Fluid Architectural Design

Directions Website Contact the business

Fluid Architectural Design Residential and commercial; historic/non-historic; new construction and renovation.
(1)

Claire Pickering, Principal at Fluid Architectural Design, LLC, is licensed in Louisiana and has over 23 years of experience on a wide variety of project types and sizes.

I couldn't help but admire the Pioneer Livestock Pavilion during my visit to the Iowa State Fair. While most visitors we...
10/12/2026

I couldn't help but admire the Pioneer Livestock Pavilion during my visit to the Iowa State Fair. While most visitors were focused on the animals in the show ring, I found myself looking up at the incredible roof structure!

Built in 1886, this historic pavilion is a wonderful example of how architecture and engineering work together to create a functional, beautiful space. The soaring roof, exposed structural steel, and circular arrangement of seating allow for a large, unobstructed show ring while giving spectators a great view of the action.

I loved seeing the intricate network of trusses supporting the roof and the rows of windows bringing natural light into the enormous interior. There's something special about a building where the structure itself becomes part of the architectural experience.
And, of course, watching a miniature horse pulling a cart around the ring was an added bonus!

Buildings like this are such an important part of preserving the history and traditions of the Iowa State Fair. Have you ever visited a historic building and found yourself admiring the architecture as much as the event happening inside?

I didn’t expect a 600-pound cow sculpted from butter to steal my attention away from the architecture, but at the Iowa S...
10/01/2026

I didn’t expect a 600-pound cow sculpted from butter to steal my attention away from the architecture, but at the Iowa State Fair, it came pretty close!

The building itself is considered one of the best remaining examples of exposition-style architecture in the world. Built in 1904, the Agriculture Building was part of an effort to replace the Fairgrounds’ earlier wood-frame structures with permanent buildings of brick and stone.

I admired the red brick, giant arched windows, and grand columned entrance, but I may have loved the interior even more. On the inside, you can see the exposed steel structure including the trusses spanning the huge space juxtaposed with the warmth of the wood roof purlins and decking. It was designed to accommodate crowds and showcase the very best of Iowa agriculture.

The building still houses agricultural, horticultural, floral and produce exhibits, along with one of the Fair’s most famous traditions: the Butter Cow!

The tradition dates all the way back to 1911, when J.K. Daniels sculpted the Fair’s first Butter Cow. Since then, only five people have held the role of “official butter sculptor.” Norma “Duffy” Lyon became the first woman to take on the job in 1960, and today, the tradition continues with Sarah Pratt, who apprenticed with Duffy for 15 years before becoming the Fair’s fifth butter sculptor in 2006.

The life-size sculpture is created over a frame of wood, metal, wire and steel mesh using about 600 pounds of Iowa butter inside a 40-degree cooler. And, much of that butter can be reused for up to 10 years!

If you walked into this building, what would catch your attention first, the architecture or the Butter Cow? 🐄🏛️

What on earth is an Animal Learning Center?That was one of my questions when I came across the Paul R. Knapp Animal Lear...
09/24/2026

What on earth is an Animal Learning Center?

That was one of my questions when I came across the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

It looks like a pretty simple brick building, but if you look closer, there are some really thoughtful architectural details.

The 17,280-square-foot building uses large windows on the east and west sides and a continuous line of skylights running the length of the building, bringing natural light deep into what is otherwise a very large, enclosed space.

Its scale is impressive. The building measures 180 feet by 96 feet, with ceilings beginning at 22 feet high. It also includes a 4,800-square-foot covered exterior area.

During the Iowa State Fair, the building gives visitors an up-close look at livestock and agriculture, which makes the architecture particularly interesting to me. It has to accommodate animals, people, education and large crowds, all while creating a space that feels open and accessible, making it exceptionally well-designed for what happens inside.

Another fun architectural find from my time at the Iowa State Fair!

The Iowa State Fair may be known for its food, rides and livestock, but naturally, I found myself looking at the archite...
09/15/2026

The Iowa State Fair may be known for its food, rides and livestock, but naturally, I found myself looking at the architecture!

I had the chance to explore Pioneer Hall, the oldest building still standing on the Iowa State Fairgrounds, and the only survivor of 67 buildings constructed for the Fair’s first year at its permanent Des Moines location.

The exterior is charming, but the interior is where it really gets interesting. The soaring open space leaves much of the original wood framing exposed, so you can actually see how the roof and distinctive cupola are supported. I especially loved getting a closer look at the framing around the cupola and the way the windows bring natural light into such a large space.

Originally built as a poultry building, Pioneer Hall has served several purposes over nearly 140 years. Today, it’s filled with antiques, traditional crafts, music and demonstrations that celebrate Iowa’s history.

I love when an old building allows you to see not only what was built, but how it was built!

There’s a reason for that!One of the most beloved and beautiful features of historic New Orleans homes is also the most ...
09/10/2026

There’s a reason for that!

One of the most beloved and beautiful features of historic New Orleans homes is also the most functional: the deep front porch.
Before air conditioning, architecture had a much bigger role in keeping a home comfortable. A deep porch helped shade the exterior walls and windows from the Louisiana sun while providing protection from frequent rain.

