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Studio West Architecture and interior design for new and historic projects. We design educational, hospitality, and cultural spaces.

And finally, after many years of hard work, we're also pleased to share that Studio West's work on the historic landmark...
10/07/2026

And finally, after many years of hard work, we're also pleased to share that Studio West's work on the historic landmark of Karnofsky's Tailor Shop was granted an Award of Merit at AIA Louisiana, recognizing its meticulous restoration.

Studio West preserved this vital piece of cultural heritage brick by brick following Hurricane Ida, introducing a design strategy that blends preservation with climate responsiveness and innovation.

Studio West's Chada, also granted an Award of Merit at this year's AIA Louisiana. We are so inspired by the amazing feed...
10/07/2026

Studio West's Chada, also granted an Award of Merit at this year's AIA Louisiana.

We are so inspired by the amazing feedback this project has received since it first opened in January. Recognized for its thoughtful transformation of what is so common here in New Orleans: turning a classic New Orleans-style single-family home into a restaurant, the jury describes the design of the restaurant as a “beautiful expression of two different cultures convening to create a visually dynamic restaurant.”

Thank you again to our wonderful collaborators whose touch helped make this such a well-loved and charming place.

This past weekend, Studio West came home with a few awards from AIA Louisiana, the first being The Dog House with an Awa...
10/07/2026

This past weekend, Studio West came home with a few awards from AIA Louisiana, the first being The Dog House with an Award of Merit.

It's been a few years since we finished this project, so it's amazing to see it continue to have a lasting impact. It's so much more than a bar.

Many thanks to those whose care and collaboration have made this fabulous place truly one of a kind!

And finally, our dear friends at New Orleans landscape architecture firm@461900320500044 were also recognized at this ye...
09/28/2026

And finally, our dear friends at New Orleans landscape architecture firm@461900320500044 were also recognized at this year's IIDA Delta Regional Chapter Awards, receiving an Honorable Mention for their office renovation.

Studio West approached the refresh of their longtime office in the Lower Garden District with an interior renovation that is both strategic and inventive—improving functionality while reflecting the warmth and personality of the firm. That warmth extends beyond the interior palette and out to the entry, where a hand-painted mural by local artist Rachel Loyacono depicts a Louisiana native prairie composed entirely of regionally specific plant species. The mural reflects SMM’s commitment to native landscapes while creating a distinct sense of arrival for those visiting the studio.

We’re so thrilled to see this project recognized and grateful to share this honor with the SMM team and everyone who contributed to this fun and unique exercise in problem-solving.

We love to see Chada take home another award this year, this time with an Award of Excellence in the Hospitality (Small)...
09/28/2026

We love to see Chada take home another award this year, this time with an Award of Excellence in the Hospitality (Small) category at the 2026 IIDA Delta Regional Chapter Awards.

The interiors celebrate Thai culture and heritage through a rich material palette, layered with intricate details and found collectibles sourced from Thai street markets. Against the dark exterior, the warm amber glow of the Chada bar becomes a kind of lighthouse, drawing passersby into the restaurant to experience all that Chada has to offer.

It’s been such a treat to see such enthusiastic energy around the restaurant and to watch it become part of New Orleans’ fantastic restaurant and dining community. A big thank you to the entire Chada team, Glenn, and Chef Tom, as well as all of the wonderful collaborators who contributed their special touch and care to the project.

The fun and playful Chance in Hell was also honored at the 2026 IIDA Delta Regional Chapter Awards, receiving an Award o...
09/28/2026

The fun and playful Chance in Hell was also honored at the 2026 IIDA Delta Regional Chapter Awards, receiving an Award of Excellence in the Hospitality (Small) category.

What began as a pandemic-era experiment on Kitten N’ Lou’s front porch, making snoballs for neighbors with a secondhand SnoWizard ice machine, quickly grew into a popular and much-loved community gathering place throughout the summer months. Building on this spirit and Kitten N’ Lou's imagination, Studio West transformed the ground floor of a mixed-use building to create a permanent home for Chance in Hell —a colorful space that carries the energy of those early porch days into a destination for anyone looking to cool off with a snoball during New Orleans ' hot summer months.

