31 Mar Ancestral Artistry: Honoring the People Who Built Louisiana in a New Documentary Film

For centuries, Louisiana’s architecture has stood as a testament to the craftsmanship, ingenuity, and resilience of the people who built it. Ancestral Artistry: The Influence of Africans & Creoles of Color in Louisiana Architecture brings this story to life, exploring the deep-rooted traditions of African and Creole artisans whose skills have shaped the state’s distinct built environment for over 300 years. Passed down within families, skills in carpentry, masonry, blacksmithing, and plasterwork became synonymous with Louisiana’s architectural identity and also critical to the livelihoods of those who practiced them. The documentary film examines how these artisans blended Old World techniques with new methods suited to Louisiana’s climate.

Yet Ancestral Artistry is not just a historical account; it also highlights the master craftsmen of today who are working tirelessly to preserve the legacy of their ancestors. Their dedication to restoring and maintaining historic structures ensures that these time-honored traditions continue to be passed down for generations to come. Rather than simply documenting historic buildings, the film weaves together the stories of contemporary craftsmen, such as fourth generational master plasterer Jeffrey M. Poreé, renowned blacksmith and metal artist Darryl A. Reeves, and third-generation Master Mason and preservationist Theodore “Teddy” Matthew Pierre Jr. It also documents the restoration of the Craftsmen’s Tomb in St. Louis Cemetery No. 2, a project that serves as both a physical preservation effort and a tribute to the artisans who shaped New Orleans. In an era of rapid modernization, these traditional building trades face an uncertain future, making efforts to practice and sustain them all the more urgent.

Produced by the Louisiana Architecture Foundation (LAF), the documentary premiered in Lake Charles, Louisiana, in September 2024 before screening in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Lafayette. The New Orleans celebration, held on November 7, 2024, at the Historic BK House & Gardens, was a particularly special event, bringing together architects, historians, preservationists, and community members to honor the craftsmanship and cultural legacy showcased in the film. The evening began with a sponsor reception followed by the screening in the courtyard of the historic home. After the documentary concluded, the filmmakers, master craftsmen, and other featured subjects took part in a compelling panel, sharing their personal journeys, challenges, and hopes for the future of their trades. The discussion sparked a meaningful dialogue on how to encourage younger generations to carry forward these time-honored traditions, ensuring that Louisiana’s architectural identity remains strong for years to come.

AOS’ support of Ancestral Artistry reflects a longstanding partnership with the Louisiana Architecture Foundation, which works to strengthen public awareness of the built environment and its impact. Over the years, AOS has contributed to numerous LAF initiatives, including sponsoring the Architecture & Design Film Festival when it was hosted in New Orleans. Shelby Russ, Jr., President and CEO of AOS, was even recognized with the Louisiana Patron of Architecture Award in 2018 as a testament to his dedication to supporting architecture across the region.

Ancestral Artistry is the second documentary film produced by LAF, part of the organization’s growing commitment to storytelling as a tool for architectural preservation and education. The foundation first recognized the power of film in engaging a broader audience when it partnered with the national Architecture & Design Film Festival, making New Orleans one of only six North American host cities. Working with the festival’s New York-based organizers, LAF saw firsthand how documentary filmmaking could spark meaningful conversations about architecture, history, and culture beyond traditional lectures and exhibitions. Inspired by this success, LAF began producing its own films, focusing on the rich architectural legacy of Louisiana and the individuals who have shaped it.

By showcasing the stories of the craftsmen behind Louisiana’s most iconic buildings, Ancestral Artistry serves as both a historical record and a call to action. The preservation of these architectural traditions is not just about maintaining historic buildings—it is about ensuring that the diversity, artistry, and expertise that shaped them continue to thrive. The film underscores the importance of not only preserving structures but also investing in the people and practices that sustain them. It is a reminder that diversity and inclusion are essential not only in architecture but in all aspects of the design industry. By continuing to support and uplift the voices of historically underrepresented communities, we strengthen the foundation of the built environment and ensure that it reflects the richness of the cultures that create it.

Learn More about AOS’ Community Impact Report

This story was featured in our 2024 Community Impact Report, which highlights the meaningful ways we’re investing in our people, our industry, and the communities we call home. Our support of the Louisiana Architecture Foundation and the Ancestral Artistry film is just one example of how we’re honoring the past while shaping the future, supporting historical preservation, advancing diversity and inclusion, and strengthening the talent pipeline for the next generation of designers and builders.

Want to see more of the meaningful ways we’re making a difference? Click here to read our most recent Community Impact Report and learn how AOS is helping create stronger, more resilient communities through design, partnership, and purpose.