Louisiana-based AOS Interior Environments joins LSU alumni from the fields of interior design and architecture – the firm currently has 12 LSU College of Art & Design alumni working there!

LSU Alumni at AOS

Mark Abry, BArch 2011
Brenna Baumy, BID 2013
Sean Chaney, BArch 2011
Rebecca Cooley, BID 2007
Hannah Hinson, BID 2016
Hillary Heidingsfelder, BID 2018
Jamie Langridge, BID 2013
Aimee McSpaddin, BID 2003
Stephanie Ricord, BID 1998
Matthew Rome, BArch 2011
Jessica Roy, BID 2007
Angelle Verges, BID 1982

* And 11 more LSU alumni in other fields!

Stephanie Ricord (BID 1998) is project manager & designer at AOS. “We provide contract furniture and other elements to work spaces,” she said.  “We offer ideas and consult with clients in terms of furniture and how to create a wonderful working environment for their employees.”

Once a specialty firm that designed and installed filing and storage systems, today AOS has evolved into the largest FF&E contractor in Louisiana and Mississippi. The 42-year-old company has positioned itself as a go-to resource for the architectural and design community. Projects include the LSU’s Patrick F. Taylor Hall and Gymnastics Training Facility, and The Center for Coastal and Deltaic Solutions at The Water Campus in Baton Rouge.

Patrick F. Taylor Hall, LSU

“We are proud to employ the most dedicated and experienced professionals within our industry, many of which have graduated from LSU,” said Shelby E. Russ, Jr. (LSU BS 1980), AOS President + CEO. When we hire a Tiger, we know we are going to get a talented team player with passion, dedication and a well-rounded education.”

The AOS team includes designers, project managers, and a variety of specialists. Interior designers and architects routinely collaborate on projects, and the office culture of hardworking camaraderie echoes the atmosphere of design school.

“While at LSU, you begin to feel part of a ‘design community’ and that continues through professional development,” Ricord shared. “The stress you work under [in design school] is just a taste of what is to come, and I was well prepared. All the pressure you feel in school now is the best thing you will ever take away, in my opinion.”

This fall AOS held a popup showroom at the LSU School of Interior Design, bringing in furnishings for an interactive educational experience. “Popup showrooms give interior design students the chance to literally get their hands on different types of furnishings that they wouldn’t otherwise be exposed to,” said school director Marsha Cuddeback. “The hands-on learning experience is so important.”

Cooperation is integral to a successful career in design, Ricord said. “An ability to communicate thoroughly, honestly and efficiently is critical. The LSU School of Interior Design prepares students for that.”

AOS was honored to be recognized in LSU 100: Fast Growing Tiger Businesses.

Meet a few LSU Alumni at AOS:

Rebecca Cooley, BID 2007, AOS’ VP Manufactured Interior Construction, has been honored as a “Rising Star in Construction” by New Orleans City Business. Its “2018 Excellence in Construction and Real Estate” honor recognizes professionals that have created a positive impact in the New Orleans area. Rebecca was recently selected to the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute (NORLI)’s 2018-2019 class, which brings together business, civic and community leaders throughout the New Orleans area to collaborate and promote economic growth and community development.

Stephanie Ricord, BID 1998, AOS’ Project Manager and Designer, consults with clients to design work spaces. “While at LSU, you begin to feel part of a ‘design community’ and that continues through professional development,” she says. “The stress you work under [in design school] is just a taste of what is to come, and I was well prepared. All the pressure you feel in school now is the best thing you will ever take away, in my opinion.”