Led by Tracie Ashe and Julie Babin, the architecture firm practis enhances the built environment through innovative and authentic design. As a women-owned business, the partners are committed to supporting women in architecture by leading a predominantly female team that manages projects in the residential, commercial, and institutional sectors.
The transformation from studioWTA to practis in 2023 marked a period of renewal following the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the passing of the firm’s founder, Wayne Troyer. The new name was chosen to encapsulate the firm’s ethos of continuous learning and practice in architecture and design.
Located in their newly-purchased building on Magazine Street, practis collaborates closely with local contractors and artisans, contributing to developments that drive economic growth. Licensed across Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, and New Jersey, Tracie and Julie aim to make an impact both locally and nationally.
Julie, past president of the New Orleans Component of the American Institute of Architects, is also an alum of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program and the Loyola Women’s Leadership Academy. Tracie serves on the Historic District Landmarks Commission’s Architectural Review Committee and is currently participating in the Loyola Women’s Leadership Academy. Both partners are graduates of the Tulane School of Architecture.
practis’ philosophy is to embrace a collaborative approach, treating each project as a unique exploration of creativity and context. All projects at practis are driven by the firm’s core mission — aligning place with purpose.
practis
3450 Magazine Street, New Orleans // connect@practis.design.com