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Allen Eskew, founder of Eskew+Dumez+Ripple (EDR), worked in architecture for many years and got his big break after he successfully acted as Project Director for the World’s Fair in New Orleans in 1984. With a keen eye for design and years of experience under his belt, he founded EDR in 1989, and any local would instantly recognize his first signature project – The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas.
Since the firm’s inception, it has always been driven by four enduring core values: Design Excellence, Environmental Responsibility, Community Outreach, and Client Commitment. Every aspect of the practice has been structured to support these ideals. To support such creative genius, the firm relies upon its infrastructure, and CommTech has been seamlessly supporting their information technology for well over five years.
Environmental responsibility is one of the firm’s core values. With the countless sustainable elements – visible and unseen in their designs – it’s no wonder they are known leader in sustainable design. What makes a building sustainable? Locally-sourced materials that are easily extracted from the environment and create little waste, materials that are safe to breathe, designs that include open spaces, and lots of windows for natural sunlight. These are just a few of the countless measures incorporated into design. One of their most notable sustainable projects is the New Orleans Bioinnovation Center – certified LEED Gold by the United States Green Building Council.
Other notable projects include: Champions Square, the Mercedes-Benz Superdome renovations, Crescent Park, and L.B. Landry High School. The high school was a favorite project for many as it offered a complete view of New Orleans that would be impossible to get with many of their other projects. Located on the West Bank, as you walk down the main staircase of L.B. Landry, you look out massive windows that frame the views of downtown New Orleans across the Mississippi River. A memorable experience for students and teachers alike.
Eskew+Dumez+Ripple has received well over a hundred national accolades during their 27 years of practice…. none quite as special as earning the 2014 American Institute of Architects (AIA) Firm of the Year. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has a long tradition of recognizing individuals and organizations for their outstanding achievements in support of the profession of architecture. Given to a single firm annually, the Architecture Firm Award—is the highest honor the professional organization can bestow on a practicing architecture firm.
Allen Eskew dedicated his life to enhancing communities through design. This visionary leader unexpectedly passed of a heart attack two days before the American Institute of Architects bestowed this award. Receiving the award was bittersweet but they were able to say Allen had achieved his dream and inspired them to continue his legacy through design. All of us at CommTech are proud to support Eskew+Dumez+Ripple with their ongoing success and growth.
