Van Horn Design is a full-service New Orleans-based architecture practice specializing in residential renovations, additions, and new construction. Founded out of a deep love for the rich built environment of our hometown’s neighborhoods, our projects now span several states across historic, urban, suburban, coastal, and rural settings. While we take great pride in the buildings we design, it’s the relationships we build with our clients that keep us motivated every day. Our process is centered around the client experience, from the first sketch to the final punch list, and we believe the following ideals make us unique in a profession often set in its ways:

  • Don't be intimidated.

    We strive every day to make the design experience comfortable, informative, collaborative, and fun for our clients, and we are especially committed to making quality design more approachable for a new, younger generation of homeowners who may not have worked with an architect before and might feel intimidated by the process. There is no room for ego in a successful design and construction project, and we treat every home as if it were our own.

  • Relationships matter.

    Only the client is an expert in how they live their daily lives, and we work hard to listen to their needs with sincerity and respect. By establishing an honest, transparent relationship with our clients from the outset, we can more productively work together to make their vision a reality. We take the same approach in our relationships with contractors and consultants as well, understanding that our expertise is only one of several factors that contribute to a successful project.

  • It's all in the details.

    Through experience we have learned to ask the right questions of our clients. Are you right- or left-handed, for dishwasher placement? Where and for how long do you drink your coffee in the morning? Where do you hide Christmas presents? Do you like to walk around barefoot? Understanding our clients’ lifestyles at this granular level allows us to tailor a design to their specific needs. Ignoring even the smallest of seemingly mundane details can have a big impact on their daily lives.

  • No project is too small.

    We enjoy working with a wide array of client types, from first-time home buyers to busy families to downsizing empty nesters to discerning vacationers, and we are equally enthusiastic about designing a backyard storage shed as we are a brand new mountain house. We understand that a construction project, no matter the size, is a significant investment, and we believe projects of all sizes and budgets deserve a thoughtful design process and careful attention to detail.

Please reach out for a free consultation to see if your project is a good fit for our firm!