Architectural Concepts, Inc. (ACI) Joins Trump Design Team

New Orleans Trump International Hotel and Tower Selects San Diego Firm

Architectural Concepts, Inc. (ACI) a San Diego firm regarded as one of the nation’s top hospitality-oriented architectural and interior design firms has joined the elite design team for one of the first new high-rise buildings to be constructed in New Orleans in more than a quarter century.  ACI is developing the interior design concept and the furniture design for the condo-hotel and sales center.   World renowned Adache Group Architects and Harry Baker Smith Architects designed the structure.

The tower will be built by Florida developers David Brannen and Clifford Mowe under the development group Poydras LLC.

“We selected ACI’s design talent because of their reputation in designing an inspirational environment which not only maximizes space, setting and purpose, but delivers an intrinsically oriented product to New Orleans,” said David Brannen of Poydras LLC..  “By the year 2010 we will have a phenomenal example of the reinvention of this city.”

Trump’s 70-story $400 million tower will include 435 condo hotel units and 290 residences ranging from studios to five-bedroom units as well as a conference center and offices, fitness center and spa, restaurant, bar and lounge, two pools, and salon.  The Sales office is expected to open in early winter in the Pan American Life Center adjacent to the new Tower site.

“Trump International Hotel and Tower will set the bar for the best of luxury living in the city,” said Kristine Steffen, Director of Interior Design for ACI. “New Orleans’ recovery from Hurricane Katrina has been slow but it has not deterred Poydras from partnering with Donald Trump because they have a vision for the future for one of Americas greatest cities.”

“This is going to be a big statement for the city and its recovery,” Donald Trump Jr. said recently. (MSNBC AP May 2007)

Steffen says the firm’s design will capture the city’s historical roots and multi-cultural heritage with an air of quiet sophistication. Signifying the City’s recovery from Hurricane Katrina, the building will be the largest building in the Louisiana.  The décor will feature controlled palettes of neutral colors ranging from dark wood to light textiles with colors from New Orleans signature spices utilized as accents.  An eclectic design will reflect the unique character of the City and will be highlighted using local artists as a way to support the local culture and ambiance.

The property will be managed by Donald Trump’s Luxury Hotel Management Company.

Architectural Concepts, Inc. is a full service planning, architectural and interior design firm located in San Diego, CA.  The company is also the architectural and interior designer for the Golden Door, (Escondido) Cibola Vista Resort,  (Peoria, Arizona) and The Bond, a vacation ownership project, (Las Vegas).  ACI primarily focuses on the hospitality and commercial markets in the US and Mexico.    ACI’s Principal, Margit Whitlock AIA, is a licensed architect in California, Florida, Arizona, Nevada and Texas. The design firm is located at 3015 St. Charles Street, Suite B, San Diego, CA 92110.  For more information about Architectural Concepts call 619-531-0110.  
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