The Louisiana chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Louisiana) recently recognized outstanding architectural projects and professionals at its 2025 Design Awards. The awards celebrated innovative designs ranging from historical renovations to modern public spaces, highlighting the talent within the state's architectural community. A total of nine awards were presented to firms and individuals across Louisiana.
The awards ceremony took place during the annual AIA Louisiana Conference of Architecture in Lake Charles. A panel of nationally recognized architects reviewed 62 submissions, ultimately selecting six Merit Awards, two Honor Awards, and one Members' Choice Award. Winning firms represented cities including New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Lafayette.
Key Takeaways
- AIA Louisiana presented nine design awards at its 2025 conference.
- Awards included six Merit, two Honor, and one Members' Choice.
- Projects ranged from museum conversions to university hall renovations.
- Winning firms came from New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Lafayette.
- Individual awards recognized emerging professionals and professional achievement.
Members' Choice Award: The Retreat at Quarters Lake
RHH Architecture, based in Baton Rouge, received the prestigious Members' Choice Award for their work on The Retreat at Quarters Lake. This facility provides grief and bereavement care, and its design emphasizes tranquility and protection. The project's unique inward-facing layout and pitched roofs help to reduce noise, creating a calm environment. A central butterfly garden anchors the design, bringing natural light into the peaceful spaces.
"The inward-facing design and pitched roofs help deflect sound and bring natural light into a tranquil setting," explained a representative from AIA Louisiana, highlighting the project's thoughtful approach to healing spaces.
Award Selection
The Members' Choice Award winner is chosen through a vote by all members of AIA Louisiana, making it a direct reflection of peer recognition within the architectural community.
Honor Awards: Celebrating Major Renovations
Richardson Memorial Hall at Tulane University
Trapolin-Peer Architects, a New Orleans-based firm, earned an Honor Award for their extensive renovation and expansion of Richardson Memorial Hall at the Tulane School of Architecture. Originally constructed in 1908, the building's program spaces had become disjointed over time. The project successfully linked the original 1909 structure with a new modern addition. This integration included a new main entry, relocated offices, and expanded laboratory facilities.
The jury praised the project for its "striking interplay between old and new." They noted that every space within the renovated hall demonstrated "thoughtful contrast and cohesion," creating a harmonious blend of historical architecture and contemporary design needs. This project serves as a model for revitalizing academic institutions while respecting their heritage.
Historic Significance
Richardson Memorial Hall, built in 1908, is a significant part of Tulane University's architectural landscape. Its renovation ensures its continued use for future generations of architecture students.
Merit Awards: Diverse Projects Across the State
Six firms received Merit Awards for a variety of projects, showcasing the breadth of architectural innovation in Louisiana.
Carencro Welcome Center and Museum
SO Studio, from Lafayette, was honored with a Merit Award for their work on the Carencro Welcome Center and Museum. This project involved the careful restoration of a 200-year-old Acadian cottage. A new, freestanding bathroom facility was also added. Judges commended the preservation of the original architectural elements. They described the contemporary addition as "a perfect younger sibling to the historic building," acknowledging its sensitive integration.
Preservation Highlight
The Carencro Welcome Center project showcased traditional Bousillage walls, displayed through clear wall panels, allowing visitors to see the original construction methods.
34 Restaurant & Bar
AQ Studios, based in New Orleans, received a Merit Award for transforming a dirt-floor warehouse into 34 Restaurant & Bar, Emeril Lagasse's newest Portuguese restaurant. The design features a striking "wooden cocoon" entrance tunnel. This leads into a layered interior with quartzite, wood, and brass elements. An open-fire grill is a central feature, contributing to the restaurant's moody and refined atmosphere.
Birkdale Concierge
Bell Butler Design & Architecture, another New Orleans firm, earned a Merit Award for Birkdale Concierge in Huntersville, North Carolina. This minimalist pavilion serves as an anchor for an outdoor plaza. It features a distinct roofline and includes a stage designed for various public events. The project demonstrates how simple, elegant structures can enhance public spaces.
Nunez Community College Student Testing and Career Counseling Center
Holly & Smith Architects, from Hammond, was awarded a Merit Award for their design of the Nunez Community College Student Testing and Career Counseling Center in Chalmette. The new campus building was described by judges as "very handsome." It features metal panels in restrained, elegant colors. The design achieved a harmonious composition of both indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing facility for students.
Octavia Books + Scrambled Café
NANO, a New Orleans-based firm, received a Merit Award for their design of Octavia Books + Scrambled Café. This project skillfully merges a postmodern building with a historic corner store in the West Riverside neighborhood. Key features include pivoting bookcases, preserved brick walls, and a wood acoustic ceiling. Judges praised how the design "took advantage of a historic building with hidden character by exposing it and integrating a modern aesthetic."
Performance Pavilion at Luther George Park
Trahan Architects, also from New Orleans, received a Merit Award for the Performance Pavilion at Luther George Park in Springdale, Arkansas. The sculptural structure draws inspiration from the rolling Ozark hills. It frames views across the site while serving as both a stage and a shade canopy. Judges described the pavilion as "unique in its design and innovative in construction," highlighting its creative form and function.
Individual Achievements in Architecture
Beyond project awards, AIA Louisiana also recognized individual professionals for their contributions to the field.
Emerging Professional Award
Mark Heck, principal of Studio^RISE in New Orleans, received the Emerging Professional Award. This award recognized his state-level leadership in architecture. Heck served as AIA Louisiana's 2024 board president. During his tenure, he played a key role in passing legislation that limits civil engineers' ability to practice architecture. He has also contributed to the boards of AIA New Orleans and the Louisiana Architecture Foundation, demonstrating a strong commitment to the profession.
Louisiana Associates Professional Achievement Award
Caroline Garfield, an intern architect with EskewDumezRipple in New Orleans, was honored with the Louisiana Associates Professional Achievement Award. As co-chair of the AIA New Orleans Committee on the Environment, Garfield has led significant education and advocacy efforts. Her work focuses on critical areas such as sustainability, stormwater management, healthy building materials, and affordable housing. Her dedication highlights the growing importance of environmental responsibility in architectural practice.
Future of Architecture
These individual awards underscore the importance of leadership and advocacy in shaping the future of architecture, particularly in areas like professional standards and environmental sustainability.
The 2025 AIA Louisiana Design Awards celebrated both the aesthetic and functional excellence of architectural projects across the state. They also acknowledged the professionals who drive innovation and uphold high standards within the industry. The diverse range of winning projects reflects a vibrant and forward-thinking architectural community dedicated to enhancing Louisiana's built environment.