Ammar Eloueini, Director of Graduate Architecture, has been recognized in Forbes' inaugural list of America’s Top 200 Residential Architects for 2025. According to Forbes, this list highlights architects whose work with single-family homes stands out for its exceptional quality and deep connection to place. Unlike standard construction, their designs represent true architecture—manifestations of unique design philosophies grounded in the physical and cultural contexts of their regions. In a world increasingly homogenized by global design trends, these architects prioritize locality, ensuring that their work reflects and responds to the distinct character of the environments they inhabit. Eloueini’s dedication to these principles has positioned him as a leader in redefining contemporary residential design.

Many Tulane alumni have also been acknowledged by Forbes Top 200 List, including: Alex D. Barthel (M.Arch, MPS *17, TuSA Adjunct Lecturer in Historic Preservation), Jacob Brillhart (M.Arch '99), Ellen Hatton (M.Arch '97), and David Thompson (M.Arch '96, TuSA Dean's Advisory Council member).

Eloueini has also received significant recognition for his innovative design of the J-House, which won an award at the prestigious Future House Awards. The Future House International Residential Awards, launched by Global Design News and The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design, celebrates cutting-edge residential architecture that shapes and redefines global design standards. Now in its third year, the awards honor projects that push the boundaries of creativity and functionality, from modest homes to luxurious penthouses, emphasizing inclusivity and forward-thinking solutions.

The J-House perfectly exemplifies the principles celebrated by the awards. Situated in the heart of New Orleans, it responds thoughtfully to the city’s unique environmental and cultural challenges while incorporating cutting-edge architectural practices. By blending innovation with sensitivity to place, the design demonstrates how residential architecture can be both resilient and deeply connected to its context.

The J-House reimagines the traditional New Orleans housing lot by elevating the main living area 10 feet above the ground, addressing the city's vulnerability to flooding. Its steel bridge-like structure is engineered to withstand hurricane winds of up to 180 mph, ensuring resilience against severe weather. Clad in charred cedar wood, the exterior functions as a rain-screen, mitigating heat transmission during New Orleans’ sweltering summers and providing protection against termite damage—a frequent issue in the region.

Eloueini's design pays homage to New Orleans’ architectural heritage by drawing inspiration from the shotgun house typology while pushing the boundaries of domestic design. Although its form is strikingly modern, the use of wood cladding and its integration with local materials and conditions ensure the J-House maintains a sense of familiarity and connection to its surroundings. This balance of innovation and context exemplifies a deep study of place, constraints, and architectural possibilities.

The J-House is not just a residential project but also an exploration of how architecture can redefine domesticity. Its speculative nature places it within a lineage of groundbreaking designs that challenge preconceived notions of home, reinforcing Eloueini’s reputation as a visionary in the field.

For more details about J-House, visit the Future House Awards.

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