Steven H. Rome, AIA

Principal Partner

Leading with tremendous energy, a comprehensive outlook, and more than 40 years of
experience, Steve Rome draws on the diverse opportunities of his past to influence his
architecture and design. As Principal of VergesRome Architects, Steve works to showcase
quality design in tandem with the best product for the price.

Complementing his design experience, he has also been in the owner’s shoes, having managed
some of the largest projects in New Orleans’ history. Extensive planning and program
management experience taught Steve how to marry vision and mechanics. He has respect for
budgets, understands the reality of executing projects, and can effectively communicate from a
business standpoint to resolve problems.

He draws on the emotions that architecture can provoke, to make connections with clients and
how they view their projects. This approach has united communities around the importance of
historically significant buildings.

An architect and designer respected for his leadership skills, Steve makes projects happen with
a great ability to neutralize and focus large groups, endure and overcome obstacles, and always
arrive at a solution. Throughout his career, Steve has learned valuable lessons that he brings to
his work, combining energy, quality design, and business savvy to achieve success.

Leading with tremendous energy, a comprehensive outlook, and a vast 40 years of experience,
Steve Rome draws on the diverse opportunities of his past to influence his architecture and design.  As Principal of VergesRome Architects, Steve works to showcase quality design in tandem with the best product for the budget.

Complementing his design experience, he has also been in the owner’s shoes, having managed
some of the largest projects in New Orleans’ history. Extensive planning and program management experience taught Steve how to marry vision and mechanics. He has respect for budgets, understands the reality of executing projects, and can effectively communicate from a business standpoint to resolve problems.

An architect and designer respected for his leadership skills, Steve makes projects happen with the ability to neutralize and focus large groups, endure and overcome obstacles, and always arrive at a solution. Throughout his career, Steve has learned valuable lessons that he brings to his work, combining energy, quality design, and business savvy to achieve success.

Memberships: American Institute of Architects

Education: Louisiana State University, 1981, Bachelor of Architecture
Tulane University, A.B. Freeman School of Business, 1992, Master of Business Administration

Registered to practice in Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Colorado and Texas.

Ernest E. (Chip) Verges II, AIA

Principal Partner

A pro-active and hands-on leader, Principal Chip Verges directs the planning and design of a wide array of projects for VergesRome Architects. With over thirty years of experience, his business skills and technical expertise generate projects that are not only innovative, but respect the client’s budgetary and programmatic requirements. Joining the firm in 1983, Chip became an Associate in 1988, Principal and Vice President in 2000, and President in 2006, carrying on a legacy of architectural excellence and service to the communities of the southeast.

As Principal In Charge on projects, Chip is actively involved throughout the entire design process from the initial concept meetings through the completion of construction administration. During this process, he works closely with clients to realize their needs and goals, and ensure projects respect schedules and budgets. In the office, Chip mentors VRA staff to promote the highest quality production.

Chip’s experience in management and design range in project type to include hotels, banking, educational, restaurant, automobile dealerships and retail facilities.

A lifelong resident of New Orleans, Chip Verges received a Bachelor of Architecture from Louisiana State University in 1983. He maintains architectural registrations in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. He is also a member of the American Institute of Architects, active in both Louisiana and New Orleans chapters. Chip’s service to his community includes involvement in the Carrollton Rotary Club, Louisiana State University Alumni Federation, and Sigma Chi Fraternity Alumni Association.

Memberships:  American Institute of Architects

Education:
Bachelor of Architecture
Louisiana State University

Registered to practice in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, Colorado and Florida.