The following is a Dec. 12 press release from the New Orleans–headquartered firm EskewDumezRipple announcing the retirement of principals Mark Ripple, FAIA, and Tracy Lea, FAIA.
Following long and celebrated careers leading the architectural practice of EskewDumezRipple, principals Mark Ripple and Tracy Lea announced today their retirement at the end of 2022. Over the last four decades, Mark and Tracy have brought their unique and complementary talents in the leadership of this distinguished, nationally-acclaimed practice.
In 1989, Mark Ripple, FAIA, joined the staff of EskewDumezRipple (formerly Eskew Filson Architects) under the leadership of founding partner Allen Eskew. Drawn to Allen’s ethos of architecture as a catalyzing force for civic good, Mark emerged as a vocal leader on projects centered around building community. This vision came into singular focus during the recovery following Hurricane Katrina. At a time of hopelessness for many, Mark and his partners envisioned a more expansive role for the firm: not just the design of beautiful buildings, but serving as a broader platform for community engagement and service. This ethos of service to the community remains central to the firm’s mission today.
Complementing Mark’s role at EskewDumezRipple, Tracy Lea, FAIA, reshaped the studio as a regional leader in the technical delivery of architecture. During his 30 years with the firm, he elevated the design-first mission of the practice with a pragmatic, technically-driven architectural focus. In addition to his leadership role within the firm, Tracy dedicated himself to transferring his skillset into the broader design community, training generations of industry-leading professionals while advocating at the local and national levels within architecture’s professional member organization, the American Institute of Architects.
Looking to the future, Mark and Tracy have played a crucial role in cultivating the next generation of firm leaders, bringing fresh ideas and energy to a seasoned leadership core led by Steve Dumez. Just as Allen Eskew recognized the importance of mentorship and leadership development, Mark and Tracy have embraced the emergence of a new group of leaders, ensuring the continued success of the firm for years to come.
