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With more than 25 years of architectural experience, Joel Fontenot has a vast knowledge of designing a variety of projects including commercial, educational, and institutional. As an architect at GraceHebert, Joel is involved in every aspect of a project from design, construction documents, and interdisciplinary coordination to construction administration.

Joel’s Portfolio

Michelle Higby Stevens has been with GraceHebert Architects since 2009. She has 15+ years of architectural experience ranging from small-scale renovations to more complex, large-scale commercial projects. As an architect, Michelle’s responsibilities include interdisciplinary coordination, production of construction documents, project management, and contract administration.

Michelle’s Portfolio

David Hebert receive a Bachelor of Architecture from LSU in 2008. He is a principal at GraceHebert Architects in Baton Rouge. He has worked with the firm since 2005. With his technical background, David has played a major role in the firm’s implementation and development of Building Information Modeling (BIM). He has also received his LEED accreditation and has served as the LEED project manager for GraceHebert’s new office, which received LEED Gold certification.

David’s Portfolio

Gerald “Jerry” Hebert II received a Bachelor of Architecture from LSU in 1985. As the president of GraceHebert Architects, he has seen hundreds of projects cross his desk over the last 25+ years, each project requiring the same high level of attention to detail and collaboration to fully realize each client’s vision. Jerry is a key player in the industry. He sits on a number of local, regional, and state boards and committees. He was appointed to the LSU University College’s Advisory Board in 2014. LSU University College’s Advisory Board is comprised of 30 business executives and community leaders.

Jerry’s Portfolio

Randall Connaughton left architectural practice to complete an MFA in photography from the Savannah College of Art and Design. He is now the president of Connaughton Photography. Randall’s photos explore the contrasts of the urban and natural environments, and his photographs of historic buildings are in the collections of the J. Paul Getty Museum and the Library of Congress. He currently resides in Atlanta, where he specializes in architectural photography and exhibits landscape photographs. Visit his website at randallconnaughton.com.

Randall’s Portfolio

Internationally acclaimed Thorncrown Chapel released a series of new photographs to commemorate its 35th anniversary in June 2015. Atlanta photographer Randall Connaughton captured views of the landmark chapel and its forested mountain locale through the seasons in 2014-15, many of which are the first of their kind. The photographic series is ongoing and the entire collection is expected to be released in a forthcoming book. For more information, visit thorncrown.com/photogallery.html.

Shawn Préau, AIA, joined Eskew+Dumez+Ripple in 2007. His strong client service, prioritization of schedule and budget, and attention to drawing detail has led to successful building projects for numerous repeat clients. He has accumulated specific management and design experience in several project types and plays an active role in the firm’s executive committee. Named an associate at the firm in 2010 and promoted to senior associate in 2015, Shawn has consistently taken on key leadership roles in the practice, specifically related to the further development of project management processes and Building Information Management (BIM) design protocols. Shawn also serves as an active mentor for intern architects across the studio and assists with quality control efforts as they grow their professional understanding of architectural practice. Shawn received his Bachelor of Architecture from the LSU School of Architecture in 1995.

Colonel Louis K. “Kent” Lancaster, FSAME, USAF (Ret.), was awarded the 2014 Gerald C. Brown Mentoring Award by the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME), a world-wide professional engineering society of over 30,000 members. Kent has provided mentoring to young SAME members and others in the engineering business throughout his military career and for more than 10 years since he left active duty. He was instrumental in the creation and continuation of a Leadership Lab in San Antonio, which in 2015 entered its fifth year as a model mentoring program for SAME. Kent currently serves as vice president of Valhalla Engineering Group and chief operating officer of Clean Energy Engineering in San Antonio, Texas. He received his Bachelor of Architecture from the LSU School of Architecture (formerly the architecture department in the School of Environmental Design) in 1974.

In his work as an architect, Brendan combines his natural aptitude for drawing and creative pursuits with his desire to positively impact his community. A graduate of Louisiana State University, Brendan brings 6 years of experience in projects ranging from complex, large-scale urban developments, culturally sensitive historic renovations to deeply personal single-family residences.

With deep roots in South Louisiana, Brendan grew up with an appreciation for the unique culture and history of his home state and the Gulf region, especially when it comes to the built environment. He is interested in how we learn from the past, adapting the architecture to fit modern needs while still retaining a unique sense of place. At H/S, Brendan spearheads projects in a design-focused role. He thrives on sketching and getting creative at the beginning of the design process but finds it most rewarding to see a project come to life that exceeds the owner’s expectations.

Away from the office, Brendan is most passionate about spending quality time raising two young boys with his wife, Breanna. He is happiest while boating, fishing, and spending time outdoors enjoying the many bayous, waterways, and natural environments or festivals and cultural events that Louisiana has to offer.