MetroStudio

MetroStudio Versatile in approach, MetroStudio offers solutions to the variety of challenges inherent in any project: technical, budgetary, schedule, or other.

MetroStudio New Orleans is a full service architecture, planning & design firm with extensive experience in adaptive reuse and historic restoration, commercial, residential, hospitality, and educational projects. It is with careful orchestration that we execute our design process from planning through construction, guiding our clients’ purest idea to realize fully-developed, sustainable architectu

re. We believe that each design must evolve with our shared environments. The best design resonates with community, emboldening vibrancy among shared cultural, social, and environmental spaces. It is an inclusive process that merges holistic function with refined design. MetroStudio established its New Orleans office in 2006 in response to the Principals’ (Robert Zwirn and Kenneth Gowland) desire to play a role in the rebuilding of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region. With a combined 50+ years of professional experience the firm personnel possess a wide range of experience, including backgrounds in large and small institutional, aviation and commercial projects (schools, museums, high rise office towers, multi-family, hospitality, health care as well as, single family residential). MetroStudio’s current projects range from the restoration and re-use of historic buildings, to the design and construction of large scale commercial structures. The firm has consistently worked to develop strong partnerships with local regulatory agencies in an effort to support our client’s need for timely project approvals. MetroStudio has successfully provided support to our clients for zoning approvals, variances, conditional use approvals, Historic District approvals, State Fire Marshal appeals/approvals, DHH approvals, etc. The firm understands that this is a key component of the services that it provides. Now in its 15th year, MetroStudio continues to grow and develop with our clients and our community. Since its inception, the Firm has continually expanded both in terms of size and scope of services. We recognize that every problem is an opportunity to employ creativity and ingenuity for lasting and positive effect. MetroStudio garners national recognition for its ability to formulate inventive and expedient solutions to the problems of the built environment.

05/27/2026

40 homes. 1 historic, adaptive reuse structure. Reimagined.

A colorful new community is taking shape near the Lafitte Greenway in New Orleans. With history, diverse home sizes, rich landscaping, and architecture designed to bring energy to the neighborhood, this project is nearing completion — rain or shine.

Excited to be advancing the masterplan for a transformational new destination on the Gulf Coast integrating hospitality,...
05/21/2026

Excited to be advancing the masterplan for a transformational new destination on the Gulf Coast integrating hospitality, gaming, entertainment, and a first-of-its-kind indoor waterpark experience.

Designed as a year-round destination, the waterfront project aims to bring new energy, tourism, and long-term investment to the region while creating an immersive experience for visitors of all ages.

Breathing new life into a piece of history. This adaptive reuse project transforms an early 1900s building, once home to...
05/06/2026

Breathing new life into a piece of history.

This adaptive reuse project transforms an early 1900s building, once home to the Mississippi Cane Syrup Company, into unique group lodging. The entire development, design and construction team is excited to see the progress unfold.

At MetroStudio, we are proud to preserve the character and integrity that make this and so many other New Orleans' structures so special. Stay tuned for updates on construction!

04/24/2026

One of the most significant adaptive reuse efforts in the city is underway.

Foundation and site work are officially in motion for the Newlab building on the NSA campus (the former Naval Support Activity site in the Bywater). Historic structures meet the energy of modern construction, offering a glimpse of what’s ahead.

MetroStudio’s master plan is transforming this riverfront into a destination, with over 500K sq ft of adaptive reuse designed to bring together research, technology, food, and public space into one connected ecosystem. A new riverfront park is also on the horizon, further anchoring the site as a community asset. We are very excited to be a part of this development team.

Mandeville, it’s happeningThe new Trader Joe’s is coming together fast - like, blink-and-there’s-progress fast. The whol...
04/17/2026

Mandeville, it’s happening

The new Trader Joe’s is coming together fast - like, blink-and-there’s-progress fast. The whole build is moving right along, and you can really see it taking shape now.

And it’s not just the building - extras like the upgraded parking lot and refreshed façade are leveling up the whole site.

 Safe to say the excitement is real, and with a summer opening on the way…we’re counting down.

  Community

03/27/2026

A new addition is coming to life at Freret & Napoleon.

The upcoming Trader Joe's, designed by MetroStudio, has been thoughtfully planned to fit right into the historic character of the Freret neighborhood-bringing a fresh retail space while staying true to the area's identity. Construction is moving along - walls are up, interiors are taking shape, and landscaping is going in to enhance the street and pedestrian experience. Looking forward to opening our doors to the community later this year.

Design

Early foundation phase for the new construction, commercial buliding on Magazine St.: rebar set, forms aligned, and ever...
01/28/2026

Early foundation phase for the new construction, commercial buliding on Magazine St.: rebar set, forms aligned, and everything prepped before the concrete pour.

The behind-the-scenes moment where precision matters most ensuring a foundation that’s strong, aligned, and fully code-compliant.

From the ground up, this is where the vision starts to take shape.

Turning Space Into Place Among the historic brick walls of a long-abandoned military complex, local officials and the Ma...
01/23/2026

Turning Space Into Place


Among the historic brick walls of a long-abandoned military complex, local officials and the Mayor along with the design team (shown) including MetroStudio, officially broke ground yesterday on the $300M adaptive reuse project.

The former Naval Support Activity site in Bywater is set to become one of New Orleans’ most ambitious projects—bringing together affordable housing and technology-driven economic development on the riverfront.

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Articles linked in bio

At MetroStudio, we design for community. Cement is poured at the new Trader Joe’s location in the Freret neighborhood, a...
01/21/2026

At MetroStudio, we design for community.

Cement is poured at the new Trader Joe’s location in the Freret neighborhood, and construction is moving fast. Excited to see the roof going up soon. Stay tuned for updates!

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01/07/2026

MetroStudio is excited to be part of the redevelopment of the historic Naval Support Facility along the Mississippi River in the Bywater neighborhood of New Orleans

Originally built in 1919, this iconic site is being reimagined as a hub for affordable housing, energy + technology innovation, and vibrant riverfront public space. MetroStudio is proud to provide master planning, architectural design, historic restoration, and urban design services for the overall site and the 500,000 SF riverfront warehouse.

Grateful to collaborate with Gibbs Development, GNO Inc., the Greater New Orleans Foundation, the New Orleans Office of Economic Development, and Louisiana Economic Development in bringing this vision to life.

Address

6501 Spanish Fort Boulevard
New Orleans, LA
70124

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 6pm
Tuesday 8am - 6pm
Wednesday 8am - 6pm
Thursday 8am - 6pm
Friday 8am - 12pm

Telephone

+15042833685

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