A historic sister house to the famed Pink Lady next door, this late 1800s Queen Anne home had suffered from a series of ill-conceived renovations. Our New Orleans based firm knew just the recipe to carefully peel back those layers to restore the home’s original architectural integrity, while updating it for today’s modern living.  Inside, a home office supports the owners’ dual city lifestyle between New Orleans and Arizona. The main house now features four bedrooms, a spacious second-floor primary suite, a third-floor media room for 8, and a restored historic perimeter iron fence. A new port-o-cochere was added to the east side, designed to appear as though it had always been there housing a new bedroom above. The original interior wooden stair was preserved, with new parts seamlessly integrated to match the historic detailing.  At the rear, the kitchen and living areas were opened up, and a two-story pool cabana was reimagined alongside the installation of a new pool. The new garage,  detailed to mirror the home’s Queen Anne style, was also added to provide the Owner a place to leave his car when traveling.  The attic area was decked and provides the Owners additional storage as well.  It is safe to say that the experienced team at Gille Architects and their knowledge of historic homes helped to revive a struggling Blue Lady!

Welcome to our latest project, a stunning traditional New Orleans home that beautifully embraces its unique corner triangular lot. Strategically sited to maximize space while preserving the majestic existing oak trees, this residence showcases exquisite architectural details such as dentil moulding and decorative brackets.

Upon entering, you’re greeted by a generous foyer, perfect for a grand piano, leading to an expansive kitchen and dining area, complemented by a butler’s pantry and bar. The home features a third-floor ensuite guest room, a dedicated home office, and a media room, providing versatile living spaces.

Authentic shutters and copper lanterns adorn the porches, enhancing the home’s classic charm. Outdoors, a small cocktail pool invites relaxation, while a glass solarium offers a bright retreat. Custom cabinetry and elegant finishes, including a stylish powder room and a staircase with wooden handles and steel pickets, showcase the attention to detail throughout. With oak treads and porcelain tiles underfoot, this home is a perfect blend of traditional elegance and modern comfort.

Set along the channel through Lake Muskoka, this boathouse was conceived as both a gateway and a retreat. From the water, its traditional detailing—timber brackets, gabled roofs, and shingled surfaces—evokes Muskoka’s heritage, yet their composition departs from convention to frame expansive, layered views requested by the client. The structure’s first floor houses functional boat storage designed for ease of access amid the channel’s heavy traffic, while the upper level opens to generous indoor-outdoor living spaces. Broad overhangs supported by expressive brackets shelter dining and sunning terraces that blur the boundary between architecture and landscape. Every elevation responds to the surrounding waterway, capturing multiple perspectives of lake and forest. The result is a boathouse that honors tradition while reinterpreting it through thoughtful proportion, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for its dynamic, ever-changing site.

From the outset, this island retreat was imagined as a place for family memories—one that could evolve with a large, multigenerational family while preserving the quiet magic of island life. The master plan organizes the property into three distinct yet connected components: a renewed main cottage, a two-bedroom guest house, and a revitalized boathouse, allowing everyone space to gather and retreat.

The existing boathouse, once dark and underused, was given new life through the addition of dormers, expansive windows, and a generous balcony overlooking the water. A plan for renovating the second floor living area within the boathouse was also planned as part of future development.  Inside the main cottage, renovations focused on comfort and longevity, introducing en suite bathrooms on the main floor and additional bathrooms for third-floor bedrooms as well. Throughout, warm basswood interiors were reworked to bring continuity and light. The result is a layered, welcoming environment where each family has a place to call their own, and shared moments unfold naturally, season after season.

Rooted in the owners’ Canadian heritage, this project was imagined as England meets Muskoka—a refined lakeside retreat that feels timeless, grounded, and deeply connected to place. The couple sought a property they could easily drive to, an alternative to island living, while still offering the sense of escape they cherished.

The first phase focused on a significant renovation of an existing four-bedroom bunkie, setting the tone for a broader master plan on an exceptionally steep site. From the outset, we studied the topography carefully, shaping natural stone stairs that descend through the landscape to the boathouse and expanded dock below. The dock now accommodates three slips, with living space above, while the main cottage was thoughtfully extended and the buildings spaced to comfortably house family, extended family, guests, and staff.

Sunset views guided the placement of the dining room, where a repurposed original window frame became part of a pass-through, adding continuity and character from the cottage of the past. Electric, disappearing screens at the front porch and Muskoka rooms offer quieter moments, while an intricate stair weaves through the home—connecting generous second-floor bedrooms, a billiard room overlooking the lake, and a third-floor recreation space with an additional bedroom and bath—ensuring the house unfolds gracefully across every level.

