ARCHITECTURE
ARCHITECTURE
ARCHITECTURE
NATHANAEL SCALES
ANDY STERNAD
TREY TRAHAN
President and CEO Garden Doctors
Vice President Waggonner & Ball
Founder Trahan Architects
Scales founded his company in 2005, and the onetime one-man operation has since grown into a diverse landscape, maintenance and consulting firm. In 2019, Garden Doctors was a part of the inaugural cohort of the InvestNOLA program, designed to foster and grow small businesses owned by entrepreneurs of color into enterprises with $10 million in annual revenue.
As a registered architect and certified planner focused on collaborative, holistic solutions for climate adaptation, Sternad works to reveal the character of place and integrate issues of nature, culture and economy through building designs and urban plans. “I’m grateful to be able to make an impact on some of the greatest urban and environmental challenges of our time,” he said.
Trahan founded his architectural firm in 1992 with the belief that “humility and awareness” in the design process help create “authentic spaces that elevate our lives.” This philosophy has informed some of Trahan’s upcoming New Orleans projects, including the Chapel of St. Ignatius and the Gayle and Tom Benson Jesuit Center at Loyola University New Orleans.
Education: University of Phoenix (BSBM), Harvard Executive Business Program Advice: “Your network will determine your net worth.” — Ronnie Burns Notable Clients: New Orleans Fair Grounds, Entergy, Xavier University, Dillard University Snoball Style: Ice cream Hidden Talent: Fashion
Education: Yale University (MArch), Washington University (BA) Hidden Gem: “A market and café called the Rabbit’s Foot in the Lower Garden District.” Advice: “My dad always said, ‘It’s nice to be nice,’ which I believe is true in any scenario. Kindness and empathy always come back around.” Nonprofit Cause: Ripple Effect
Education: Louisiana State University (BArch) Highlight of Leadership: “Learning from my colleagues” On the Horizon: “Our pursuit of spatial qualities that support and promote equity” Nonprofit Cause: The Cultural Landscape Foundation (TCLF) Go-to Restaurant: “My mother’s kitchen!”
ARCHITECTURE
ARCHITECTURE
CONSTRUCTION
CHIP VERGES
EMILIE TAYLOR WELTY
MINDY NUÑEZ AIRHART
Owner VergesRome Architects
Architect Colectivo
President and CEO SSE Steel Fabrication
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VRA is an architectural firm known for renovation and recovery projects, such as the Saint Joseph Abbey and Seminary College and the Energy Centre. Verges joined the company in 1983, working his way up to his current leadership position in 2006. He manages a staff of architects, interior designers, cost estimators, specification writers and administrative support.
Part of the Colectivo team that’s created spaces for French Truck Coffee, Pluck Wine Bar and Galaxie Tacos, among others, Taylor also has worked on various public interest projects as a faculty member at the Tulane School of Architecture. One of her favorites is the Grow Dat Youth Farm in New Orleans City Park. She is currently working on a book about design-build education.
Airhart leads a structural steel fabrication contractor that has contributed to largescale projects such as repairs to southeast Louisiana hurricane levee protection systems. She is the chairwoman of the New Orleans Chamber and the outgoing chairwoman of the St. Bernard Parish Chamber. She’s active on other boards and has earned several business awards.
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REAL ESTATE
Education: Louisiana State University (BArch) Go-to Restaurant: Venezia’s Hobby: Golf Best Part of the Job: “Every project is different.” Hero: “My dad” Nonprofit Cause: Bridge House Grace House Best Fest: French Quarter Festival Hidden Gem: Golden Lantern
Education: Tulane University (MArch), University of Southern Mississippi (BS) On the Horizon: “We’re working with a research and conservation group in Ecuador called FCAT and that’s been exciting.” Fave Jazz Fest Food: “I like the excitement of looking at the wide field of booths and then second guessing my choices.”
Education: Tulane University (BA) Go-to Restaurant: Venezia’s Hidden Gem: Crave restaurant in Meraux On the Horizon: “We’re installing climate control in our fabrication facility.” Work Highlight: “I love making sure that our employees are happy and fulfilled. Focus on the people first and the profits will follow.”
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