A collaborative design process like no other. Thank you, Kitten and Lou, for sharing your vision with the community, and to the rest of our collaborators who, too, contributed their creative energy to this project.

We’re excited to share that Abita was recognized with an Award of Recognition in the Hospitality (Large) category at thi...
09/28/2026

We’re excited to share that Abita was recognized with an Award of Recognition in the Hospitality (Large) category at this year's IIDA Delta Regional Chapter Awards.

For nearly four decades, Abita Brewing Company has played a unique part in Louisiana’s cultural landscape. With its second location, Studio West had the opportunity to bring the brewery closer to the heart of New Orleans, transforming an underutilized warehouse along Tchoupitoulas Street into a working brewhouse and taproom centered around gathering, community, and celebration.

A big thank you to the Abita Brewing Tap Room team and all of the collaborators who helped bring this project to life!

We are deeply touched to share that Second Line in the Sky was honored with the 2026 Community Impact Award at the 2026 ...
07/17/2026

We are deeply touched to share that Second Line in the Sky was honored with the 2026 Community Impact Award at the 2026 AIA Nola Design Awards.

What began as a temporary memorial and lighting installation created through and with the community—as a way to create space, gather, and come together during an incredibly difficult time—has grown into something much larger. Soon to be a key part of the permanent French Quarter Terrorism Attack Memorial, we are deeply grateful to continue being part of this collective journey and to witness the power of what can happen when a community comes together.

The installation, suspended between twenty-one buildings and spanning three blocks, was originally imagined as a civic gesture for collective healing and remembrance, but turned out to be a powerful actor in fostering cultural and economic vitality, and ultimately ended up contributing to a 40% increase in area foot traffic during the 2025 holiday season compared to the previous year. At the end of the day, the project became what it is, and will continue to become, because of each of you.

Thank you to the jury for this recognition, our collaborators, and the countless community members who poured their hearts into supporting this vision. True impact, designed by community ❤️

Arnaud's & the French 75 Bar
gilbert

Fourteens Foundation

The extensively renovated 1894 historic restaurant and boutique inn, Copper Vine Winepub & Inn, was also honored at the ...
07/17/2026

The extensively renovated 1894 historic restaurant and boutique inn, Copper Vine Winepub & Inn, was also honored at the 2026 AIA New Orleans Design Awards, receiving a Commendation for Interior Architecture.

Copper Vine reimagines a storied New Orleans landmark by balancing historic character with a new vision for hospitality. The project transforms the space into an intimate contemporary boutique inn, shaped by a palette of texture, color, and local art while creating a seamless connection between the original building and its new addition.

Hats off to everyone who contributed their time, skill, and expertise in preserving this beloved New Orleans landmark while helping shape its next chapter.

Honored to celebrate a few recognitions at last night’s AIA New Orleans Design Awards, one of them being an Honor Award ...
07/17/2026

Honored to celebrate a few recognitions at last night’s AIA New Orleans Design Awards, one of them being an Honor Award for Interior Architecture for Chada.

“Chada,” which the restaurant is named after, refers to the traditional, highly ornate, tiered headdress worn in classical Thai dance—a symbol of beauty and cultural heritage. For us, the name became a way to honor the depth of Thailand’s traditions and Chef Tom's own relationship to the culture. It also inspired the amber-glowing custom millwork and intricately crafted bar, designed as an abstract interpretation of the headdress and a reflection of the embodied knowledge Chef Tom carries across culture and cuisine.

Since opening earlier this year, it has been an absolute joy to watch the excitement surrounding the restaurant and see the space embraced by the community. A big thanks to the entire Chada team to everyone's creativity, craftsmanship, and collaboration who helped along the way.

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New Orleans, LA

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