architecture

C E L E B R A T I N G   10   Y E A R S

aborden August 21, 2023

As AMB2 Architecture celebrates its first decade, the studio is proud of the impact our team has made in our community and the lives of those who have flourished and thrived in the spaces we have designed and created. Principal Architect and Owner of AMB2 Architecture, Ana Batista Borden, is incredibly grateful to continue serving clients, in both the public and private sectors, while celebrating this milestone alongside the team of designers, engineers, artisans and construction professionals the firm has collaborated with this past decade. 

There is no better referral than one that comes from experiencing one of the studio’s projects and the traditional yet innovative design process that focuses on addressing each program with artistry, transparency and commitment, from conception through construction. Today, over a third of the entities AMB2 Architecture serves are repeat clients, and the remaining are from direct referrals – a testament that our best advertisement is personally experiencing the spaces designed by the studio, the design process and the direct and personal attentiveness and involvement by our Principal Architect. The studio’s portfolio includes commercial projects, working with neighboring cities and parishes, schools and parishes, small local businesses and custom residences as well as consulting for other local architects.

“For nearly a quarter of a century I have had the honor of serving as an Architect while upholding the client’s trust serving their institutions, businesses and homes. I serve not only to visually and physically create a better place for them to work, recover, learn, play and live, but also to be an advocate for them while meeting their goals, and dreams in the process. I am committed to continue working in the best interest of my clients and ensuring that they, their patrons and neighbors’ health, welfare and wellbeing are at the forefront while addressing each program with creativity, honesty and leaving a space better than I encountered it.” 

– Ana Batista Borden, Architect & LEED AP, Owner & Principal Architect of AMB2 Architecture

AMB2 Architecture’s mission continues to be creating dynamic design compositions that exceed aesthetic goals, fulfill the client’s core function, appeal to the senses, and evoking emotions that respect the past, address the present and serve as a precedent for the future. The team is committed to continuing to approach each project as a unique being – each unique detail has been developed to add value to those who engage with the space and thoughtfully connects each participant to everyday experiences. The end result continues to be an effortless progressive built form that reflects quality and is a response to the challenges identified during design that also conveys sustainability and high-efficiency strategies. The firm’s motto remains the same:

each DESIGN is client focused: an integration of their goals, an expression of their necessities, budget, context and applied technologies

every DETAIL communicates the accuracy of the design elements: a reflection of quality sought and a celebration of innovation

the solution is the CONSTRUCT form: a framework of objectives, a composition of ideas and restraints

the aspiration is to REPEAT the process: enhance the quality of life at each and every occasion while bringing perspective and harmony

AMB2 Architecture is devoted to our client’s success and look forward to continuing to work with our current clients, returning clients and those we will meet soon!

watercolor renderings

aborden March 31, 2020

Include a custom watercolor rendering in your upcoming project’s presentation and capture the interest of investors, improve communication with committees, obtain community support, include in upcoming publications and advertisements or provide a unique gift to family members and benefactors. Let AMB2 Architecture help you on your next project, no matter where it is located.

#FutureNOLAArchitect

aborden March 29, 2020

Future NOLA Architect Coloring Sheet

Shotgun Homes are considered the most well known and prevalent buildings constructed in New Orleans between 1830s-1950s. Their design responded to the hot and humid climate of  the area, as well as the materials and technology available during its time. This single shotgun has a shuttered front door and window, a hipped overhang protects the front entrance in front of a gabled roof. A single shotgun’s width equals the width of a room, and was three to five rooms deep.

Notice the native landscaping: Louisiana Irises, Button Bush, Dwarf Palmetto and the Sweet Bay Magnolia

Email [email protected] your colored sheets to be shared on the Facebook page!

Uptown Historic Renovation

aborden March 27, 2020

This existing historic New Orleans home lies on an over-sized lot in the heart of Uptown New Orleans, in the East Riverside neighborhood. This 1800 sqft residence required a complete renovation and extensive attention during construction due to existing extensive damage. The new design included preserving it’s exterior detailing, a redesign of the existing spaces, including a generously spaced kitchen and living space for entertaining, wall space to exhibit the client’s passion for art as well as a master suite addition and new northern faced rear porch to be enjoyed throughout the year with a view of their landscaped oasis.

Design & Construction Completion – 2019

Renovation Photo Credit: Norris Gagnet Photography

Renovation Photo Credit: Norris Gagnet Photography

watercolor accolades

aborden December 28, 2018

I just wanted to comment on what a wonderful job you did on the watercolor sketching of my home.  I absolutely love it and would recommend your services to other potential clients.  Thanks! – Mariela Twiggs

Ana, my family sincerely thanks you for the stunning rendering of our New Orleans home.  We have so many years of wonderful memories in that house, and you were somehow able to capture the essence of our special time in the City.  You have our utmost confidence and highest recommendation.  Your work truly warms the walls of our new home.    
Best Regards, The Hromaniks

