NEW ORLEANS – Longue Vue is thrilled to present its upcoming 2025 Design Symposium: Lives in Design, happening April 2 and 3, with a free Community Design Day extension on April 6. Design Symposium raises funds for the historic preservation of Ellen Biddle Shipman’s interior and garden designs at Longue Vue. Shipman was a trailblazer in landscape architecture whose influence is still felt today across Longue Vue’s stunning 8-acre garden campus. As a way of honoring her commitment to merging art with nature, Longue Vue’s Design Symposium explores the profound ways design shapes our daily lives.
This year’s Symposium theme, “Lives in Design,” examines the intersection of design and lived experience – how the spaces we inhabit, the objects we interact with, and the environments we create impact our sense of identity, community, and belonging. Renowned presenters this year include Gil Schafer of Schafer, Buccellato Architects, Stella Chase Reese of Dooky Chase Restaurant, Austen Barron Bailly, of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and Tracee Dundas, founder of New Orleans Fashion Week.
“As the masterpiece of Ellen Shipman, Longue Vue’s design legacy is unique,” says Baty Landis, Longue Vue executive director in a release about the symposium. “Yet design is integral to more than just historic sites: It touches every corner and dimension of our lives. My hope is that Design Symposium will raise funds for Longue Vue’s preservation, while also raising awareness and reflection about the impact our design decisions can have – in our own lives and the lives of others.”
Design Symposium offers a unique opportunity to engage with the presenters, participate in discussions, and explore the ways design impacts our lives. We encourage you to come connect with like-minded individuals and celebrate the shared passion for design and architecture.
Event Highlights:
April 2 | 5 – 7 p.m.
An Evening with Gil Schafer, sponsored by Peggy Floyd
Join us for an insightful evening with this award-winning architect. Gil Schafer is one of the country’s leading practitioners of contemporary classical architecture and one of the most sought-after residential architects working today. We are delighted to have him join us to share his thoughts on the world of design and architecture. The evening will include a Patron Reception, featuring passed hors d’oeuvres by Magasin Vietnamese Café against the stunning backdrop of Longue Vue.
April 3 | 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Lives in Design: A Conversation with Austen Barron Bailly, sponsored by Octavia Art Gallery, and Stella Chase Reese, sponsored by Carey Bond and Henry Lambert
As leading practitioners in the worlds of museum curation and culinary arts, Austen and Stella will share experiences and tips for making public institutions special and welcoming to all. Through design, their institutions have become renowned spaces for not only aesthetic indulgence but also inclusion, reflection, and shared cultural values.
Garden Picnic
Following the conversation, enjoy a delightful Garden Picnic catered by Dooky Chase Restaurant, amid the beauty of Longue Vue’s lush surroundings.
Made to Match with Tracee Dundas sponsored by Lucianne Whitley in honor of Andrew T. Whitley
For the third year, a range of designers from across our region treat guests to a unique fashion installation, with live models dressed to match the beautiful interiors of the historic Longue Vue house.
Symposium Raffle
Take a piece of design home with you! You can support Longue Vue by participating in the 2025 Design Symposium Raffle. Enter for a chance to win a beautiful emerald and diamond necklace, courtesy of Béjé Wholesale Diamonds and Fine Jewelry. A maximum of 300 tickets will be sold. The drawing will take place at Longue Vue on Thursday, April 3 at 12:00 PM. Winner need not be present. Symposium and raffle funds raised will go towards the preservation of our National Historic Landmark house and gardens.
Limited Tickets Available
Secure your spot now for an immersive experience at the intersection of design, history, and nature. For more information, sponsorship opportunities, and to register, visit www.longuevue.com/give/symposium25
Longue Vue would like to recognize the work of 2025 Design Symposium Chairs: Lauren Doussan and Catherine Makk, Past Chairs: Marilee Hovet and Helen Young, and the Host Committee and give special thanks to all of our sponsors.
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