New Orleans is a place for those who want to live an exciting life. Home of the famous Mardi Gras, the city exposes its residents to a rich culture filled with music, architecture, and traditional dishes. With 72 neighborhoods, there are plenty of options for those wishing to stay and experience the city’s exciting lifestyle. These neighborhoods house many multifamily buildings, apartments, and condominiums adding to the city’s rich architectural flavor. 

Moreover, New Orleans has many talented multifamily architects, nine of which are listed here. Most architects below are affiliated with professional organizations like the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). Many of them are committed to sustainable design practices with affiliations in the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Their longevity in the business spans from one decade to over a century.

Trahan Architects

701 Poydras St. Suite 150P, New Orleans, LA 70139

With its beginnings in New Orleans, Trahan Architects has become a globally known firm. Established in 1992, the firm has expanded and built offices in New York City and Atlanta. Its growth is attributed to its vision to elevate human experiences. With a clear goal, the firm creates structures that suit the needs of the client, as well as the environment. Guiding the firm to stay within this vision is Trey Trahan, FAIA. Building the firm 29 years ago, Trahan is an award-winning architect who has received the 2005 Architecture Review Emerging Architecture Award. His vast experience has helped the firm become internationally recognized. Under his leadership, the firm has claimed the top spot as the best design firm in AIA’s Architect Magazine. 

With a highly-acclaimed leader, the firm has designed award-winning projects. One of these is the Julia Street project, a 35,251-square-foot mixed-use development. This proposed project features two modern glass structures: one is a 16-story mid-rise and the other, a towering 49-story residential building. The latter is an impressive building meant to stand tall in the middle of New Orleans’ Central Building District. The two contemporary structures are great future additions to the city’s stunning architecture. For the impressive proposal, the firm has won the 2020 International Architecture Award from The Chicago Athenaeum.

Trapolin-Peer Architects

850 Tchoupitoulas St., New Orleans, LA 70130

Founded in 1981, Trapolin-Peer Architects believes that architecture restores and transforms communities. Based in New Orleans’ Warehouse District, the firm has handled different adaptive reuse, multifamily, and commercial projects crucial for shaping neighborhoods. With a team of artists, researchers, and educators, the firm provides outstanding services to help develop better communities. Heading this team is Peter Trapolin, FAIA, founder of the firm. Trapolin has over four decades of professional experience specializing in historic preservation. He is a well-recognized architect with several achievements including the AIA Scholastic Award for Excellence. With his guidance, the firm has created several important structures in New Orleans. 

One of the firm’s great contributions in New Orleans is the 800 Magazine project. This adaptive reuse development contains residential, commercial, and retail spaces. Situated within the Warehouse District, this 28,000 square feet project is a restoration of an old building constructed in 1844. Offering his expertise in the restoration project is Peter Trapolin. Under his direction, tax credits and public funding have been used to bring the exterior facade back into its original state. Inside, the facility has been developed to house modern townhouse-style apartments and retail shops. This successful project has gained multiple awards including the AIA Louisiana Award of Merit in 2017.

Albert Architecture

3221 Tulane Ave., New Orleans, LA 70119

Albert Architecture is a two-decade-old firm recognized by many organizations. Publications like Biz New Orleans, New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles, and The Times-Picayune have featured the firm multiple times. Affiliated with the AIA and NCARB, principal Richard Albert leads the firm in keeping its solid reputation. Albert is a University of Louisiana at Lafayette alumnus with licenses in different states. Starting the firm in 2000, Albert has always envisioned projects that enhance communities. His vision is fulfilled through collaboration between clients and architects. By using this approach, Albert has led his firm to create award-winning designs. 

One of the firm’s well-recognized projects is the Opelousas Avenue Apartments. Winning the Louisiana Landmarks Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation in 2019, this project is a renovation of a historic building. Formerly a Masonic Temple, the structure has been redesigned to contain industrial-style apartment units. During the design process, the firm has carefully retained original elements to preserve the character of the historic structure. For example, the facade’s brick details have been kept. Indoors, the concrete floors and steel windows effectively mesh with the apartment units’ industrial look.

