new OrleanS, la 70130 t 504.301.1622. F 504.324.6222 www.billeSpartnerS.
COm planning • prOjeCt DevelOpment • arChiteCture • interiOr DeSign • graphiC
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billespartners
INTERIOR DESIGN BROCHURE 2013
Billes Partners, LLC 1055 St. Charles Avenue | Suite 220 New Orleans, LA 70130 T 504.301.1622 F 504.324.6222 www.billespartners.com Planning
•
Project Development
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Architecture
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Interior Design
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Graphic Design
AWARDS PAGE 04 WHO WE ARE PAGE 06 WHAT WE DO PAGE 09 PROJECTS PAGE 11
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AWARDS Broad Street ReFRESH Project Honor Award “UnBuilt Architecture”, AIA New Orleans, 2013 Billes Partners named one of
50 Companies Louisiana Can’t Do Without 10/12 Corridor Magazine, Spring 2010
Award of Merit 2009 Repairs to the Louisiana Superdome - Phase II Improvements South Central Construction Magazine
LEED-Platinum Certificates (13) Make It Right Houses 2008-11
Whole Foods Market “Top Ten Buildings of the Past 10 Years” New Orleans Magazine, June 2007
New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA) Honor Award, AIA Louisiana, 2001 Honor Award, NOMA, 2002
Pioneer in Preservation, Honor Award Gerald W. Billes, AIA, 1997 Historic District Landmarks Commission, New Orleans, LA
Yosemite Drive Residence of Gerald W. Billes Honor Award, NOMA 2002
1999 CANstruction Competition Juror’s Favorite, AIA Local Chapter, New Orleans, LA
Xavier Univ. Library/Resource Center & Pharmacy Addition Honor Award, AIA Louisiana, 1995
Benjamin Franklin Senior High School Honor Award, AIA Gulf States, 1994
New Orleans Museum of Art Honor Award of Excellence, AIA Louisiana, 1993
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AWARDS Design Diaspora: Black Architects and International Architecture, 1970-1990 An Exhibition of Built Projects 1993
Audubon Aquarium of the Americas AIA Honor Award of Excellence 1991
Woldenberg Riverfront Park Honor Award of Design Excellence Southern Accents, 1991
Renovation of 839 St. Charles Avenue Award of Merit, AIA Local Chapter, 1990
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Expansion Design Citation, Progressive Architecture Journal, 1989
Riverfront Streetcar Stations Design Citation, Progressive Architecture Journal, 1989
Armstrong International Airport Concourse C Honorable Mention Pittsburgh Corning Glass Block Competition, 1988
Riverfront Floodwall Corridor Master Plan Honor Award, APA Louisiana, 1987
*Some of these projects were produced at Mr. Billes’ former firm where he was Principal-In-Charge for the project.
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WHO WE ARE Billes Partners was established as a vehicle for Gerald W. Billes to carry out his vision of creating innovative built environments that meet and surpass the expectations and needs of his clients. OUR MISSION To create environments that inspire a love of living. We will do this by creating beauty in the built environment, incorporating design innovation and a strong adherence to quality, and always being responsive to our clients, and to the communities and environments affected by our work.
OUR CORE VALUES Create - We will create beauty through the vehicle of our
designs. Our design process incorporates innovation, a strong adherence to quality, and the inspiration conributed by our talented design staff. Our goal for the designs we create is that they contribute to the communities in which they are located, and inspire those who use them. We have also created partnerships with our clients, consultants, and our company family that make our work enjoyable, meaningful, and effective. Innovate - Innovation is integral to our work at Billes Partners. We regularly look at alternatives in approaching both processes and
solutions that will maximize our benefit to our client. We work to achieve the specific needs of the client as our first priority, and we thrive on finding innovative solutions, whether related to project funding, space planning, project delivery systems or a myriad of other project components. For our team, design innovation always includes the implementation of a sustainability program. For some projects this may be achieving LEED Platinum certification; for others, it may be the inclusion of passive energy efficient systems. For each project we assess an appropriate sustainability approach. Inspire - We hope to inspire those who use the spaces we have created by their beauty and sensitivity, reinforcement of the
activities that take place within the design, and positive impact on the communities of which they are a part. Similarly, those with whom we work inspire us. We are also committed to providing leadership to inspire others, to strengthen our communities, and to elevate professionalism in design.