As an architect in New Orleans, renovating this shotgun single in the historic Garden District required a thoughtful balance between preservation and modern function. Our clients, seeking a refined second home, wanted to maintain the home’s architectural integrity while enhancing livability. We reconfigured the floor plan to accommodate ensuite bathrooms with marble showers and custom vanities, ensuring comfort without compromising historic charm. Sun tunnels were strategically used in hallways to introduce natural light. A rear carriage house, rebuilt with historic touches, provides additional space while respecting the neighborhood’s character. Original details, including remilled corbels on the roof, were carefully preserved. The result is a seamless blend of past and present, where timeless craftsmanship meets contemporary convenience—with a large, new rear porch for quiet backyard living within this historic neighborhood.

Renovating this historic single-story home (for a second time!) was an exercise in blending classic New Orleans architecture with modern comfort. We reimagined the home’s layout to enhance flow and function, featuring a welcoming center hall that connects thoughtfully designed spaces. A former exterior space was enclosed along the center hall as a glassed in sitting room that brings in wonderful natural lighting to the interior. The open kitchen, with beamed ceilings, now opens onto an informal sitting area, anchored by a built-in bar for entertaining. Triple French doors with continuous transoms bathe the interiors in natural light, while copper awnings add elegance to the rear façade. A flexible guest room adapts to various needs, while bold geometric tiles bring character to the bathrooms. The rear features a raised brick patio leading to a scored concrete patio at ground level perfect for outdoor entertaining. This house has so many unique features a New Orleans architect can appreciate!

Designed for relaxed coastal living, this retreat seamlessly blends comfort and elegance. Life on the water is embraced with a boathouse featuring a lift and docks, leading up to a pool that serves as the home’s outdoor focal point. Inside we introduced shiplap siding and coffered ceilings to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. The custom bar, with just a pop of color at the end of the dining room, enhances entertaining while heart pine beams accent the kitchen’s tailored ceiling and expansive island. Graceful arching windows frame stunning views, and the second-level porch, perfect for alfresco dining, overlooks the beauty of Bay St. Louis. The primary suite features a spacious, doorless walk-in shower and freestanding bathtub for a spa-like retreat. Upstairs, two bedrooms and a bunk room provide ample guest accommodations. Thoughtfully designed for casual elegance, our design of this home captures the essence of waterfront living bringing the outdoors in at every turn.

This Bay St. Louis retreat was designed to embrace waterfront living while maximizing both function and the beauty of life right on the bay. A long pier with boatlift extends from the property out into Bay St. Louis, offering the Owners direct access to the water. The rear portion of the lot was carefully planned for lush landscaping and ample parking for our clients guests. Stuccoed arches on the ground floor create a timeless aesthetic, leading to a screened room for shaded relaxation. Inside, shiplap siding and floating kitchen shelves add warmth and character. A striking see-through fireplace elegantly divides the large living and dining spaces on the main floor. Two nicely appointed Primary bedrooms and baths balance the outer two wings of the ground floor.  Upstairs, expansive guest rooms enjoy abundant natural light, while dormer daybeds provide cozy nooks for reading or additional guest sleeping spaces. The second floor features a dedicated exercise room with a large arched window looking out toward the bay.  The sloped ceilings enhance the charm of living under roof with skylight providing natural light to the area at the top of the stair. A screened-in front porch captures western sunset views, making this home a perfect blend of coastal elegance and relaxed comfort for our clients.

We are thrilled to present the culmination of our truly collaborative, creative journey – the sophisticated style renovation on Palmer Avenue in the heart of enchanting New Orleans. As New Orleans architects, this project merged the harmonious interplay between historical reverence and contemporary elegance. Drawing inspiration from the city’s rich architectural heritage, we thoughtfully added on to this beautiful brick façade, seamlessly weaving its timeless character into the fabric of the neighborhood.

Upon entering, an ambiance of refined luxury unfolds, guided by a design ethos that celebrates intricate detailing and functional artistry. The interiors have been meticulously reimagined to create a fluid connection between spaces, allowing natural light to dance upon carefully curated textures and materials. The juxtaposition of classic elements with modern sensibilities is evident in every corner, from the ornate, hand-carved moldings to the avant-garde lighting fixtures that grace the ceilings. This renovation stands as a testament to the melding of eras – a tribute to New Orleans’ heritage while embracing the aspirations of contemporary urban living.