Rozas Ward Architects

1100 Poydras St. Suite 3550, New Orleans, LA 70163

Established in 1991, Rozas Ward Architects’ success is a result of partnership. Partner Architects Darren Rozas and Charles Ward Jr. offer essential contributions in providing architectural services for New Orleans clients. Rozas, the firm’s Lead Medical Planner, offers his expertise in high-end healthcare projects. He is experienced in commercial, educational, and historic renovation projects as well. Ward, on the other hand, specializes in multifamily, financial, and educational projects. He has a client-centric approach that certainly helps in impressing clients. With a combined five decades of industry experience, Rozas and Ward work hand-in-hand to accomplish exceptional projects. 

Included in the firm’s impressive portfolio is the Saxony Condominiums project. Located in New Orleans, this multifamily residential building contains spacious modern condo units with up to three bedrooms. These units feature open-layout kitchens with state-of-the-art equipment, custom cabinetry, and quartz countertops. Each unit has a large balcony that opens up either to the neighborhood’s charming streets or the facility’s outdoor pool and yard. Other amenities included are a fitness room, covered parking spaces, and bike storage. The seven-story building sits on 104,000 square feet of land in the heart of Little Saxony.

Mathes Brierre Architects

201 St. Charles Ave. Suite 4100, New Orleans, LA 70170

Mathes Brierre Architects began over 130 years ago. Founded in 1891 by Charles A. Favrot and L.A. Livaudais, the firm has evolved into one of the country’s oldest and most reputable firms. The firm is currently run by Edward C. Mathes and Will Tregre. Mathes has led the company since 1972 and is Chairman of the firm. He takes care of the firm’s management structure and offers his mastery in accomplishing large-scale projects. Mathes has licenses in multiple states including Louisiana, Texas, and Georgia. Tregre, the firm’s President, has worked with the firm since 1984. His wide range of expertise covers real estate, telecommunications, and utility company projects. He handles complex engineering projects, as well as management and scheduling. With the two in the lead, the firm delivers exceptional architectural services for residential, commercial, and public projects.

In New Orleans, Mathes Brierre Architects provided services for the Canal 1535 development project in association with W Partnership. The project was led by Angela Morton, a Principal at the firm. Completed in 2019, the 62-million-dollar project involved new construction of a mixed-use facility. With nine stories, the building houses 5,000-square-foot retail space and 330 residential units. Amenities available for residents include a pool, piano lounge, dog park, workspace, and parking.

To see more of Mathes Brierre’s works, you can visit their website here.

Eskew Dumez Ripple

365 Canal St. Suite 3150, New Orleans, LA 70130

Based in New Orleans, Eskew Dumez Ripple commits to four key elements: design, environment, community, and clients. By focusing on these, the firm delivers top-notch services in New Orleans and Washington, D.C. This commitment has helped the firm complete different scales of projects, from small to complex ones. Regardless of budget and size, the firm applies the same level of dedication to help build communities and enhance people’s lives. With Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professionals (LEED AP), the firm accomplishes satisfactory projects that positively impact the environment. 

One of the firm’s well-thought-out projects is the 930 Poydras Residential Tower. Situated in New Orleans, this 462,000-square-foot mixed-use building is a stand-out. With 21 floors, the building takes advantage of the vertical space to give residents room to breathe amidst the highly-populated neighborhood. Incorporating smart, sustainable design solutions, the firm selectively applied glazing to the high-rise building. This has allowed necessary light to enter the structure while making it stand out from other existing city buildings. For the firm’s ingenious design, the firm has claimed many awards including the 2012 American Architecture Award. The stunning building has caught the attention of the press, gracing the pages of Architect magazine and New Orleans Architecture. 