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WHO WE ARE Gerald W. Billes, AIA, NCARB, NOMA CEO | Principal
Mr. Billes established Billes Partners to reflect his unified vision and values. As an owner and principal of architectural and planning firms since 1975, Mr. Billes has extensive educational training and experience in architecture, urban design, and master planning. He is a licensed architect in three states and has managed numerous architectural and planning projects for clients in the public and private sectors. His work has included architectural design, master planning, interior design, land use and zoning, project feasibility studies, and transportation planning. Mr. Billes has served as an associate professor and adjunct professor at Tulane University‘s School of Architecture, and as an adjunct professor at Southern University’s School of Architecture. Mr. Billes has overseen the development of major projects, including the Hilton Hotel Master Plan, Phase II of the Aquarium of the Americas, New Orleans International Airport Concourse “C” Expansion, the French Market Revitalization Plan and the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts. As one of three principals-in-charge of the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Phase III Expansion, Mr. Billes contributed to the management of the $205,000,000 project.
Richard S. Kravet, AIA, NCARB Principal | Director of Architecture
With over 30 years of experience in the practice of architecture, Mr. Kravet’s extensive background includes urban design, feasibility studies, architecture and construction for private and public sector clients. His work experience includes significant projects in the states of Texas, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Louisiana. Mr. Kravet has served in the capacity of Project Manager on such major projects as the Repairs and Renovations to the Louisiana Superdome, the Harrah’s Shreveport Hotel and Casino (Shreveport, Louisiana), a new twenty-four-story luxury hotel and renovation to an existing riverboat casino and its land-based support facilities, and a new $8,500,000 vocational school for the U.S. Department of Labor Job Corps Program. Mr. Kravet is a principal of Billes Partners, and serves as Director of Architecture overseeing the design and production of the architectural projects undertaken by the firm. His passion for sustainability is reflected in each project undertaken by the firm, whereas he works with staff to develop appropriate sustainable design practices for each project.
Lisa C. Herron, IIDA Principal | Director of Business Operations
Lisa Herron has been a project manager for planning, project development, architectural and interiors projects for over 25 years. Her areas of expertise focus on facility programming, space utilization, planning and project management. She has developed effective work processes and has been a guest speaker to national organizations in the design industry. She is responsible for managing project scopes, work processes, schedules and budgets. Her effectiveness in these areas have helped lead to successful projects and repeat clients.
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WHO WE ARE
Our staff are experienced professionals with many years of design
Senior Associates
and project experience in their focused areas. Every project is staffed with the
Geoffrey Hartnett, AIA, LEED AP
utmost care, matching each client with the complete range of project develop-
William G. Petersen, AIA, LEED AP
ment and design services best suited to their specific needs. Some of our staff’s
Steve C. Tubré, CSI, CCCA
capabilities and expertise include:
Ian C. Welcome, AIA
• • • • • • • • • • • •
planning
Associates
architectural design
Mary Althoff
interior design
Sergio Gonzalez
facility programming
Senait Kassa, Assoc. AIA, AICP, LEED AP
feasibility assessments
Patrick Kraft, AIA, LEED AP
site analysis
Erin E. Porter, Assoc. AIA
existing conditions assessments conceptual design
Business Development & Marketing
graphic design
Kenneth Burrell
LEED accreditation
Dylan O’Donnell
construction contract admininstration project management
Administrative
Claudia Dupre-Jamil
Within our partners and staff are individuals who have designed and imple-
Tiffani Benjamin
mented some of the more visible projects in the New Orleans area, including the
Melanie Hanneman
Convention Center Phases II & III, the renovation of Concourse “C” of Armstrong International Airport, the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts, the Hilton Riv-
Relationships with
erside Rebuild, and the Louisiana Superdome Repairs after Hurricane Katrina.
Engineering Consultants Testing Laboratories
Billes Partners personnel have managed commercial and institutional projects
Special Consultants
with budgets totalling hundreds of millions of dollars, as well as smaller indi-
Environmental Firms
vidual projects. We commit to treating each client with respect and integrity for
Financiers and Funding Consultants
their unique project.
