Stone & Tile ProductsIndustry InsightsStone & Tile EventsHospitality | Commercial DesignMosaics & Decorative TileKitchen & Bath

A law firm lit by travertine

By Kelly Crowley

With the renovation of the Baker-Donelson law firm, a combination of travertine, marble and quartz was used to update and unify the professional practice in New Orleans, LA. The high-quality materials were employed throughout the reception area, elevator lobby, bathrooms, pantry, break rooms, conference rooms and stairs — establishing an upscale business environment where employees can work and meet clients. The total renovation extended over two floors and covered 48,000 square feet — 24,000 square feet on each floor.

According to designer Vicki Cusimano of Mathes Brierre Architects in New Orleans, LA, the client had requested that the design be of light-colored stone. When entering the law firm, visitors are greeted with the rich warmth of travertine, which casts an elegant shine across the space. The floor pattern consists of 6- x 6-, 12- x 12-, 16- x 16- and 12- x 24-inch cross-cut travertine tiles. “The tile was laid in the French floor pattern,” explained Cusimano. The stone tilework flows through the office — from the lobby to the reception area to the conference center.

As a connecting element in the office space, the staircase is also built of travertine. “Travertine slabs were used on the stair treads and risers,” said Cusimano, explaining that this was the phase of the renovation that proved to be the most difficult for the installation. This challenge was overcome by careful attention to detail in setting the pieces on the stairs.

Considered a retreat for employees, the break room was also given a makeover. The floor is also comprised of the varying-sized tiles, and the countertop is fabricated from DuPont Zodiaq quartz surfacing. Subtle contrast is added to the room’s design with a backsplash made of “Matrix Mix” marble mosaics from Voguebay, and supplied by Daltile.

After a little over two years, the renovation was completed — with the law office in full operation throughout the work. “We typically spend a lot of time on site reviewing the installation and progression of the job,” said Cusimano. “We did so with this one, especially because of the amount of detail.”

Although it was a long process with many time-intensive demands of details, the completed project is a satisfaction of the clients, their clients and visitors, as well as the designer. “It has been very positive from the client, future clients, and other tenants in the building,” said Cusimano.

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Kelly Crowley has four years experience in book publishing. In March 2012, she joined Stone World Magazine as Associate Editor and has transitioned to magazine publishing. She will also be seen writing for Stone World’s sister publications, TILE Magazine and Contemporary Stone & Tile Design.