Business Details
43 Years
experience
Human-Centered Architecture & Planning Solutions
Founded in 1983, Concordia is a multidisciplinary architecture and planning firm based in New Orleans, Louisiana. Our practice centers on human-centered design, leveraging over four decades of experience to create buildings, landscapes, and communities that enhance quality of life. We integrate architecture, urban design, and community engagement through frameworks like Common Edge and Nexus, prioritizing sustainability, resilience, and equity. Our collaborative approach involves clients and stakeholders at every stage, ensuring alignment with cultural, social, and environmental contexts.With global expertise in public, private, and nonprofit projects, we combine innovation with timeless design principles to deliver impactful solutions. Our team of architects, planners, and creative experts guides projects from concept to completion, fostering interconnected communities through joyful, equitable design. Recognized as pioneers in resident-centered engagement, we remain committed to advancing holistic planning that addresses immediate needs and long-term adaptability.
Services
Architecture
Urban Planning
Community Engagement
Sustainable Design
Historic Restoration
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- We have 40+ years of experience in human-centered design and community engagement.
- Our Nexus framework ensures holistic planning across cultural, social, and environmental factors.
- We pioneered resident-centered co-design processes recognized industry-wide.
- Our multidisciplinary team combines architecture, planning, and creative expertise.
- We deliver globally applicable solutions while maintaining deep local knowledge.
Services
Architecture
We create human-centered architectural solutions that balance aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability. Our practice spans historic restoration, educational facilities, and commercial spaces, prioritizing client values and community impact. With expertise in zoning analysis and regulatory approvals, we guide projects from concept to completion.
Urban Planning
Our urban planning services integrate GIS technology and resilience strategies to shape sustainable communities. We develop master plans, streetscapes, and neighborhood frameworks that address social equity, climate adaptation, and economic vitality while maintaining cultural context.
Community Engagement
We employ our proprietary Concordia Roundtable process to facilitate inclusive co-design workshops. This approach amplifies diverse voices through structured collaboration with residents, leaders, and stakeholders, ensuring projects reflect community needs and aspirations.
Sustainable Design
Our sustainable design practice combines cutting-edge innovation with proven principles to create energy-efficient, climate-resilient spaces. We incorporate life-cycle analysis and environmental stewardship into every project, from individual buildings to large-scale urban developments.
Historic Restoration
We specialize in preserving architectural heritage while integrating modern functionality. Our restoration projects maintain historical integrity through meticulous research, traditional craftsmanship, and adaptive reuse strategies that meet contemporary needs.
People
Bahareh Javadi
Director
Bahareh Javadi leads Concordia's strategic initiatives, combining architectural expertise with community engagement. With 20+ years in multidisciplinary design, she specializes in creating spaces that reflect cultural narratives and foster social connections through collaborative processes.
Steven B. Bingler
Principal
Steven B. Bingler co-founded Concordia and pioneered its resident-centered engagement model. As principal, he guides large-scale planning projects, blending urban design expertise with community collaboration to create equitable, sustainable environments across public and private sectors.
Alex Sorapuru
Designer
Alex Sorapuru contributes creative design solutions informed by spatial analysis and community context. As a designer, he bridges technical precision with artistic vision, focusing on projects that integrate sustainable practices with functional aesthetics in urban environments.
Elizabeth Chen
Architect
Elizabeth Chen applies architectural rigor to Concordia's design and planning projects. Her work emphasizes material innovation and spatial efficiency, balancing regulatory requirements with creative problem-solving to deliver buildings that enhance user experience and environmental performance.
Bobbie Hill
Principal
Bobbie Hill leads Concordia's community engagement efforts, specializing in co-design methodologies. As principal, she facilitates workshops that translate diverse stakeholder input into actionable design strategies, ensuring projects reflect both client goals and community needs.
Questions
What architectural styles does Concordia specialize in?
We blend timeless design principles with modern innovation, tailoring solutions to each project's cultural and environmental context rather than adhering to specific styles.
How does Concordia involve communities in design projects?
We use our proprietary Concordia Roundtable process, conducting structured co-design workshops that incorporate diverse stakeholder perspectives through collaborative problem-solving sessions.
What sustainability certifications do your buildings achieve?
While we pursue LEED and other certifications when appropriate, our focus is on holistic sustainability that prioritizes long-term environmental performance over checklist compliance.
Can you handle both small and large-scale projects?
Yes, our experience spans from individual buildings to citywide master plans, applying consistent design excellence and community engagement at every scale.
How do you ensure projects meet budget constraints?
We employ life-cycle cost analysis and phased implementation strategies, balancing immediate costs with long-term value creation through durable, adaptable designs.
What makes Concordia different from other architecture firms?
Our unique Nexus framework integrates social, cultural, and environmental factors with technical expertise, creating spaces that foster human connection and community resilience.