Advertising and Public Relations Firms Electronic and Intelligent Systems Companies Real Estate Professionals
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WHAT WE DO
Billes Partners provides planning, project development, architecture, interior design, and
General
graphic design services to clients who want innovation in their projects, while support-
Established 2003
ing and enhancing the existing communities and the lifestyles of those that use the completed buildings and environments.
Limited Liability Company
The range of services we offer to our clients provides a complete project from initial
Minority Owned Business
scoping and feasibility assessment, through design and construction, to final project evaluation. Our offering of services is further expanded through close relationships
Licensed Architects in Louisiana, Mississippi,
with financing, engineering, project management, and other specialized consultants
Texas, Colorado, Vermont, Alabama & Florida
throughout the region and country. NCARB Certified Architects
Our design services cover a wide range of project types: commercial, institutional, residential, and public facilities. The common element in our projects is the commitment
LEED Accredited Professionals
of the owner to innovation and thoughtful design while fitting within the structure of the existing community.
Licensed Interior Designers in Louisiana
We have worked extensively with neighborhood groups, project stakeholders and gov-
Certified Planner in Louisiana (PIC)
ernmental agencies to provide comprehensive solutions to sometimes complex problems. Billes Partners’ awareness of codes and regulations, the value of collective agree-
Mid-sized firm, focused on quality
ment, and historical context supports our problem-solving skills. Coupled with our de-
and innovation of individual
sign and technical abilites, we are able to provide optimal solutions and rapid response
projects rather than quantity
to implementation needs. We are able to focus on innovation, creativity and the overall quality of our projects.
Staff includes experts in facility programming and project development, a certified
Our technological resources allow us to easily communicate and exchange information
construction contract administrator, project
with owners, engineers, consultants and other stakeholders, wherever they may be
management support staff, and other technical
located, for the benefit of the project.
support staff
One Client described the selection of our firm for their project with the following statement: “Billes Partners was chosen because the firm is creative, budget conscious, and client specific.” These qualities can be seen in our firm philosophy and in our work.
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WHAT WE DO PLANNING Planning is crucial to the success of most ventures, especially those that require significant investment in the physical environment. Billes Partners provides planning services to meet the needs of the owner/developer, financiers, regulatory oversight agencies and communities. (Selected Projects: City of Opelousas Comprehensive Land Use Plan
&
Zoning Ordinance, New Orleans Neighborhoods Rebuilding Plan (Planning District 3), New Orleans Floodwall Corridor Study, Southern University Baton Rouge Master Plan Update, Southern University New Orleans North Campus Master Plan)
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT Building projects can require many steps and a myriad of services to successfully undertake their development. Billes Partners has helped clients work through the range of issues needed to get a project fully underway, and can be of great assistance in the early stages of the development of a project. (Selected Projects: Broad Street ReFresh Project, New Orleans East Hospital Feasibility Study, Civil District Court/Juvenile Court Site Selection, Facility Program and Conceptual Design, Baronne Street Condominium Development)
ARCHITECTURE Architectural services can range from residences to the design of major public structures. At Billes Partners, building design focuses on innovation, and we seek design projects that demand creativity in all aspects of their execution. We thrive on finding creative solutions that will inspire end users. (Selected Projects: West St. John Elementary School, Louisiana Superdome Repairs, French Market Shed Renovations, William Frantz School, Mississippi Valley State University New Dormitories, Jackson State University School of Business)
INTERIOR DESIGN Billes Partners considers interior design as both an integrated part of our architectural projects, and a distinct, stand-alone service. It is an opportunity to reinforce an architectural project and to provide new life for an existing building. (Selected Projects: Louisiana Superdome Club Level Lounges, Corporate Space Utilization Projects Throughout the State of Louisiana, French Market Tenant Space Designs, JSU School of Business, Furniture and Equipment Design and Specifications, Offices for Billes Partners, House of Blues Interiors)
GRAPHIC DESIGN At Billes Partners, graphic design is a natural extension of our passion for great design at all levels. With an increasingly complex and diversified business world, the need for clear and effective visual communication becomes progressively more important. (Selected Projects: Signage Design for French Market Shed Renovations, French Market Scrim Banner Designs, Complete Creative Identity for Billes Products International Design Competitions 2008 and 2009, Complete Creative Identity for Billes Architecture International Housing Design Competition 2009, Complete Brand Identity 2010 for Billes Partners, LLC)
