Announcing Our Expanded Leadership Team

Trapolin-Peer Architects Announces Leadership Expansion with Two New Principals and a Studio Director Appointment

Trapolin-Peer Architects announces the expansion of its leadership team, naming Jennifer Blair and Kevin Barns as Principals. In addition, Sarah Freeland Simonson has been promoted to Studio Director. These appointments mark a pivotal moment for the firm as it prepares to enter its fifth decade of practice.

As new partners, Blair and Barns join the firm’s current executive team — Peter Trapolin, Paula Peer, and Gene Guidry — to help guide the firm’s evolving practice. Together with Simonson’s promotion to Studio Director, these changes underscore TPA’s commitment to cultivating leadership that reflects shared values of thoughtful, equitable design.

“We are cultivating a strategic evolution towards the next chapter of our design practice,” said Gene Guidry. “This means expanding our capabilities while remaining focused on how our services impact our team and our clients. We are confident in our continued growth and in the strength of new ideas and approaches.”

Jennifer Blair has been integral to TPA’s identity and operations for the past 18 years. Her leadership in firm management, financial operations, and human resources has helped foster a resilient practice and thriving studio culture.

Kevin Barns has played a pivotal role in advancing internal project standards and studio resources, strengthening both design quality and project delivery across the firm. He has also led the design and execution of many of TPA’s multifamily and mixed-use projects throughout the region, bringing a thoughtful, client-focused approach to each.

“Our leadership team shares aligned values, a collective vision for design excellence, and a passion for making a positive impact on our community and environment,” said Paula Peer. “This team will continue to foster the next generation of architects as our team and firm grow.”

As Studio Director, Sarah Simonson will champion technical and creative excellence across the studio. Her recent leadership on the renovation and addition to Richardson Memorial Hall at Tulane University reflects her continued commitment to the educational sector and to design integrity.

With this expanded leadership team, Trapolin-Peer Architects reaffirms its collaborative ethos and its vision for the future.

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