MERLIN A. LIRETTE, AIA, NCARB, CEFP

Principal Architect, Founder 

Merlin earned his architecture degree from the University of Southwest Louisiana (now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette) and has been a registered architect since 1983. He holds licenses in Louisiana and Mississippi. He received his National Council of Architectural Registration Board Certification in 1987 and in 2013 The Association for Learning Environments (formally CEFPI) designated him as an Accredited Learning Environment Planner. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects, the Louisiana Architects Association, Louisiana Coastal Chapter of AIA, The Association for Learning Environments and the Houma Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce. He served on the Louisiana Architect Selection Board between 1991-1992 and 2009-2010.

Mr. Lirette has practiced architecture in the Houma-Terrebonne region since 1983 and has developed a genuine understanding for the pulse of the community. Lirette is well versed in technical and management aspects in the design and construction of various building types. His experience has covered all types of construction including civic, education, retail, office, industrial projects, residential properties and a myriad of other commercial construction. In addition, he is a licensed contractor giving him a broad knowledge of project budgeting, scheduling and methods of construction. 

Project Experience:

 

Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, HL Bourgeios High School Freshmen Center, Grand Caillou Middle School, Southdown Elementary School, Ruppel Academy Band Room, Safe Zone Training Facility, Dularge Elementary School Renovation, Mulberry Elementary School Renovation, Waterproof Plantation, Point of View Magazine and The Weekly Office Renovation, Caldwell, Village East, Coteau Bayou Blue Boiler Projects, Point Aux Chenes Tie in Levee, Public Works Sign Shop, Houma Jr. High School Exterior Renovations, Terrebonne High School Exterior Renovations, The Merlin Group Office, Grand Caillou Fire Station, Shane Zeringue New Office Building, Houma-Terrebonne Airport Commision Building, Boudreau/Nelson Residence, Deligans Valves, Ted Hicks Camp, Sheriff’s Motor Pool/Narcotics Building, Saadi’s Clothing Store and shopping center, Cournoyer Honda Center, Lumcon Marine Consortium, South Louisiana Bank Additions, Studio IV, Radiophone, Law Office of Samanie, Barnes & Allen, Southland Mall Renovations, Evergreen Junior High Additions, Terrebonne High School Baseball Complex, Votech Electrical Building, Mechanicville Gymnasium

Shelley earned her architecture degree from Louisiana State University in 2006. She is a registered architect in the state of Louisiana and a Certified NCARB Professional. She is a member of the American Institute of Architects, the Louisiana Architects Association and the Louisiana Coastal Chapter of AIA. 

Shelley worked at Performance Architecture of New Orleans from 2006-2011. Performance Architecture specializes in the design of Higher Education Performing Arts facilities throughout the country. She was project manager and part of the design team on several key projects for the firm. She then joined the Merlin Group in 2011 and is currently a Project Architect there. Her experience covers a variety of project types including residential, office renovation, corporate interiors, retail, Pre-K-12 education, structures for religious worship and performing art facilities. During her time at The Merlin Group, she has worked on numerous projects including the design of the H.L. Bourgeois Freshmen Center and the Grand Caillou Middle School. Her responsibilities include everything from schematic design through construction documents, code research, coordination with other construction related disciplines, and construction administration. Her 3-D modeling and graphic software renderings enable the client to see a project’s conceptual image grow into a cohesive set of construction documents in the most effective way.