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PROJECTS The partners and staff of Billes Partners have worked on innumerable projects across the Southeast and Gulf Coast regions. On the pages that follow, we are proud to provide brief descriptions of a select handful of interior design projects executed by our staff. These projects have been selected to provide a glimpse into the breadth of interior design work available at Billes Partners, and can include renovations to existing building interiors to provide new functionality and image, space planning services, space utilization analyses to determine optimal space usage, development of design and installation packages for FF&E, FF&E inventories and planning for liquidation or reuse, custom FF&E design, and selection of interior finishes. We invite you to view our projects and imagine your project with the same level of professionalism and innovative design. On the following pages: ARCHITECTURE
Superdome Club Room and Suites MVSU - Two Residence Halls French Market Tenant Spaces House of Blues Louis Armstrong Airport Concourse C Ernest N. Morial Convention Center JSU School of Business Fifth District Police Station New Orleans Center for Creative Arts Audubon Aquarium of the Americas Xavier College of Pharmacy Addition 839 St. Charles Avenue Office Interiors Billes Partners Office Interiors
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PROJECTS LOUISIANA SUPERDOME CLUB ROOM and SUITE RENOVATIONS New Orleans, Louisiana
Client/Owner State of Louisiana Cost $166,000,000 Completion Date 2007
Billes Partners was responsible for the interiors of the high-profile Club level lounges in the Louisiana Superdome. While being a fast-track delivery, the project involved
formances by international stars Green Day and U2
extensive documentation of damage, assessment,
the game became a statement and a tremendous
design and coordination with numerous oversight
success for the city’s recovery efforts.
agencies including the State of Louisiana, FEMA, insurance underwriters, and consultants across
The economic impact of a facility within a downtown
the United States. During Hurricane Katrina the Su-
metro area capable of hosting numerous large-
perdome was utilized as an evacuation center, but
scale events is vital to growth and development.
soon became an international symbol of despair
The completion of Phase I and the ongoing work of
and chaos. Repairing the monumental building was
Phase II continue to sustain that growth and devel-
arguably the “poster-child” project for New Orleans
opment.
recovery, with Phase I culminating on schedule with the nationally-televised New Orleans Saints seasonopening game on September 25, 2006. With per-
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PROJECTS MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY - TWO RESIDENCE HALLS New Orleans, Louisiana
Client/Owner Mississippi Valley State University Cost $10,800,000 Size 63,300 sf (in two buildings) Completion Date 2009
The project consisted of the construction of two new residence halls on the campus of Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, Mississippi. Each residence hall, one for male students and one
and refine a building program and construction
for female students, was designed as a state-of-the-
budget during a time period of rapidly escalating
art Living and Learning Center. Both halls are three
construction costs.
stories, house forty-eight beds, and include two independent computer lab classrooms and study
In addition to architectural design, Billes Partners,
hall accommodations on each level. These two new
LLC provided full interior design services to furnish
residence halls are now the university’s flagships
the buildings’ student rooms and public spaces.
for student housing on campus.
The fully completed residence halls opened to students in the summer of 2009.
Taking the lead role as designer and architect-ofrecord, in association with a Jackson, MS architect, Billes Partners, LLC worked with multiple university departments and student leadership to develop
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PROJECTS FRENCH MARKET TENANT SPACES New Orleans, Louisiana
Client/Owner French Market Corporation Cost $7,000,000 Size 40,000 sf Completion Date 2008
Although the current structure dates to the WPA programs of the 1930’s, there has been an open-air market on this site for over 200 years. The French Market Revitalization Plan was a com-
analysis, elements proposed for development in-
prehensive effort by Billes Partners, along with the
cluded a system of signage, crosswalks, street light-
French Market Corporation, designed to strengthen
ing, paving improvement, parking improvements,
the entire French Market for the benefit of the sur-
utility upgrades, additional restrooms, new storage
rounding Vieux Carré neighborhood and the larger
facilities, and reconstruction of the two historic mar-
New Orleans community. The Market has long been
ket buildings.
associated with its adjacent neighborhood and has a history of serving the entire city, initially as a
The goal of the second phase, the design and con-
source of meat, fish, and fresh produce, and now as
struction of the Farmers’ Market and Flea Market
a vibrant retail, restaurant, and trading center.
