Philosophy
BBI Architects was founded in 2002 by Brent Bueche, who believed that learning the client’s business and truly understanding what the client needs is one of the of the most important parts of the job. Today, our clients benefit from this philosophy with ‘Spaces that Work’ effectively and efficiently, with no small nod to artistry.
As a full service architectural firm with local and national clients, we offer expertise from programming through construction. Our relaxed style is complimented with state-of-the-art technologies. One thing that sets us apart is our expertise in clients who are customer focused. The “customer” may be defined differently in each situation. For example, in a quick-serve restaurant, the customers are the hundreds of hungry people served each day. In a retail environment, it is the shoppers selecting their purchases and in an office building, it is the workers who will spend most of their day in the same setting. Our focus is on creating a positive customer experience for those end-users, the people who will actually use the building, whether it's a retail space, a restaurant, or any customer focused environment.
How It all began…
In 2002, I founded BBI Architects believing the key to our success would be to study our client's business and truly understand their needs. Today, our clients benefit from this philosophy with spaces that work effectively and efficiently, with no small nod to artistry.As a full-service architectural firm with local and national clients, we offer expertise from programming through construction and beyond. Our relaxed style is complimented by the use of state-of-the-art technologies and attention to detail. I believe one thing that sets BBI apart is our specialization in clients who are customer focused. The customer may be defined differently in each situation. For example, in a quick-serve restaurant, the customers are the hundreds of hungry people served each day. In a retail environment, it is the shoppers selecting their purchases, and in an office building it is the workers who will spend most of their day in the same setting. Our focus is on creating a positive customer experience for those end-users, the people who will actually use the building, whether it's a retail space, a restaurant, or any customer focused environment.
-BRENT BUECHE-
Our Team
President
Brent Bueche
Brent Bueche has more than 20 years of experience in architecture, master planning and project management. After graduating from Louisiana State University with a degree in Architecture, he developed his skills as a Project Manager and Project Architect with several respected architectural firms in the Baton Rouge area. He has successfully managed hundreds of projects valued at over $150 million dollars throughout the United States. Projects have ranged from office buildings renovations to major national building programs. Brent is proud of the fact that most of BBI’s business is repeat work from satisfied clients; he attributes that loyalty to his insistence on maintaining high standards for the work produced by BBI staff as well as the consultants who work with the firm. He is a Licensed Architect in many states through the southern and central US and a member of the International Building Code Council. A native of New Roads, Louisiana, he and his wife, Karen live in Baton Rouge with their daughter, Emily.
Education
LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY
Architecture, 1990
Continuing Education
• Americans with Disabilities Act
• 2000 International Building Code
•NFPA Life Safety Code
•NFPA 96 Ventilation Control & Fire Protection
•NFPA Sprinkler Systems
•Building Envelope & Water Infiltration
•Condensation Control, Mold & Energy Leakage
•Natural Ventilation
•Acoustical Control in Buildings
•Acoustical Ceilings
•Concrete Construction Practices
•Masonry Construction Practices
•Architectural Lighting
•Managing Runoff
**advanced training in all of the above
Activities & Affiliations
• American Institute of Architects
• National Council of Architectural Registration Board
• International Code Council
• National Fire Protection Association
• Urban Land Institute
• National Council of Architectural Registration Board
• International Code Council
Appointments
•Baton Rouge Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, Board of Directors
•Architects Selection Board, City of Baton Rouge
Architect
Robert Gray
Robert Gray has over 20 years experience in architecture, building design, project management and construction administration. He has been the project manager of local, state, national, and international projects with construction costs starting at $50,000 and ranging up to and exceeding $100 million. Project types consisted of a wide array including hospitality, commercial, institutional, public, religious, correctional, new construction, renovations, and storm restoration.
Education
LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY
Architecture, 2003
UNITED STATES ARMY ENGINEER CENTER
Carpentry|Masonry Specialist Course
Notable Projects
EBR Parish Main Library-Goodwood Blvd.
New Alex Box Stadium-Louisiana State University
KPLC Renovations
One Hancock Plaza
Activities & Affiliations
• American Institute of Architects
• American Institute of Architects-Mentorship Program
• Honorable Discharge United States Army
• Army Achievement Medal
Louisiana State University-Student Union Renovations
Marriot’s Aruba Surf Club
Claiborne Office Building-Capitol Office Complex
Director of Sales & Marketing
Renée Dugas
Renée Dugas is the Director of Sales & Marketing of BBI Architects. She comes to us from City Group Hospitality, where she oversaw four City Pork restaurants and City Slice Pints + Pizza as Director of Sales & Marketing. She was born and raised in Lafayette, Louisiana which is where she found her love of food, cooking and Louisiana culture. Her career in the service industry began over 20 years ago at the original Coffee Call in Baton Rouge. Since pouring her first Cafe au Lait, she has stayed in the Baton Rouge food & beverage industry at such local establishments as--French Market Bistro, Kamado’s, Duvic’s Martini Bar and Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse.
In addition to Business Development for BBI Architects, she has served on the board of the Louisiana Restaurant Association and Healthy BR, volunteered with Girls on the Run, the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, Cancer Services and was the Event Coordinator for Cap City Beer Fest benefiting Companion Animal Alliance.
Before taking on her current role with BBI Architects, she was the founding Executive Director for the Baton Rouge Epicurean Society. During her 10 years with BRES, she founded the Fete Rouge Food & Wine Festival while raising funds for local childhood health & nutrition organizations.
In her off time, she still finds herself in the food scene...whether dining out, tasting all the creations of our talented Louisiana Chefs or cooking at her home in Baton Rouge with her 3 children, Wesley, Griffin, and Juliette. Her other passions include live music, festivals, traveling, and dancing in the kitchen with family & friends.
Administrative ASSistant
Sue Johnson
Sue Johnson has over 35 years of experience in office administration including 33 years with Louisiana State Government. She then left for Washington, DC, for a two-year stint at the National Safety Council with the Air Bag & Seat Belt Safety Campaign. Upon her return to her hometown of Baton Rouge, Sue worked at a major life insurance company before joining BBI where she now serves as Administrative Assistant Extraordinaire.
Before starting her career, Sue attended Louisiana State University. She now spends as much time as possible with her six grandchildren, ages 1 to 12.