholarship and charitable programs of the organization.

Earlier last week, the organization’s 20 charter members were treated to a private tour of the new Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital, which is currently under construction in Baton Rouge. OLOL is a Children’s Miracle Network hospital and will serve children from all areas of Louisiana. Phi Mu Ladies of Louisiana plans to make its first charitable donation to OLOL Children’s Hospital, through CMN.

Envoc invests in computer science education with new Innovation Lab

On January 29, Envoc celebrated the ribbon cutting of the new Innovation Lab located in the newly constructed Computer Science and Technology Building at Southeastern Louisiana University. Envoc has offices in Baton Rouge and Hammond, and the new lab will provide a work-like environment for senior students at Southeastern as an extension of Envoc’s company culture and mission to create a better reality. 

Designed by H/S Architects, this lab is a space for the students to create, connect, work, and share ideas. The standard student desks were removed and replaced with collaborative furniture that gives students a palette of place (to choose where they work) and a palette of posture (to choose if they want to work sitting, lounging, standing).The space was zoned to mimic Envoc’s offices:

– the Think Zone is purple and includes collaborative areas

– the Work Zone is blue and includes areas for focused work

– the Play Zone is green and includes a lounge area 

Those zones are based on the way Envoc’s own website is organized and on its branding colors.These design elements were used to create consistency between Envoc’s two offices and the Innovation Lab, giving the students the feeling of working in a real-world environment.The Envoc Baton Rouge office won an Award of Excellence from the Delta Regional Chapter of the International Interior Design Association.

“This innovation center is the result of education and software institutions coming together to invest in young developers,” said Dr. Ghassan Alkadi, Professor of Computer Science at Southeastern. “The lab will provide an environment for computer science majors to receive professional mentorship, work on client-based projects, and gain knowledge beyond what can be self-taught or learned in a textbook.”

This project proves that forward thinking from educators and clients can lead to great spaces.

H/S architect, Pierre Theriot, appointed as Board Chairman of the Hammond Downtown Development District

Pierre Theriot, architect and partner at H/S Architects, has been appointed as the 2019 Board Chairman for the Hammond Downtown Development District. The Hammond DDD is devoted to progressing and stimulating business development and diversity, and they are constantly evolving to bring commerce, entertainment, community, and culture to Downtown.

Pierre has served on the DDD Design Committee since 1999 and on the DDD Board of Directors since 2012. He is currently the longest standing member of the Board of Directors.As an architect, Pierre has volunteered much of his time with the DDD advocating for infrastructure and landscaping improvements to the District.

In his new position as Chairman, Pierre will work closely with the DDD Executive Director. As Chairman, he will oversee all committees and projects of the DDD, as well as run the board meetings and sit on the advisory committee and loan committee.

Pierre continues Holly and Smith Architects’ long line of volunteer and public service work with the DDD to keep the city’s downtown center a vibrant place to live, work and visit.Principal Architect, Jeffrey Smith, helped lead the effort to establish the Downtown Development District in 1986, which began the revitalization of historic downtown Hammond. Representatives from our staff have served on its board ever since. While a member of the DDD, Jeffrey chaired the effort to update a master plan in 2002 that created the DDD Design Committee. Both Jeffrey and Principal Architect, Michael Holly, have served as members as well as Chairman of the DDD Design Committee. Additionally, Jeffrey currently serves as a member of the DDD Design Committee.

Pierre stated that, “throughout the coming year, I look forward to the completion of the long-awaited Hammond Community Pavilion and to an upcoming community engaged process for our DDD Master Plan update”.

Mary Guiteau presents nationally on why you shouldn’t overlook adaptive reuse as a workplace strategy

H/S Interior Designer, Mary Guiteau, recently spoke about Adaptive Reuse as a Workplace Strategy at IFMA’s World Workplace Conference & Expo in Charlotte, North Carolina. Held annually in cities across the U.S., World Workplace is the most longstanding and well-respected learning and networking event for facility management and related professions. World Workplace facilitates idea-sharing and knowledge-exchange between all professionals who support the work environment.

Using the 1400 Poydras Interior Build-Out project as her case study, Mary went into details on the design process and method of coordination required for a build-out and move of this size and complexity. She explained the process for coordinating several different entities thoroughly and efficiently, as well as assessed the impact of the adaptive reuse on the building owner, facility manager, contractor, and tenant.

Mary is currently a member of the IFMA Baton Rouge Chapter, and she said, “it was such an honor to be selected to present at IFMA’s national conference. I was thrilled to be able to speak on the subject of adaptive reuse as a workplace strategy and to share the process we went through on the 1400 Poydras project. With the decline of big box retail stores, this project serves as a prime example of adaptive reuse at its best.”

After her successful delivery of this unique topic, Mary was also asked to present to IFMA’s New Orleans Chapter regarding the same workplace strategies and making the best use of existing space or consolidating operations.

IFMA’s World Workplace 2019 will be held in Phoenix, Arizona next October.