Sheds, was to return the once vital, local markets
Our first step was preparation of the revitalization
er than the tourist shops they had become. Billes
plan that incorporated the entire 22 acre market
Partners provided architectural, interior design and
area. Stakeholder input was solicited during the re-
graphic design services, and also prepared opera-
vitalization study process through meetings, ques-
tional manuals for the French Market Corporation
tionnaires and a website forum. After planning stud-
that address tenant standards and procedures.
to their former importance as local markets, rath-
ies, market analysis, engineering surveys and traffic
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PROJECTS HOUSE OF BLUES New Orleans, Louisiana
Client/Owner House of Blues, Inc. Cost $3,100,000 Size 24,000 sf Completion Date 1994
This renowned live music venue opened in 1994 and is located in the historic French Quarter. The walls of the restaurant and music hall are covered with 298 pieces of folk art and the venue itself is home to the largest collection of folk art in the country. During the design process, Mr. Billes met constantly
The interiors of the House of Blues transforms the
with the owner to review design concepts
existing, historic warehouse into a vibrant hub of
represented in drawings and full-scale,
nightlife in the Vieux Carré.
interior
models. These were continually revised until the interior design was fully captured.
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PROJECTS LOUIS ARMSTRONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT CONCOURSE C New Orleans, Louisiana
Client/Owner New Orleans Aviation Board Cost $24 million Size 16 gates with holding and public passage areas Completion Date 1997
A team of five artists collaborated with the project architect to incorporate stained glass, decorative ceramic tile, modulated acoustic tile, computer synthesized jazz, and art objects into the building fabric of the new Concourse. Concourse “C” is the international concourse at
the work of Mr. Billes and his project designer. Mr.
Armstrong International Airport. Mr. Billes’ design
Billes fostered a strong collaboration with a team
firm was commissioned to design the concourse
of artists to incorporate original artwork into the
including connection with the existing terminal
project, within the construction budget.
building, 15 gates, a sterile corridor, airline operations areas, an FIS tunnel and integration of an arts program. The project was separated into 4 phases to accommodate the relocation of the FIS Tower, and to keep the airlines operational during
While the concourse had a constrained budget, it does not sacrifice quality in design or appearance. Other projects at the airport have used the Concourse “C” design as a benchmark.
construction. Mr. Billes was the Principal-In-Charge for the project and guided its development from programming through construction. The new design was primarily
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PROJECTS ERNEST N. MORIAL CONVENTION CENTER New Orleans, Louisiana
PHASE III: Client/Owner Ernest N. Morial Exhibition Hall Authority Cost $185,000,000 Size 1,240,000 sf Completion Date 1998 PHASE II: Client/Owner Ernest N. Morial Exhibition Hall Authority Cost $95,000,000 Size 890,000 sf Completion Date 1994
With the completion of the third phase of the building, the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is one of the largest convention centers in the world, containing 1.1 million square feet of exhibit hall space on one level. The facility houses meeting rooms, two large ball
The pedestrian entry, exhibit hall, and loading
rooms, offices, pedestrian passages across the top
docks locations; and offices, meeting facilities and
of the building to the Riverfront Streetcar line, a
theatre, were planned under Mr. Billes’ leadership.
400 seat restaurant, and a 4,000 seat theater. Although the Owner has remained the same, the
This enormous project involving many entities has been highly successful for the City of New Orleans.
architects and designers have changed throughout its phased expansion. Mr. Billes’ work is seen in the second and third phases of the project. He was involved in programming through construction administration, and was responsible for the architectural program and conceptual design for the third phase.
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PROJECTS JSU SCHOOL of BUSINESS Jackson, Mississippi
Client/Owner Jackson State University Cost $17,700,000 Size 110,000 sf Completion Date 2004
Jackson State University’s School of Business is a dynamic institution. Since its inception, it has experienced substantial growth in faculty size, student enrollment, and facilities. The new business school at Jackson State Universi-
The furnishings and equipment were designed in
ty is a five-story, 110,000 SF brick building. Located
accordance with the requirments of the State of
at the north-east entry to the campus it creates a
Mississippi, Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL).
powerful design statement for the campus, and is the first impression visitors entering from the east will experience. Its interior spaces were designed to reinforce the design statement of the architecture, and to support the room functions.
