INDEvents

Charleston mayor offers keynote address at fifth annual Smart Growth Lecture

Sell-out event also honors architects and designers

Award-winning interior designers, from left: Lissa Schmit, Michelle Thibodeaux, Marie Olivier Lukaszeski, Dione Bourgeois Sonnier and Larayne Ainsworth Guidroz.

Winning architects and designers in the residential category are, from left: John Maak, Randy Rivera, Timmie Dumatrait and Mark Owen Pritchard.

Charleston Mayor Joe Riley addresses the sell-out crowd.

In the commercial category, architects submitted 13 projects that won awards. Among the winners, from left: Jay Chase, Don Breaux, Sidney Bourgeois, Gwen Richard, Kirby Pécot, Charles Beazley, Gene Sellers, Natalie M. Fraychineaud and Glenn Angelle. Not pictured: Hector LaSala, Greg Walls, Chad Abell and Norman Chenevert.

City-Parish President Joey Durel introduced the keynote speaker.

Mayor Riley chatting with Elaine Abell

Dewitt David and Sue Billet

Cheryl Williams and Vita Guidry

Representing the Realtor Association of Acadiana, from left: Ree Mer, Ken Simeral, Nancy Marcotte, Mary Plaisance, Bill Braniff, Mary Jane Bauer and Walter Campbell

Charleston, S.C., Mayor Joe Riley received a standing ovation from a capacity crowd following his remarks at the recent Smart Growth Luncheon and INDesign Awards. His 45-minute presentation included an overview of the mix of growth management principles that have earned him the national reputation he enjoys as the nine-term mayor of one of the most progressive cities in America. Among the highlights of Riley’s administration: tenacious preservation of the city’s indigenous and historic architecture; the development of purposeful parks and public spaces; creative solutions to affordable housing needs; and attractive design for new public buildings.

Lafayette City-Parish President Joey Durel introduced the visiting mayor and hosted a reception for him following the luncheon. It included a roundtable discussion for community leaders and members of Durel’s cabinet who are involved in planning-related issues facing Lafayette Consolidated Government. After a productive exchange, Durel accepted Riley’s invitation to visit Charleston and continue the dialogue.

Twenty-two projects were recognized for excellence in architecture and interior design as part of this year’s INDesign Awards. The event is part of The Independent Weekly’s Lecture Series that is presented annually by IberiaBank. Supporting sponsors for the fifth annual Smart Growth Luncheon include Van Eaton & Romero Realtors, River Ranch Development Corporation, Sugar Mill Pond Development Corporation, Allen & Gooch Law Firm, and Darnall, Sikes, Gardes and Frederick CPAs.