The Top 3 Design Mistakes Found in Residential Construction throughout New Orleans

aborden May 25, 2018
My colleagues, friends and a couple of clients have been known to send me pictures when they see design and construction conditions that they question or know that would make me pause, based on our conversations. While driving around New Orleans or even viewing interior design magazines and images online I am amazed to see in so many buildings and homes moments that make me question the owner, contractor, installer and/or designer to wonder what exactly they were thinking.The following are a few examples of those moments that make me stop and pause as an Architect and question, “What were they thinking?” as well as some of my pet peeves found mostly in new residential construction in New Orleans.
1. Form follows function. Always.
This is THE most important design principle an Architect implements in their work.
– Inoperable shutters are quite possibly the greatest travesty in residential design. Even more so if they do not reflect the shape and size of the window. Shutters were originally designed to protect the opening and you from the elements – installing inoperable shutters is of the contrary and an expense that I can not justify.
– Another expensive mistake is constructing “fake” windows because if one is being constructed to appear so on the exterior to make the facade more interesting, then there are two problems. The first critical problem is that the floor plan must not flow from one space to another. And two, the exterior design and materials should be reevaluated to make it interesting.
– Simulated mutins and stiles, which some window companies lump into one category called grilles, on windows are another added expense that make an overall home appear less expensive and from nearly every angle appears fake. Mutins and stiles were critical parts of a window design to help distribute the lateral load above and subdivide glass panes. The design also reveals the leading architectural style of the time.
– Faux anything should just be eliminated from any design. It amazes me to see beautifully (expensive) cypress wrapped elements at an interior ceiling that are spaced many feet apart, hence because of their expense, because they are serving no function what so ever. Rafters should be spaced no more than 24″ apart (that is with no special loads above) and any wider spacing should make anyone question much greater structural issues.
2. Use of Materials
Why would one dedicate so much of their budget installing stucco on their facade only to install vinyl soffits?  And, I should mention, that there are numerous materials, vents and overhang designs to choose from when it comes to your overall facade. Consistency is also key when designing and materials in general should work in harmony not against the overall aesthetics. Of course budget is paramount, but an Architect is there to help navigate your options and provide pros and cons for your final decision.
3. When in Doubt Reflect on History
New Orleans is a colorful city, literally and historically. Knowing the history of the Crescent City and having a historic preservation background like my myself is critical when renovating or construction new homes and other commercial buildings in our area.
– Exterior Color Schemes – Shotguns were painted in distinctive colors even though typically their neighbor’s home was built at the same time, same design and layout, builder and materials. Off hand the most successfully painted entirely white residence I recall is the “Wedding Cake” residence on St. Charles and Northeastern inspired Colonial homes with dark shutters. These days when I see residences completely in one shade of white or off white, my immediate thought is that it was a design build, completed without an Architect. So why do contractors proceed with one shade? The simple answer is: cost. With today’s paint spray technology, painters can completely paint a home in a couple of days when not worrying about trim much less accent colors. And I have not even mentioned different paint sheens…
– Columns – Considering using columns? The order you select will have a huge impact on the overall design. Your Architect should be able to tell you the history and help you select the proper type and scale based on your overall facade proportion and design.

Lakeview 2nd Level Addition

aborden May 7, 2018

This fast pace second level addition in Lakeview has received a lot of attention in this quite neighborhood by neighbors and house visitors. Ana Borden designed the second level addition on this previous one story residence and drew from her experience completing complicated multi-million dollar institutional projects. The overall project, including designing the second level addition included tieing into the existing conditions in order to preserve the remaining exterior lot for a new pool. The Architect constructed a three dimensional model in Revit to convey to the Clients the design intent while adhering to all required building codes. The challenge also included providing roof slopes within the allowable existing chimney distances, stair clearances, desired room sizes and working with the structural engineer to design connections and structural member sizes to fit the constraints listed above. Also, extensive coordination was required for the second addition, including supports designed by the structural engineer in conjunction with the existing pre and post tensioned slab. The Architect’s intent was also to create a seamless addition that appears to have been part of the existing residence while not impacting the remaining lot. Overall, the final construction fulfilled the Client’s goals of adding a bedroom and bathroom as well as additional storage space within their time frame and, of course, budget.

Construction: Fall/Winter 2017-2018

profile

aborden March 20, 2015

AMB2 Architecture, LLC is a full service boutique architecture firm providing programming, architectural services, interior and contract administration services for clients in both the public and private sectors. The firm specializes in hospitality, healthcare, institutional, commercial, educational, residential design and historic preservation. The firm is recognized for providing innovative, context respectful and thoughtful designs, attention to construction detailing, ensuring life safety measures while delivering high standards from programming through construction as they fulfilling their client’s needs and desires. The firm also consults for local design, construction and other private and public entities providing quality control, construction detailing, interior design, construction management and specification writing.

AMB2 Architecture is a minority and female run architecture firm performing services throughout the State of Louisiana.

Ana M Batista Borden is a licensed architect in the State of Louisiana, as well as a LEED AP BD+C, with a Masters in Architecture from The School of Architecture at Tulane University. Her diverse portfolio is comprised of her experience in southeast Louisiana as well as throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. She was recently featured in New Orleans City Business’s Construction/Engineering ‪Ones To Watch‬. Her practice has recently provided the interior design of the bar area for the Bobby Hebert Cajun Cannon Restaurant. Maintaining a consistent, intense schedule during her college career fueled her experience in the profession at a young age while pursuing construction experience during full-time internships. Her upbringing has given her a profound respect for striving excellence and preserving ethics while respecting budget goals without sacrificing quality. Hurricane Katrina brought unprecedented experiences and challenges during her early career. These experiences have given her the skills and knowledge to coordinate building systems and foster construction relationships to deliver and exceed a client’s expectations.

Ana has worked with large entities such as Ocshner Health System’s Hospitals, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, Shriners Hospitals for Children, The College of Dupage and Advocate Health Care’s Hospitals (Chicago).