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PROJECTS FIFTH DISTRICT POLICE STATION New Orleans, Louisiana
Client/Owner City of New Orleans Cost $1,250,000 Size 11,500 sf Completion Date 1990
Though modest in its budget, the design for the Fifth District Police Station expresses a sense of permanence and pride in place that should be associated with our public buildings. Traditionally, public buildings were designed with
Completed in 1990, this two-story, brick masonry
an eye toward expressing the power and integrity
structure is located in a residential area of New
of government. Large, imposing structures were
Orleans’ 9th Ward. The exterior design of the build-
built to remind citizens of the importance of gov-
ing is evocative of a turn-of-the-century Vienesse
ernment, and these structures played a significant
building with articulated, multi-color brickwork. The
role in the built environment of our cities. More
building’s footprint is formed by the intersection of
recently, understated structures have been built
a semicircular form and a rectangular form. The
with the express intention of demonstrating fiscal
plane which defines the intersection of these two
prudence in response to public outcries about gov-
forms is characterized by corbelled brickwork in the
ernment overspending. The result has been public
soffit. The entry to the station is created by a large
structures which often look no different than com-
limestone wall with aluminum and glass doors.
mercial buildings and inspire little confidence in our
Upon entering the building one encounters a large
government. Governments have now come to real-
semi-circular atrium characterized by six, expansive
ize that public buildings should be substantial, well-
glass block and clerestory windows. This atrium
designed structures which express the significant
contains a large curving staircase which leads
role of government and that accomplishing this
to the second floor. The first floor of the station
need not require an enormous budget. The Fifth
houses the roll call room and officers’ locker rooms.
District Police Station is a structure which reflects
The second floor contains administrative offices for
this realization.
the Fifth District.
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PROJECTS NEW ORLEANS CENTER for CREATIVE ARTS (NOCCA) New Orleans, Louisiana
Client/Owner Friends of NOCCA Cost $16,500,000 Size 170,000 sf Completion Date 1997
NOCCA has a prominent position in art schools throughout the United States and around the world. Some famous alumni include Harry Connick Jr., Terence Blanchard, Nicholas Payton, the Marsalis brothers, Trombone Shorty, Jonathan Batiste, Anthony Mackie, Wendell Pierce and DJ Hollygrove. NOCCA is a magnet high school for the arts concen-
buildings, while providing functional and comfort-
trating on the five main disciplines of dance, music,
able learning spaces within. All classrooms and
visual arts, written composition, and theatre. As the
performance spaces were designed to be state-of-
Principal-In-Charge of the design of the project, Mr.
the-art facilities.
Billes led the development of the interiors. The interiors of the historic warehouses were designed to accentuate the structural elements of the existing
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PROJECTS AUDUBON NATURE INSTITUTE AQUARIUM of the AMERICAS New Orleans, Louisiana
Client/Owner Audubon Nature Institute Cost $54,000,000 Size 170,000 sf Completion Date 1995
The Aquarium of the Americas, situated where Canal Street meets the Mississippi River, straddles the border between New Orleans’ historic French Quarter and burgeoning Central Business District. The interior design of the Aquarium of the Americas
lively riverfront facade. On the city side, the build-
successfully creates a wide-range of awe-inspiring
ing presents a simple, refined facade which is both
exhibits and addresses the complex needs of the
befitting to a public institution and respectful of its
delicate life which these exhibits must support. A
diverse urban context.
visit to the Aquarium takes one through a series of experiences inspired by the waters of the Americas, punctuated by windows which provide natural light and offer views to the Mississippi River and the city.
