The Blog
This was originally sent to our newsletter subscribers on February 17, 2026. Subscribe here to get updates first.
On the Boards
This East Feliciana Parish project is starting to show its personality. The porch is coming together — 14-foot ceilings, simple Tuscan columns, and a standing seam metal roof that’ll age beautifully out here.
The front entry is one of my favorite parts so far: a 10-foot double door with transom, framed by an entablature with modillions. It’s based on classical precedent you’ll find throughout St. Francisville — nothing invented, just well-studied. The siding is Hardie Plank Artisan with mitered corners, which gives you the look of traditional wood lap without the maintenance. Still a ways to go, but the bones are right.
On the Web
Architect Pickup Lines
Nobody asked for architect pickup lines, but here we are — and apparently 83,000 of you were curious. This one took off. No regrets.
Around Town
King Cake & Conversation
Earlier this month I spent an afternoon at the WYES King Cake & Conversation event, where Pelican Publishing hosted an author table. I signed copies of Are You a Rhinoceros?, sampled more king cake than I should have, and visited with families. A pretty perfect New Orleans afternoon.
Twindo Webinar Recap
Liz and I guest hosted a webinar with Canvas (now Twindo) on how we eliminated hand measuring three years ago. We had 247 people register and a great turnout — 73 stuck around for 20 minutes of Q&A after we wrapped. If you missed it, the replay is available.
In Other News
You may have seen my name in a recent piece on the Nottoway Plantation fire and rebuild. I was asked to weigh in from a preservation standpoint. I was glad for the chance to recognize the enslaved people who built the original. They were master craftsmen, and that deserves recognition.
Coming Up
ICAA Louisiana: Brent Hull Lecture and Book Signing
Brent Hull is coming to Louisiana for two evenings on the art and craft of traditional millwork. If you care about how buildings used to be made — and why it still matters — this is worth your time.
New Orleans — March 5, 5–7 PM at the Hermann-Grima House
Shreveport — March 19, 5–7 PM at the Marston House
Both events are free but registration is required.
“Every house has a story. The good ones start with the people who built it.”
Thanks for reading.
— Kevin Harris
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Custom Millwork, AI Floor Plans & 60 Second Graders
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