Michael Reid  RA, NCARB

Originally from Chicago, Michael is a seasoned architect.

Micheal's journey began many years ago, near the Chicago land area, when he first started to play with K’NEX as a 12 year old boy. He began to realize the limitless possibilities design and building held; from then on, he set out to become an architect.

After receiving his Associates from the College of Lake County in a year, Michael attended architecture classes at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale where he received his Bachelor of Architecture degree. Followed by a Masters of Architecture Degree from the University of Louisiana. While attending graduate school he worked for several firms in the Lafayette area and has real-world experience in the fields of architecture and construction.

Through his extensive knowledge of technical details, Michael is able to envision creative solutions and efficient solutions with ease.

Michael is a Registered Architect with the State of Louisiana.

Gretchen Reid  RA, NCARB

A true Louisiana native, Gretchen grew up on the Northshore. She was immersed in her family's construction business from a young age, and was inspired by her father's work as a Licensed Engineer.

She showed early interest in art and design. Her passion for the arts drove her to develop her talents, and she received Bachelor of Fine Arts from Louisiana State University.

The desire to create interactive art and optimize spaces within the built environment, inspired her to pursue a career in the design field. Gretchen returned to LSU where she received a Master of Architecture degree.

Upon graduation, Gretchen moved to New Orleans and has since worked for architecture firms in the area. Moving proved to be a wise decision as it was here in New Orleans that she met her now partner and husband, Michael Reid.

Gretchen is a Registered Architect with the States of Louisiana and Mississippi.

Who We Are

We’re Classical Roots Architecture—a husband-and-wife team of licensed and insured architects specializing in historic preservation and residential design. Originally based in New Orleans, we’ve spent the past decade immersed in the complexities of historic renovation, preservation guidelines, and classical design.

We combine a deep respect for architectural heritage with modern tools and workflows to create projects that are timeless, functional, and code-compliant.

Where We Come From

Our roots run deep in preservation architecture. We got our start in New Orleans in 2016, following years of work under the renowned Barry Fox, one of the country’s top-ranked residential architects. Barry was a dedicated preservationist and had a major influence on the French Quarter and Garden District. Michael served as his right-hand man, and after Barry’s passing, we stepped in to complete many of his active projects. That experience shaped our firm’s mission: honoring tradition while delivering high-level design and service to modern clients.

We're not just inspired by historic buildings - we've brought them back to life. With extensive experience in the heart of New Orleans, we've led sensitive restorations through complex historic review boards and tax credit processes. From Vieux Carré Commission (VCC) and Historic District Landmarks Commission (HDLC) approvals to SHPO & National Park Service submittals, we know how to protect what matters while bringing new vitality to old structures.

What We Do

At Classical Roots, we provide full-service architecture with a focus on:

• Historic Preservation: We’re experts in working within local, state, and federal preservation frameworks, including the National Park Service (NPS), State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), Vieux Carré Commission (VCC), and Historic District Landmarks Commission (HDLC).

• Residential Design: Whether it’s a historic renovation, a sympathetic addition, or a new build in a traditional style, we bring a timeless, cohesive aesthetic to every home.

• Tax Credit Consulting: We help clients unlock the financial benefits of historic preservation tax credits—handling documentation, compliance, and coordination from start to finish.

Our goal is always to bridge the gap between preservation and practicality—bringing old buildings back to life while meeting today’s needs and codes.

Our Capabilities

We integrate traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology to improve accuracy, save time, and minimize risk:

• Revit & BIM Modeling: Our use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) enables us to work from a holistic 3D model, allowing seamless updates across the entire drawing set. Unlike traditional 2D CAD workflows, where changes had to be tracked across individual sheets, BIM manages everything from one coordinated model with dedicated viewports for plans, sections, and elevations. This process improves accuracy, reduces errors, and streamlines contractor coordination. It also generates high-quality interior and exterior renderings that help clients visualize the design. We can further enhance these visuals with colors and textures to support material selections and bring your project to life.

• 3D Laser Scanning: We use a laser-equipped camera to capture millimeter-accurate data of existing structures. The resulting point cloud is loaded directly into our BIM model, streamlining architectural modifications. The camera also generates a Matterport-style walkthrough, reducing site visits and saving clients time and money. As an added benefit, we provide clients with a shareable link to the walkthrough, which serves as a helpful tool for future building maintenance and reference.

• AI-Powered Workflows: From drawing automation to code checks, we use the latest tools to streamline production and deliver faster results.