FIRM CULTURE
Giving Back
Since 2009, H/S has designed 8 playhouses for Cottages for CASA. Cottages for CASA is a playhouse fundraiser to generate public awareness and funding to support the work of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) services in their ten-parish area.
H/S has an established first-generation endowed scholarship fund for the Department of Visual Art & Design at Southeastern Louisiana University for Excellence in Visual Arts or Music. The Holly & Smith Architects First-Generation Endowed Scholarship provides financial support to deserving first-generation undergraduate students who attend Southeastern Louisiana University and major in a discipline in the visual arts.
Creative Process
Our design process reflects a partnership with clients that begins with open dialogue and evolves into trust, confidence and collaboration. As a mid-sized, regional firm, we have the depth and resources to handle our clients’ most demanding endeavors, while our leadership remains intimately involved with a project throughout the process.
Downtown Revitalization
H/S has assisted with over 50 projects to revitalize downtown Hammond, including the restoration of the town’s landmark Columbia Theater. Our firm was instrumental in forming the Downtown Development District for Hammond in 1986, and representatives from our staff have served on its board ever since.
Downtown Living
Many of us not only work downtown but live in downtown Hammond as well. Our community is prized for its vibrant town center with a wealth of entertainment and dining options, historic architecture and a neighborly atmosphere. Meanwhile, the world-class attractions of both New Orleans and Baton Rouge are less than an hour’s drive away.
H/S NOLA
In 2010, we began a new chapter in the life of our firm with the opening of our New Orleans Studio. Due to project demand and an increase in staff, the Studio expanded and established its “new digs” in the Lower Garden District on Historic Magazine Street. The newly renovated space offers an expansive open design studio and encourages team collaboration and exploration of material applications.
Annual Crawfish Boil
Each spring, H/S hosts a crawfish boil in which our staff is able to mix and mingle while enjoying a day of traditional Louisiana food, great local music, and the company of people united by the quality work and lasting relationships created at H/S.
Friday Happy Hours
Enjoying a Friday Happy Hour together is one of the long-standing traditions at Holly & Smith Architects. These relaxed, informal gatherings give our staff a chance to connect with each other, celebrate their achievements and share the goals they have for the week ahead.