DEAR CLIENTS, COLLEAGUES, FRIENDS, FAMILY, AND MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY,

As we are in the 1st quarter of 2025, we are thankful for interesting and challenging design projects, travel and collaboration with old and new friends, colleagues, partners, and clients. Last year has been one of reflection, resilience, and progress. One of our most meaningful projects began under difficult circumstances, as we tragically lost our project lead in a car accident. In the months that followed, I remained in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), working closely with our incredible team of local engineers, our client, and multiple project stakeholders. Despite the challenges, the experience was deeply rewarding—immersing in the culture and seeing firsthand the impact of our work reinforced why we do what we do.

As this first quarter ends, we watch with heavy hearts as uncertainty threatens the continuation of this work, due to shifting U.S. foreign aid policies, and the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. These changes not only affect communities abroad but also impact our work here at home. We remain deeply concerned for our colleagues still in the region, and are hopeful that we will have the opportunity to resume this critical work in the future.

Closer to home, we continue working with Caesars Entertainment, Inc. on several ongoing projects at the recently renovated casino and new hotel in New Orleans. We’ve also entered the Construction Administration phase for two mixed-finance, multi-family housing developments in McKinney, Texas for Knight Development, an award-winning, woman-owned real estate development firm that has transformed public housing communities nationwide.

Our team has been steadfast in delivering high-quality design solutions across multiple projects, meeting tight deadlines with dedication and precision. Beyond our client work, we remain committed to giving back to our community. We provide pro bono services to organizations like the New Orleans African American Museum, where I serve as Board Member and Chair of the Facilities Committee. Additionally, I contribute as Chair of Tulane’s School of Architecture Dean’s Advisory Council and as a Board Member of NewCorp in New Orleans, and Keys Behavioral Health Center in New Iberia, LA. Our CAO, Mary Alexander, continues her service on the board of Project Homecoming, while our Design Director, Marc Robert, has spent two decades coaching Little League teams, exemplifying our firm’s dedication to both professional excellence and community impact.

Innovation continues to drive us forward. This year, we’ve focused on developing client-specific data extraction tools, allowing real-time project insights to enhance decision-making. Our commitment to leveraging technology and streamlining processes strengthens our role as industry leaders.

Our success is a collective achievement, and I extend my gratitude to our team, clients, and partners. We look forward to the opportunities ahead and invite you to stay connected—follow us on social media and visit our website for updates. Thank you for your continued support and for standing with us in our commitment to meaningful, impactful design that transforms communities, enhances quality of life, and creates lasting positive change. We hope to see you in person in the coming year.

In gratitude,

Angela O’Byrne, FAIA, LEED AP