Business Details
43 Years
experience
Trusted Architectural Design & Historic Preservation in New Orleans
At Williams Architects, we view architecture as a transformative force that shapes communities and preserves cultural heritage. With over 40 years of experience, our firm specializes in historic preservation, adaptive reuse, and new construction projects that honor the character of neighborhoods while meeting modern needs. Our collaborative approach prioritizes client vision, community impact, and sustainable solutions, supported by decades of relationships with local, state, and federal agencies.We are committed to creating spaces that enhance human experiences and contribute to the revitalization of urban environments. Our team of licensed architects and designers brings technical expertise and creative innovation to every project, ensuring quality execution from concept to completion. Recognized with awards from organizations like the American Institute of Architects, we continue to lead in architectural excellence across commercial, residential, and institutional sectors.
Services
Historic Preservation
Architectural Design
Interior Design
Urban Planning
Sustainable Design
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of experience in historic preservation and adaptive reuse projects.
- Our team includes licensed architects with expertise in sustainable design solutions.
- We maintain deep relationships with local regulatory agencies to streamline project approvals.
- Our collaborative approach ensures client visions are realized within budget and timeline.
- Recognized with awards from the Vieux Carr Commission and American Institute of Architects.
Associations and certifications
- American Institute of Architects (AIA)
- National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)
Services
Historic Preservation
Specializing in preserving architectural heritage, we restore historic buildings while integrating modern functionality. Our expertise includes adaptive reuse of 19th and 20th-century structures, ensuring compliance with preservation guidelines. Clients benefit from our deep knowledge of historical materials and techniques combined with contemporary sustainability practices.
Architectural Design
We create custom architectural solutions for new constructions and renovations. Our design process emphasizes spatial innovation, material selection, and environmental context. Clients receive tailored designs that balance aesthetic vision with practical requirements across commercial, residential, and institutional sectors.
Interior Design
Our interior design services focus on functional and aesthetic optimization of interior spaces. We develop layouts that enhance user experience while maintaining architectural integrity. Services include material specification, lighting design, and furniture selection aligned with client branding and operational needs.
Urban Planning
We provide planning services for neighborhood revitalization and sustainable urban growth. Our approach considers historical context, zoning regulations, and community needs. Clients receive strategic plans that promote walkability, mixed-use development, and preservation of cultural landmarks.
Sustainable Design
Integrating eco-friendly practices into all project phases, we deliver energy-efficient building solutions. Our sustainable design services include LEED certification guidance, material lifecycle analysis, and passive design strategies. Clients benefit from reduced environmental impact and long-term operational cost savings.
People
John C. Williams
Principal Architect
With over 35 years in architecture, John founded Williams Architects in 1983. He specializes in historic preservation and large-scale projects, holding licenses in five states. His leadership has earned the firm numerous design awards and a reputation for community-focused design.
Laura Williams
Administrator
Laura co-founded the firm and oversees administrative operations. With a background in architecture and education, she manages transformative residential projects while maintaining the firm's collaborative culture and innovative approach.
Emile LeJeune
Project Architect
A registered architect with expertise in contemporary and traditional design, Emile brings technical proficiency in BIM and 3D rendering. His experience spans residential and hospitality projects, combining hands-on construction knowledge with digital design innovation.
Jean Kijko
Interior Designer
With 35+ years in interior design, Jean specializes in translating client needs into functional spaces. Her expertise covers space planning, material selection, and project coordination, ensuring interiors align with architectural vision and user requirements.
Kiley Lewis
Project Manager
A New Orleans native with 24 years of experience, Kiley leads design and construction projects across multiple sectors. She focuses on collaborative client partnerships and community revitalization efforts, currently pursuing architectural licensure.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialize in?
We specialize in historic preservation, adaptive reuse, new construction, interior design, and urban planning projects across commercial, residential, and institutional sectors.
How do you approach historic building restoration?
Our approach combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, ensuring historical accuracy while meeting current building codes and sustainability standards through detailed material analysis.
Can you work on projects outside New Orleans?
While based in New Orleans, we've completed projects throughout Louisiana and the Southeastern United States, maintaining the same commitment to quality and community engagement.
How do you ensure projects stay on budget?
We implement rigorous cost control measures from initial planning through construction, using our extensive experience to anticipate challenges and maintain financial transparency with clients.
What makes your firm unique?
Our combination of historic preservation expertise, community-focused design philosophy, and multi-generational team experience creates distinctive architectural solutions tailored to each project's context.
How do you handle regulatory approvals?
We leverage decades of relationships with local, state, and federal agencies to navigate complex approval processes efficiently, ensuring compliance while protecting client interests.
