Business Details
34 Years
experience
Award-Winning Architecture Firm in New Orleans
Trahan Architects mobilizes artistry, empathy, and innovation to develop thoughtful, refined structures that enhance quality of life. Founded in 1992 by Trey Trahan in New Orleans, the firm is recognized as the #1 design firm by Architect Magazine and has received over 100 national and international awards. Our approach integrates rootedness, sustainability, and materiality, creating spaces that reflect the uniqueness of human experiences while prioritizing ecological responsibility. With offices in New Orleans and New York, we engage in a collaborative dialogue with clients and communities to shape environments that resonate across time.Our portfolio spans cultural, academic, residential, and ecological preservation projects, including the USA Pavilion for Expo 2025 Osaka and the Caesars Superdome renovation. We emphasize transparency, ethical practices, and a commitment to healing through design, demonstrated by initiatives like Fondation Trahan, which focuses on cultural and ecological conservation. Our team combines technical expertise with artistic expression to deliver impactful, aesthetically sublime architecture that addresses contemporary challenges while honoring historical and environmental contexts.
Services
Cultural Architecture
Performing Arts Venues
Civic Infrastructure
Academic Facilities
Ecological Preservation
Residential Design
Museum Development
Urban Planning
Historic Restoration
Sustainable Design
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience in innovative architectural design.
- Our firm has received over 100 national and international design awards.
- We integrate sustainability and cultural sensitivity into every project.
- Our collaborative approach ensures client needs shape every design decision.
- We lead with ethical practices through initiatives like Fondation Trahan.
What people say
Innovative designs
Cultural sensitivity
Sustainability focus
Award-winning expertise
Collaborative approach
Services
Cultural Architecture
Trahan Architects creates culturally significant spaces that honor historical context while embracing modern innovation. Our work includes museums, memorials, and community centers that foster cultural engagement. Projects like the New Orleans Cultural Burial Museum and Healing Complex demonstrate our ability to blend storytelling with architectural form, creating spaces that resonate with local heritage and contemporary needs.
Performing Arts Venues
We design performance spaces that enhance acoustic quality and audience experience while serving as community landmarks. The Coca-Cola Stage at the Alliance Theatre exemplifies our expertise in creating dynamic environments for artistic expression. Our approach balances technical requirements with aesthetic innovation, ensuring venues become cultural hubs that inspire both performers and audiences.
Ecological Preservation
Our ecological projects prioritize environmental stewardship through sustainable materials and site-sensitive design. Initiatives like Fundo Tic Toc in Chile demonstrate our commitment to conservation-focused architecture. We integrate natural systems into our designs, creating spaces that heal ecosystems while providing functional value, aligning with global sustainability standards.
Historic Restoration
Trahan specializes in preserving architectural heritage while adapting spaces for modern use. The Caesars Superdome renovation showcases our ability to maintain historical integrity while implementing contemporary upgrades. We employ meticulous research and traditional craftsmanship to restore buildings' original character while meeting current safety and functionality requirements.
Urban Planning
We create holistic urban environments that balance functionality with aesthetic appeal. Projects like the Laredo Convention Center demonstrate our expertise in integrating architecture with cityscapes. Our approach considers pedestrian flow, sustainability, and cultural context to develop spaces that enhance urban living and foster community interaction.
People
Trey Trahan
Founder/CEO
Trey Trahan founded the firm in 1992 and serves as CEO. He was elected to the National Academy of Design and leads with a vision for ethical, impactful architecture. His work spans 30+ years and includes numerous international awards.
Brad McWhirter
Partner
Brad McWhirter contributes as a partner with expertise in design leadership. He plays a key role in shaping the firm's architectural vision and mentoring team members. His work emphasizes material innovation and spatial storytelling.
Margaret Jankowsky
Director of Urban Design
Margaret Jankowsky leads urban design initiatives with a focus on sustainable city planning. She brings expertise in integrating architecture with broader urban contexts. Her work emphasizes community engagement and ecological sensitivity.
Oana Bunea-Velea
Technical Director
Oana Bunea-Velea oversees technical execution of projects, ensuring precision in design implementation. She bridges creative vision with engineering requirements. Her expertise ensures complex architectural concepts become reality.
Robbie Eleazer
Design Director
Robbie Eleazer leads design efforts with a focus on material exploration and spatial innovation. He contributes to the firm's award-winning projects through creative problem-solving. His work emphasizes the intersection of art and architecture.
Questions
What architectural services does Trahan Architects offer?
We provide cultural, academic, residential, and ecological design services, including historic restoration and urban planning projects globally.
What awards has Trahan Architects won?
We've received over 100 awards including AIA honors, American Architecture Awards, and the Architect Magazine 50 ranking.
Do you work on international projects?
Yes, we've completed projects in Japan, Chile, Canada, and across the United States.
What sustainability initiatives do you prioritize?
We integrate eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, and conservation-focused designs aligned with Fondation Trahan's ecological mission.
Can I visit Trahan-designed buildings?
Many projects like the Coca-Cola Stage and Louisiana State Museum are publicly accessible.
