Gabrielle LeBlanc, Assoc. AIA

Design Professional – Architecture

Gabrielle LeBlanc brings a deep-rooted passion for preservation and cultural expression to her work in architecture. Her love for design is closely tied to her heritage—she continues to perform Cajun music and speak Cajun French at festivals and venues across the state.

While earning her Master of Architecture at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Gabrielle served as a two-term President of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) and was a key contributor to the award-winning House of Cards design-build project. Her global perspective was shaped by international study in Florence, Italy, and grant-funded research in Japan.
Gabrielle graduated in Fall 2024 as both the College of the Arts’ Outstanding Master’s Graduate and the University’s Overall Outstanding Master’s Graduate—the highest academic honor awarded to a single graduate each semester.

Education:
Master of Architecture
University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Laura LeBon, AIA

Architect

In the 28 years that Laura LeBon has been practicing architecture, she has enjoyed bringing to life a diverse array of creative and innovative projects from zoo exhibits to educational facilities and five-star golf clubhouses to affordable housing.

She leads teams of design professionals and creates life-giving spaces where end users can thrive. Her style of servant leadership has proven successful while working under various constraints including limited and inconsistent resources, aggressive and shrinking budgets, and fast-track schedules.

Team Member Since: 2023

Education:
Bachelor of Architecture
Louisiana State University

Licensed Architect in Louisiana

Kris Lowry, RID

Interior Designer

Kris has sixteen years of experience with various types and scales of interior design projects including government, corporate, educational, institutional, multi-family, and residential. Typical project roles have included space planning, full interior detailing, consultant coordination, programming, FF&E, specifications, project management, computer-aided drafting (AutoCAD and BIM), development and preparation of presentation boards/renderings, construction documents, and construction administration.

In addition to work tasks, Kris also serves on the boards of the International Commercial Interior Design Association (IIDA Delta Regional Chapter) and the Louisiana Coalition of Interior Design (LCID) focusing on the growth of the Interior Design profession.

Team Member Since: 2022

Education:
Bachelor of Interior Design
Louisiana State University

Licensed Interior Designer in Louisiana

Randall L. (Randy) McCaffrey

Construction Administration

Randy has over 35 years of experience in the professional practice of architecture including a variety of project types including, hospitality, civic, education, and historic preservation commissions. Randy has extensive experience in architectural design, detailing, and preparation of construction documents with a 20-year emphasis in construction administration and project delivery.

Team Member Since: 2024

Education:
Bachelor of Architecture,
Mississippi State University

Susan McSweeney Roesel

Finance

Susan is responsible for accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, employee benefits, financial reporting.

She is a Mt. Carmel Academy Alumnae Association Volunteer, St. Pius X Church and Parish Volunteer, Lake Terrace Neighborhood Association Volunteer, Girl Scouts of America Troop Leader.

Team Member Since: 2011

Education:
Bachelor of Arts, Business Management
Southeastern Louisiana University

Karri Maggio, AIA, NCARB, CSI CDT, LEED AP

Architect

Originally born and raised in southcentral Kentucky, Karri is a 1996 graduate of the Tulane University School of Architecture where she was a Dean’s Honor Scholar and member of Tau Sigma Delta.  She has worked in the field of architecture for over 25 years and has overseen design and construction of a myriad of project types across the US and overseas, including hospitality, historic preservation, adaptive reuse, multi-family housing and education, for both private and public clients.

Since 2006, Karri has served on the board of Old Algiers Main Street Corporation, advocating for equitable economic development and culture preservation in the frequently overlooked New Orleans neighborhood on the west bank of the Mississippi River, where she and her husband reside.

Team Member Since: 2023

Education:
Bachelor of Architecture
Tulane University

Licensed Architect in Louisiana

Sarah Nguyen, Assoc. AIA

Design Professional – Architecture

Sarah has always had an interest in how buildings and spaces influence the interaction between the community and the space. She knew that going into architecture and design would guide her to explore the ideas of how these concepts are created and implemented within the communities. Sarah is interested in aiding communities that have been negatively impacted by unique circumstances and hope to create a healthy and happy environment. She was Vice President for NOMAS (National Organization of Minority Architect Students) chapter for 2 years and was involved in community outreaches such as Light A Fire, Building Blocks, and Habitat for Humanity.

Team Member Since: 2023

Education:
Bachelor of Architecture
Louisiana State University

David G. Reed, AIA

Architect

Mr. Reed joined the firm in 1983, and in 1991 was named a Partner. Early architectural experience was gained as a researcher and drafter for the Mobile, Alabama, City Planning Commission. David has directed design and construction for several large school renovations, public housing, restaurants, and commercial renovations. Mr. Reed was Project Manager for the major Tulane Medical Center damage assessments, abatement, emergency repairs, buildback, mitigation, and renovations in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. David recently completed the bridging documents for the George Washington Carver High School and was the Project Manager for the new Fisk-Howard Elementary School.

Mr. Reed regularly attends seminars on roofing and reroofing practices. He has also attended seminars on asbestos abatement, Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospital and Health Care Facilities and on Life Safety and Building Code seminars.

Team Member Since: 1983

Education:
Bachelor of Architecture
Mississippi State University

Licensed Architect in Louisiana

Michelle E. Richard, AIA, NCARB, LEED Green Associate

Architect

Michelle joined the firm in 2003 as an Intern Architect and works on projects ranging from educational, religious, civic, financial, healthcare, and retail for both public and private clients. She also researches building codes and standards for the firm’s projects and gained experience working to incorporate the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines into several elderly housing facilities and state-owned buildings. Her attentiveness and diligence make her a valued team member on all the projects in which she participates. Michelle acts as VRA’s IT Consultant liaison, and collaborated with an in-house committee to develop new CAD and Office Standards for the firm.

Michelle is the President of the Dellwood / Lakeshore Village / Yester Oaks Resident’s Association in Slidell, Louisiana. Away from the office, Michelle enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, riding bicycles, going to the gym, spending time with extended family, or just “relaxing” at home.

Team Member Since: 2003

Education:
Master of Architecture
Tulane University

Licensed Architect in Louisiana

Megan Ripoll

Production / Technical Support / 3D Scanning

Megan assists with the Construction Document handling and permitting processes.  She also serves as VRA’s in-house IT rep.

Team Member Since: 2013