Allen Eskew / Photo courtesy Allen Eskew Tulane LavinBernick Center / Photo ' Paul Crosby

Patrick F. Taylor Library / Photo ' Richard Sexton Louisiana Music Factory / Photo ' Linda Abbott Tipitinas / Photo ' Jenny Bagert

Allen Eskew, FAIA, is a founding partner of the Eskew+Dumez+Ripple architectural and planning studio. He received his Master of Architecture degree from the University of California at Berkeley and his Bachelor of Architecture from Louisiana State University. He is widely recognized as a leader in riverfront revitalization planning and the firm noted as a design leader in environmental education, cultural, and civic projects.

Best New Architecture
Tulane's Lavin-Bernick Center for University Life
“Designed by VJAA with Associate Architect Wayne Troyer, this building is an absolute pleasure to spend time in. Makes me wish I was back in school. Elegant steel mesh water walls are inserted into the double height main lobby area and they really add a tremendous statement (and cooling effect) to the room. It and is a great example of a significantly updated building fitting well within a campus thats filled with historic buildings and some of the city’s oldest oaks.”

Best Historic Architecture
Patrick F. Taylor Library at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art
“Originally designed by Henry Hobson Richardson in 1889, the building been undergoing a tremendous restoration by Errol Barron / Michael Toups Architects in recent years. Although Richardson was a native of Louisiana, the historic landmark Library building - one of only six libraries designed by Richardson - is the only Richardson building located in the South. The Library was H.H. Richardson’s last work. Our community is lucky to watch this great architectural gem come back to life.”

The Pitot House in Bayou St. John
In this video, Eskew discusses the Pitot House, a 1799 Creole plantation home that typifies regional craftsmanship and climatic adaptations including wrap-around verandas and natural ventilation.

Best Museums and Galleries
Ogden Museum of Southern Art
“With nationally recognized regional works, as well as a exhibit on display by AIA New Orleans, this place will be an especially great one to hit while you’re here in May.”

Julia Street
“With great notoriety, this street hosts some of the best contemporary artists in our region. The work in these galleries is always fresh and current and makes for a great modern facet to the cultural richness of New Orleans.”

Best Drinking, Dining, and Shopping
Upperline
“It’s a little trip from downtown, but a great vibe and the owner is a truly gracious host to every single guest. Perfect leisurely dinner spot.”

Parkway Bakery & Tavern
“This spot, in my own neighborhood, is known around the city as the best po-boy joint. Take a little trip up there for lunch and you’ll be glad you did. You cannot beat their fried ship po-boy.”

Louisiana Music Factory
“Best music store in town. Hands down. It’s in the Quarter and houses only Louisiana music.”

Best Music Venues
Snug Harbor
“This is in one of our favorite night life districts on Frenchman Street in the Marigny. Grab one of their delicious burgers and catch their great jazz shows. Then make sure you wander the street to see who’s playing at other favorites like The Spotted Cat, d.b.a., and Blue Nile”

Maple Leaf
“In New Orleans’ Utown/Riverbend neighborhood, this place attracts a lot of Tulane students but also holds the loyalty of many across the City. They always have some of the best local talent on the lineup and Maple Street has many more restaurant and bar options to go with it”

Tipitina’s
“They have one location Uptown and one in the French Quarter and both always have a strong lineup. They host a lot of brass bands and zydeco musicians and offer late night shows.”