“ Community engagement is important in any attempt to translate the visions of a community. My 42 years as a practitioner in New Orleans gives me a unique perspective of the neighborhoods and the people. To engage is to understand. ”
Lonnie Hewitt is one of the founding partners of Hewitt-Washington & Associates Architects-Planners (APC). With over forty years of professional experience his innovative ideas and ingenuity have helped the firm secure major projects always regarding the client’s budget and design needs as his first priority. Mr. Hewitt strongly believes that community engagement is important in any attempt to translate the visions of a community. His forty-two years as a practitioner in New Orleans gives him a unique perspective of the neighborhoods and their people. His philosophy of engaging the community means understanding the community has lead to the successful completion of projects under his direction.
Although Mr. Hewitt has extensive design and community experience, he also has immense experience in planning. His forward thinking was instrumental in the successful completion of the Southern University Campus Master Plan that received an “Outstanding Planning Merit Award” from the Louisiana Chapter of the American Planning Association. Following Hurricane Katrina, Mr. Hewitt served as Principal Planner for Planning District 6 which encompasses the Gentilly section of the City. Mr. Hewitt played a key role in helping residents of flooded New Orleans neighborhood develop recovery plans. He was instrumental in coordinating the overall planning effort overseeing as many as seven architectural and planning firms and well over twenty agencies.
“I truly believe that my strength is having the ability to manage the issues of multifaceted and environmentally sensitive projects. The events of Hurricane Katrina have broadened my awareness of planning for sustainability.”
James R. Washington, Jr. is one of the founding partners of Hewitt-Washington & Associates Architects-Planners (APC). His extensive experience in project management makes him a highly respected architectural professional with more than 35 years of experience to his credit. Mr. Washington is a 1970 graduate of Southern University at Baton Rouge School of Architecture. He began his career at the Houston Office of CRS, one of the nation’s largest and most respected architectural firms. Upon leaving CRS, he fulfilled his military obligation by serving in the United States Army. His last duty assignment was with HHC 84th Engr BN (Construction) USARPAC, where his specialty was Senior Construction Draftsman, until his honorable discharge in November, 1973.
Mr. Washington’s management style has resulted in the firm’s proven ability to complete a variety of educational and institutional projects on schedule and within budget. His construction practical experience with design and construction are of direct benefit to Hewitt-Washington’s success.
Mr. Washington has served as Principal-in Charge of multi-million dollar projects for the State of Louisiana, and the City of New Orleans. Representative of such undertakings are the $9 M St. Rose Elementary School Campus Buildings for the St. Charles Parish Public School Board; the $5.1 M Medard C. Nelson Elementary School, the $7.5 M Dr. Martin Luther King Elementary School, and the $6.7 M Henry C. Schaumburg Elementary School for the Orleans Parish Public School Board; and the $3.1 M Augustus C Blanks Hall Special Education Building at Southern University at Baton Rouge. In addition, Mr. Washington was Principal-in-Charge for Hewitt-Washington’s contribution to the $195 M Ernest N. Morial Convention Center – Phase III Expansion and the $80 M New Orleans Sports Arena.
He is currently Principal Partner for Hewitt-Washington’s role in the College of Business and Public Administration (CBA) at Southern University at New Orleans, a Joint-Venture Project. In 2009, he was elevated to the AIA College of Fellows. He served and unprecedented three terms as the President of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA). Mr. Washington now has the privilege of serving as a member of the NOMA Council. Mr. Washington is a licensed architect in four states: Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Texas. He holds a Certificate with the National Council of Registered Architects Board (NCARB).