The Phase 2 expansion of the Aquarium continues the curving arcade of the original building. This new addition includes a concession and retail area, flexible space for changing exhibitions, and an IMAX
The Aquarium of the Americas’ front door faces
theater which seats over 350 people. The IMAX pro-
directly on the Mississippi River, from which the
vides state-of-the-art viewing in a theater specially
building’s broad, curving arcade bends back as if to
designed for large format and 3D films.
graciously welcome visitors from the city behind it. A series of abstract sculptures celebrating aquatic life by noted artist Ida Kohlmeyer sit atop a procession of twenty columns and enhance the building’s
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PROJECTS XAVIER UNIVERSITY LIBRARY, RESOURCE CENTER and COLLEGE of PHARMACY ADDITION New Orleans, Louisiana
Client/Owner Xavier University Cost $13.6 million Size 150,000 sf Completion Date 1995
The client had a vision for the University to be not only academically respected, but to be visually prominent as well. The design for the Xavier University building ad-
archives stacks and restoration area, a twenty-four
dresses the space needs of two University Depart-
hour reading room, numerous private group study
ments, namely the Library Department and the
spaces, an audio-visual department, and a copy
College of Pharmacy. The building serves as both
center. The most up-to-date equipment available
the new central library for the campus as well as a
in the field of pharmaceutical education was used
major addition to the nationally recognized School
in the pharmacy addition. A pharmacy library, ad-
of Pharmacy. Both the library and the pharmacy can
ministration offices, lecture and seminar spaces,
function independently, while sharing spaces such
a social behavioral research center, and seven ad-
as lounge areas, audio-visual facilities, seminar
ditional pharmaceutical and toxicological research
rooms, and a lobby.
laboratories were built as well.
Another New Orleans architect and Billes’ former
The design of the six-story building takes advantage
firm shared equally in the design, construction
of some historic buildings utilizing a gothic motif for
documents, bidding, and construction adminis-
emphasis. The client shared a larger vision for the
tration services for the client. The library includes
university to be not only academically respected,
three floors of stack areas around a central verti-
but to be visually prominent as well.
cal circulation atrium. Support functions include
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PROJECTS 839 ST. CHARLES AVENUE OFFICE INTERIORS New Orleans, Louisiana
Client/Owner R&R Enterprises Cost $100,000 Size 40,460 sf Completion Date 1989
During the late ‘70’s and ‘80’s New Orleans’ Warehouse District underwent a dramatic transformation from a neighborhood of abandoned 19th and 20th century buildings to a community of art galleries, restaurants, condominiums, cultural facilities, and professional offices. Brought on by the development along the riverfront
The entry offered a striking compilation of archi-
during the 1984 World’s Fair, this renaissance of
tecture, sculpture, graphics, and furniture. The
the Warehouse District has contributed significantly
door provided a framed view for a sculpture in-
to the revitalization of the city. Mr. Billes’ former firm
stallation by local artist John Scott of free-formed
was among the first architectural firms to join this
graphic shapes overlaying a grid frame structure.
growing urban neighborhood. Inspiration for their
Reference to color theory was created by the yel-
office design was found in the vernacular charac-
low pane of bleached oak flooring, overscaled red
ter of the surrounding warehouse architecture. The
leather chairs, and a blue plaster wall. Perpindicular
firm adopted a simple, refined approach by utilizing
to the blue plaster wall is a fifty foot long white wall
the existing structural elements of the space, in-
stretched between two brick walls.
cluding floor-to-ceiling industrial sash windows with a raw concrete beam lintel, rough brick walls, and exposed steel roof trusses.
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PROJECTS BILLES PARTNERS OFFICE INTERIORS New Orleans, Louisiana
Size 5,300 sf Completion Date 2009
Since the inception of Billes Partners (formerly Billes Architecture) in 2003, the company’s space requirements have grown. Between 2008 and 2009, renovations to the
Within this shell, the open Billes Partners office ex-
second floor of the K&B Building took place to
tends the length of the building, taking advantage
house the offices of both Billes Partners and
of the open floor plan and expansive glazing. The
Billes Products.
space is a mix of inviting reception, open studio space, formal conference area, casual library, and
Originally the John Hancock Insurance Building, the
private office. The interior space reflects the clean,
K&B Building (Katz & Besthoff) was designed by the
modern lines of the building’s exterior. Neutral inte-
architectural firm of Skidmore, Owings and Merrill
riors with touches of intense color create an envi-
in the early 1960’s. An iconic modernist structure,
ronment that is conducive to the creative process.
it is identifiable by its concrete structural skeleton carried beyond the wall plane.
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