Business Details
34 Years
experience
Award-Winning Architectural Design Solutions
Trahan Architects is a globally recognized architecture firm founded in 1992 by Trey Trahan in New Orleans. Our practice is rooted in the belief that mindful design of everyday spaces elevates the human experience. With offices in New Orleans and New York, we blend regional authenticity with global perspectives, creating structures that reflect the uniqueness of people's lives. Our work has earned over 100 national and international awards, including recognition as the #1 design firm by Architect Magazine. We approach each project as part of a unique ecosystem, integrating artistic expression, technical innovation, and material sensitivity to create impactful, responsible, and aesthetically sublime designs. Our portfolio spans cultural, academic, athletic, residential, and ecological preservation projects, including the USA Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka and the Coca-Cola Stage at the Alliance Theatre.We prioritize open dialogue with clients and communities, ensuring our designs contribute to the health of ecologies, cities, and economies. Our team of skilled professionals fosters a collaborative environment that enriches both company culture and project outcomes. Sustainability and cultural preservation are central to our practice, as demonstrated in projects like the New Orleans Cultural Burial Museum and Healing Complex. We remain committed to advancing architectural excellence through continuous learning, innovation, and a deep respect for the communities we serve.
Services
Cultural Architecture
Civic Design
Academic Facilities
Sustainable Design
Ecological Preservation
Performing Arts Venues
Museum Design
Convention Centers
Residential Architecture
Public Space Development
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- Ranked #1 design firm by Architect Magazine in 2019
- Recipient of over 100 national and international design awards
- Specialized expertise in sustainable and culturally responsive architecture
- Proven track record with complex, high-profile projects like the USA Pavilion at Expo 2025
- Collaborative approach integrating client and community input throughout the design process
What people say
Culturally significant designs
Sustainable approach
Award-winning excellence
Innovative solutions
Client-focused process
Services
Cultural Architecture
We create culturally significant spaces that preserve heritage and foster community engagement. Our designs integrate historical context with modern functionality, ensuring spaces reflect local identity while meeting contemporary needs. Projects like the New Orleans Cultural Burial Museum demonstrate our commitment to honoring cultural traditions through innovative architectural solutions.
Sustainable Design
Our sustainable approach prioritizes environmental responsibility without compromising aesthetic quality. We incorporate energy-efficient systems, recycled materials, and climate-responsive designs, as seen in the USA Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, which utilizes modular construction and repurposed materials for minimal environmental impact.
Civic Design
We transform urban environments into functional, inspiring public spaces that enhance community life. Our civic projects, like Luther George Park, combine practicality with artistic expression to create accessible, multi-use areas that foster social interaction and environmental stewardship.
Academic Facilities
We design learning environments that promote engagement and innovation. Our academic projects integrate flexible spaces, natural light, and technology to support modern pedagogical approaches while creating inspiring settings for students and educators across all educational levels.
Ecological Preservation
Our ecological work focuses on protecting natural environments through sensitive design interventions. We specialize in projects that balance human needs with habitat conservation, employing techniques like native landscaping, water management systems, and sustainable materials to minimize ecological footprints.
People
Trey Trahan
Founder/CEO
Victor F. Trey Trahan, III, FAIA, founded the firm in 1992. He has led the practice to international recognition, emphasizing cultural sensitivity and sustainable design principles.
Brad McWhirter
Partner
With extensive experience in complex architectural projects, Brad contributes technical expertise and design leadership to the firm's diverse portfolio of work.
Margaret Jankowsky
Director of Urban Design
Margaret specializes in integrating architectural projects with broader urban contexts, ensuring cohesive, sustainable development that enhances community environments.
Oana Bunea-Velea
Technical Director
Oana oversees technical execution of projects, ensuring precision in translating conceptual designs into built environments that meet the highest standards of quality and functionality.
Robbie Eleazer
Design Director
Robbie leads design teams in creating innovative solutions that balance artistic vision with practical requirements across the firm's diverse project types.
Questions
What architectural services does Trahan Architects specialize in?
We specialize in cultural, civic, academic, and ecological architecture, with expertise in sustainable design and historic preservation.
Where is Trahan Architects based?
Our headquarters are in New Orleans, Louisiana, with additional offices in New York City.
What makes Trahan Architects unique?
Our approach combines regional authenticity with global perspectives, emphasizing sustainability and cultural responsiveness in every project.
How does Trahan Architects handle international projects?
We apply our core design principles while respecting local contexts, as demonstrated in projects like the USA Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka.
What awards has Trahan Architects received?
We've earned over 100 awards including AIA honors, American Architecture Awards, and recognition as the #1 design firm by Architect Magazine in 2019.
