EskewDumezRipple

At our holiday party this year, one moment stood out. All those celebrated for their certifications and licenses were women. More striking was that, as two of the three of us stood up, now, every Black female practitioner in our firm had earned her WELL Certification. In an industry where recognition has long been shaped by established norms, the contributions of women and people of color often remain overlooked, despite their significant impact “behind the scenes”. Recognition is more than a pat on the back. It’s about access, opportunity, and power. It opens doors and creates space for us to define leadership on our terms. As McKinsey’s Diversity Wins report highlights, companies with greater diversity are 36% more likely to outperform competitors, yet the number of Black women in leadership roles remains low. The AIA’s Equity in Architecture survey shows that only 1 in 5 Black architects feel adequately represented in leadership, with fewer in decision-making spaces. The challenge is clear, and history shows that Black women have rarely had the luxury of waiting for anything. This year, I earned my LEED Green Associate and [spinning] WELL AP credential as a result of leading our firm's pursuit of WELL Certification for our new office, aligning design and operations with values of health, sustainability, and equity. This pursuit of visible recognition through frameworks like WELL offers us an opportunity to recognize what we're doing well and where we can improve, a reminder of the progress we've made and the work ahead. For those who have always done the work, waiting for the world to catch up, recognition is no longer just a formality. It’s a powerful tool for long-term change. Our work, presence, and leadership are crucial. I’m thankful for a firm that takes the time to celebrate everyone’s achievements in the best type of spectacle, creating a memorable and impactful event for us all. #DiversityInDesign #WomenInLeadership #BlackWomenInArchitecture #Sustainability #LEEDCertification #WELLCertification

Spreading holiday cheer from our EskewDumezRipple family to yours! 🎉✨ We had a wonderful time celebrating the season together and wish you joy, warmth, and happiness this holiday season. Here's to a bright New Year ahead! Big thank you to the party-planning experts Jeannine G. Ford, Kijuan Poland, MBA, SHRM-CP and Whitney Smith! & congratulations to our newly-certified firm members! Aïda Ayuk, Michelle Alicia Simms, NCIDQ, IIDA, WELL AP, Michelle Carroll-Barr, Sarah Rivard, Rainey Charbonnet, WELL AP, Malina Pickard, AIA, LEED GA! Your hard work is truly impressive, and we are excited to see what you do next! Also, thanks to Chris Pietsch for the amazing 3D-printed headpieces!

Chemical flame retardants were created to protect lives, but their lasting impact on human and environmental health tells a different story. In our latest blog, Theresa Mark, our research fellow, explores the history of flame retardants, their unintended consequences, and how designers can create healthier spaces. From policy shifts to material innovations, discover how the built environment can evolve for the better. Ready to make a difference? Dive into our blog to learn how material choices shape the health of people and the planet. https://bit.ly/40aXdJT

Tsunami Restaurant, New Orleans A fusion of natural elements and Japanese-inspired design create a dynamic, inviting space. From the vibrant sushi bar to intimate seating areas, every detail enhances the experience. https://bit.ly/4iJC94b

As part of our "Living in a Materials World" Research Fellowship, 2024-2025 Fellow Theresa Mark is diving deep into the health, equity, and environmental impacts of the materials shaping our built environment. In this new four-part blog series, Theresa explores common materials like flame retardants, gypsum wallboard, and carpets—unpacking their challenges and showcasing actionable solutions for a healthier, more sustainable future. Follow along weekly for insights, resources, and conversations that empower designers to make meaningful change. Check out the first post now: https://bit.ly/4fcd5Qq

Designed to enhance both human and environmental performance, CODE integrates innovative strategies that prioritize health and sustainability. A low-emissions material palette and a ventilation system delivering twice the standard fresh air flow improve cognitive and decision-making abilities—all while consuming only one-third the energy of a typical office building. These choices, coupled with a meticulous focus on reducing embodied carbon during construction, create a workplace that is not only environmentally responsible but also deeply supportive of employee well-being and productivity. https://bit.ly/3ITfQHK Photo by Alan Karchmer Center of Developing Entrepreneurs (CODE)

Exciting updates for Loyola University New Orleans! This new dorm will greatly impact the on-campus experience for students, and we are excited to watch as the project grows. Thanks for sharing, BATTURE LLC!

We're thrilled to share that Aïda Ayuk, our dedicated Sustainability Design Coordinator, has achieved WELL AP certification through the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI)! 🎉 Aida’s journey with us began with a year-long Research Fellowship focused on Design Equity, and she has since become an integral part of our team. Her passion for innovation, equitable design, and sustainable solutions has greatly influenced our studio. This new certification is a testament to her unwavering dedication to advancing the design industry and fostering healthier, more inclusive environments. We couldn’t be prouder of you, Aida! Join us in celebrating this well-deserved achievement!

True Friends Hall, a small but resilient building in Donaldsonville, Louisiana, has sheltered Black voices and stories for over a century. From above, its fragile roof stands surrounded by sprawling petrochemical plants in Cancer Alley, where pollution and cancer rates are among the highest in the country. Built in 1886, True Friends Hall served as a gathering place and support network for Donaldsonville’s African American community facing social and economic exclusion. It is the largest and oldest surviving benevolent society hall in Louisiana. As we droned over and walked through the site, locals stopped by, drawn by the familiar but fading structure and the hum of the drone, a sign that something once vital was being remembered. “Imagine all the civil rights organizing that must’ve happened here,” “I remember dancing here when I was 14—I’m 64 now." True Friends Hall is a testament to resilience. Even when institutions change or falter, places like this endure. Surrounded by industrial giants and environmental harm, it reminds us of the power of staying rooted and holding ground. It forces us to question: do we let our communities disperse, or do we build spaces that honor those who stay and fight? Can beauty and memory act as a defiance against the encroaching industries, outlasting them in the name of those who have been here first?

The 2024 Building Tour in Lafayette was a success! Our New Orleans studio made the trip to Lafayette to explore some of our past projects, including the Hilliard Art Museum at University of Louisiana at Lafayette, the Louisiana Immersive Technologies Enterprise (LITE), and the Acadiana Center for the Arts—all designed by EskewDumezRipple! We’re grateful to see these projects thriving and to take the opportunity to study our past work. This reflection is invaluable for informing and inspiring our current design practice. Fun fact: At Hilliard Art Museum at ULL, the light installation featured in the third photo was created by our architects and became so iconic that the Museum incorporated its pattern into their logo! https://bit.ly/3AAcycU