The front porch also became an extension of the living space and a place to catch a breeze, visit with neighbors, and best of all, connect with neighbors.

This home in Esplanade Ridge is a beautiful example of how historic architecture responded to our climate while creating some of the details we now associate so closely with New Orleans.

Imagine designing the longest suspension bridge in the world… in the 1860s.As we walked across the John A. Roebling Susp...
09/03/2026

Imagine designing the longest suspension bridge in the world… in the 1860s.

As we walked across the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge during our family trip to Cincinnati, I marveled at how great a feat it was to design and build back then.

When it opened in 1867, its 1,057-foot main span made it the longest suspension bridge in the world. Even more fascinating, it was designed by John A. Roebling, who would later design the Brooklyn Bridge.

It’s hard not to appreciate the ingenuity required to create something of this scale without the technology and tools we rely on today. And beyond the architecture and engineering, it was just FUN! We walked across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Covington, Kentucky, literally crossing from one state to another on foot.

Its bright blue color was added in 1976 in honor of America’s bicentennial, and it was designated a National Historic Landmark a year prior.

One of my favorite parts of traveling is getting to experience pieces of architectural and engineering history like this in person. This one was definitely worth the walk!

There’s a reason for that 👀Ever wonder why dormer windows are such a familiar sight on historic New Orleans buildings?Do...
08/24/2026

There’s a reason for that 👀

Ever wonder why dormer windows are such a familiar sight on historic New Orleans buildings?

Dormers allowed builders to make better use of the space beneath a sloped roof, bringing natural light, ventilation and additional headroom into upper-level rooms.

Long before air conditioning, in a city where buildings were often designed for narrow lots, architectural features had to work hard. The roof, windows, doors and ceiling heights all played a role in creating more comfortable, functional spaces.

One of the best parts of working with historic architecture is getting to see how these details were actually constructed. During restoration, layers that have been covered for generations are temporarily exposed, giving us a glimpse into how these buildings were put together.

Sometimes understanding why a detail exists makes you appreciate it even more.

Would you walk into a home if you knew its walls had been keeping secrets for nearly 140 years?The 1886 Mollie Walters H...
08/06/2026

Would you walk into a home if you knew its walls had been keeping secrets for nearly 140 years?

The 1886 Mollie Walters House is one of the last remaining buildings from Galveston's historic red-light district, once known as "The Line" during the island's Free State of Galveston era. Built by entrepreneur Mollie Walters, the home originally served as an elegant bo****lo.

Recently, the owners completed an extensive rehabilitation that stabilized the foundation, restored the original wood windows, rebuilt a missing bay window using historic photographs, stripped the original millwork back to its natural wood, and even incorporated flood-resistant materials on the first floor to better protect the home. Today, the fully restored property is available as a luxury vacation rental, allowing guests to experience a piece of Galveston's history firsthand.

One detail I especially loved was the intricate Victorian porch balustrades. The repeating cutout pattern adds texture, rhythm, and craftsmanship to what could have otherwise been a simple porch. Along with the restored heart pine floors, tall windows, rich millwork, and floral wallpaper, the house beautifully balances its Victorian character with modern updates.
It's amazing how a single house can tell a story about the complicated history of an entire city.

One of the biggest surprises from my trip to Galveston wasn't a house at all!Elissa, built in 1877 has been beautifully ...
07/21/2026

One of the biggest surprises from my trip to Galveston wasn't a house at all!

Elissa, built in 1877 has been beautifully restored and now serves as the official Tall Ship of Texas. Even more exciting, she's representing Galveston as part of Sail 250, joining the fleet celebrating America's 250th anniversary with stops in ports across the East Coast this summer.

As someone who loves architecture and history, I appreciate this type of craftsmanship. This tall ship shows a very different era of engineering when ships were designed as both functional machines and works of art.

It's amazing how much history Galveston has preserved. If you’re planning a trip, make a visit to Elissa! She’s still sailing after 150 years.

I was excited to participate in this year's Galveston Historic Homes Tour, an event that gives you the rare opportunity ...
07/14/2026

I was excited to participate in this year's Galveston Historic Homes Tour, an event that gives you the rare opportunity to step inside some of the island's most remarkable homes.

One of the tour’s homes, The Sam and Edna Maceo House, is a spectacular example of mid-century modern design. Built in 1951 on four lots in Galveston's Cedar Lawn neighborhood, this 6,000-square-foot home was thoughtfully designed around a central pool, creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living.

One of the most fascinating details? The home was designed by the same architectural firm responsible for Frank Sinatra's Palm Springs home, and the similarities in the floor plan are easy to recognize.

While I loved the open layout, walls of glass, and colorful built-in cabinetry, my favorite architectural moment was the carport. The repeating vertical fins create beautiful patterns of light and shadow that transform a functional space into something truly memorable. It's a perfect example of how great architecture considers not just form, but the experience of moving through a space.

This home is a wonderful reminder that thoughtful design can feel just as inspiring more than 70 years later as it did the day it was built.

Stay tuned. There were so many incredible homes on this tour!

Address

7500 Oak Street
New Orleans, LA
70118

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5am
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Fluid Architectural Design posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Fluid Architectural Design:

Shortcuts

Sponsored

Share

Category