The firm’s excellence in architecture comes from the excellent leadership of its many principals. Heading the pack is Steve Dumez, FAIA, co-founder of the firm. Dumez is a seasoned architect and former president of AIA Louisiana and AIA New Orleans. He has accomplished well-recognized projects gracing publications like the Architectural Record, Contract, and Interior Design magazines. Dumez is a proud alumnus of Yale University and Louisiana State University.

LACHIN Architects

5190 Canal Blvd. Suite 201, New Orleans, LA 70124

LACHIN Architects is a New Orleans-based architectural firm with a regional presence. Throughout the firm’s 70-year history, it has evolved through three generations of family leadership with a straightforward mission: to grow others. By empowering the firm’s staff, and focusing on client relationships, LACHIN Architects has grown into one of the top firms in Southeast Louisiana. The firm is guided by their talented staff, known for creating unique design solutions reflective of the clients’ needs and values. The firm’s consistent ability to perform is one of the biggest reasons for its customers’ continued loyalty.

A sample of the firm’s multi-family work is the Lake Avenue Apartments project also known as Marina Vista Apartments. Situated in Bucktown, Louisiana, this 30,000-square-foot multifamily project features low-rise buildings containing flats and townhomes. Each of these units has two baths and two bedrooms. Three stories in height, residents on the third floor have a view to the lakefront nearby. Reflective of its location, the Hardie siding, brick wainscoting, and maritime tones of its facade are reminiscent of the neighborhood and proximity to Lake Pontchartrain.

M2 Studio

1200 Annunciation St., New Orleans, LA 70130

Founded in 2010, M2 Studio is the youngest firm on the list, yet its eleven years have been extremely fruitful. It has handled small and large-scale projects in New Orleans and Baton Rouge. With licenses in Texas and New York, the firm is geared for expansion. The firm’s impressive growth is largely influenced by principal architect and founder ​​Charles J. Neyrey, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB. Affiliated with several professional organizations, Neyrey ensures that clients are always in good hands. Neyrey is a proud alumnus of the Louisiana State University with expertise in several projects including healthcare, hospitality, and multifamily. With 20 years of industry experience, he makes sure to keep up with the changing times. Neyrey has mastered the use of BMI and 3D design to significantly enhance customer experience and deliver superior results. 

Included in M2 Studios’ flawlessly executed projects is the 8616 OAK. This project has earned features in New Orleans Living, Biz New Orleans, and Curbed New Orleans. The mixed-use development is stunning. The quirky design of the exterior facade featuring geometric shapes, lines, and layering tones of white and gray reflects the vibrance of Uptown New Orleans. Continuity is seen indoors with clean lines and gray and white tones in the apartment units. The impressive modern building houses 21 contemporary residential units and retail space.

Williams Architects

824 Baronne St., New Orleans, LA 70113

Founded in 1980, Williams Architects is an exemplary firm respected in New Orleans. The firm’s reputation has been recognized by many for its sustainable and thoughtful services. With expertise both in architecture and interior design, the firm has helped transform different spaces in New Orleans. These transformations start with bright ideas cultivated by the firm’s creative professionals affiliated with the AIA and USGBC. Through collaboration, these experts provide new construction, historic preservation, and restoration services that inspire and amaze. 

Such inspiring designs include the firm’s work on The Annex. Completed in 2017, this 260,000-square-foot luxury apartment building was once a historic commercial site. Offering the firm’s expertise in adaptive reuse, the firm has successfully converted the structure by mixing new and old elements. The original facade featuring an Art Deco style has been kept. Indoors, modern design elements have been mixed with the building’s original features. As a result, each apartment unit has a unique style that exudes comfort and character. Adding appeal, privacy, and ample light is a charming courtyard in the middle of the residential building. 

Leading the firm in delivering successful results is John C. Williams. Williams has a master’s degree from Tulane University. He is a Registered Architect in various states including Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, and North Carolina. Much like his firm, he is a reputable architect, previously named president of the AIA New Orleans Chapter.