About Us
Our History
165+ Years of Architecture in New Orleans
From the antebellum era to today’s cutting-edge designs, AIA New Orleans has been shaping the built environment of our city for more than a century. Our story is one of professional excellence, civic leadership, and—true to New Orleans spirit—knowing how to celebrate along the way.
The Early Years:
Founding a Profession (1857-1909)
The American Institute of Architects was founded in New York in 1857, but it took until 1887 for architecture to establish roots in Louisiana. That year, the Louisiana State Association of Architects formed as a local chapter of the Western Association, with Thomas Sully as its first president.
The architectural landscape evolved rapidly at the turn of the century. In 1905, fourteen architectural draftsmen founded the Louisiana Architectural Association, which immediately made its mark by:
- Establishing an architectural course at Tulane University
- Creating night classes for draftsmen
- Publishing the city’s first architectural magazine, Architectural Art and Its Allies
- Developing regulations for local design competitions
Birth of AIA New Orleans:
The Whitney Bank Controversy (1909)
The New Orleans chapter of the AIA was born from controversy. In 1909, flagrant violations of design competition regulations by one of the city’s largest banks—the Whitney-Central National Bank—sparked outrage in the architectural community.
Allison Owen, editor of Architectural Art, captured the moment perfectly:
“One result of the Whitney-Central National Bank competition… has been crystallization of the feeling among some architects towards the foundation of a chapter of the American Institute in New Orleans… a local association… can never have such an extended sphere of influence as it would assume when it becomes part of a great national body of men who stand for all that is highest and best.”
Guy Stone became the first president of what was then the thirtieth AIA chapter nationwide and only the second in the South.
The Spirit of New Orleans:
Work Hard, Celebrate Harder
Memorable Moments
The First Social Event (1910):
A day-long excursion across Lake Pontchartrain on Walter Jahncke’s yacht ended with “Blue Roof” Mackenzie’s pants hoisted up the mast, S. Labouisse climbing the rigging to escape fellow revelers, and Charles Favrot nearly beaching the boat.
The architectural landscape evolved rapidly at the turn of the century. In 1905, fourteen architectural draftsmen founded the Louisiana Architectural Association, which immediately made its mark by:
- Establishing an architectural course at Tulane University
- Creating night classes for draftsmen
- Publishing the city’s first architectural magazine, Architectural Art and Its Allies
- Developing regulations for local design competitions
The Morphy House Meeting (1911):
The chapter’s first large meeting in the courtyard of the Paul Morphy House (now Brennan’s) featured everyone toasting outgoing President Guy Stone while conducting the serious business of proposing a downtown atelier.
Prohibition Era Ingenuity (1930):
When Prohibition threatened chapter social life, Secretary H.M. Favrot issued these memorable meeting directions:
“Sneak up the winding stairway at Galatoire’s, rap three times, then duck, but don’t run. If the countersign has been directly delivered the other boys will be found waiting.”
Building New Orleans
Our Civic Legacy
Over more than a century, AIA New Orleans has been instrumental in shaping our city’s development and preservation:
Early City Planning & Safety
- Developed building codes with the Fire Prevention Bureau
- Created fire districts and building height limits
- Established the Department of Buildings for code enforcement
- Removed public building design from the City Engineer’s office
World’s Fairs & Major Events
- 1915: Brought the World’s Fair to New Orleans celebrating the Panama Canal opening
- 1984: Hosted the World’s Fair celebrating the waters of the Mississippi
Professional Standards
- Created state licensing laws for architects
- Established a Board of Appeals with chapter representation
- Built greater influence in Legislature, City Council, and construction industry
Education & Academia
- Convinced Tulane to maintain its architectural program during financial difficulties
- Subsidized the program’s deficit
- Supported Nathaniel C. Curtis as faculty head
Historic Preservation Leadership
The chapter recognized early the importance of preserving New Orleans’ architectural heritage:
- Saved Gallier Hall, the St. Louis Hotel, and parts of Jackson Barracks
- Created maps identifying the city’s noteworthy buildings
- Worked to preserve the Vieux Carré
- Urged the city to establish the Vieux Carré Commission
Notable Projects
- Advocated for Congo (now Beauregard) Square as the site for the Municipal Auditorium, built in 1930 as a World War I memorial
National Leadership
AIA New Orleans has repeatedly hosted the National AIA Convention, welcoming architects from across the country in:
- 1919, 1938, 1959, 1984, 1997, and 2011
This frequent hosting demonstrates our chapter’s ongoing importance in the national architectural community.
Today and Tomorrow
The New Orleans chapter continues its tradition of addressing serious civic and architectural issues while maintaining its distinctive character. We remain committed to:
- Serving our membership
- Advancing the profession
- Improving our built environment
- Preserving our architectural heritage
- Celebrating excellence in design
As we look to the future, we carry forward more than 115 years of professional leadership, civic engagement, and the unique spirit that makes us unmistakably the New Orleans chapter.
This history was originally compiled by Creed W. Brierre, AIA, from research by Robert J. Cangelosi, Jr., AIA.