Armada
231 Carondelet Street
Client: Chef Isaac Toups
Role: Architect
Scope: Renovation
Status: 2025 - ongoing
Size: 7,880 sq ft
Budget: $4,000,000
Collaborators: Synergy Consulting Engineers, Marais Consultants
Located on the corner of Carondelet and Gravier Street in New Orleans, this historic 100-year-old building—commonly remembered as the New Orleans Cotton Exchange building—is perhaps one of the most influential structures in the South. It sits in an area known as "the cotton district," or "the Wall Street of New Orleans," due to its historic role as a global hub for cotton trading.
Since then, the eight-story, steel-framed stone structure has primarily served as home to a lifestyle hotel and a bank. Soon, however, the building’s first floor will open its doors as a Spanish-French restaurant from one of New Orleans’ locally renowned chefs, who tapped Studio West to lead the new restaurant’s design strategy.
In a unique chef-led design collaboration, the vision for Armada centers on creating a thoughtfully designed environment and customer experience—while also providing the chef’s team with a space that is highly conducive to honing their craft.
Studio West’s approach honors the grandeur of the original 1920s building while establishing a polished and contemporary identity for the space. The architectural rhythm—defined by the original coffered ceiling grid and restored stone flooring—is paired with a material palette consisting of deep warm reds, maritime blues, velvet drapery, and sophisticated leather seating that juxtapose rich natural woods and intimate mood lighting.
Upon entry to the restaurant from Carondelet Street, guests are welcomed by new sign lighting and an Armada restaurant sign, engraved on the facade of the historic building. The open-floor dining plan features a sculptural 24-seat bar with vertically lined tile paneling. The restaurant’s curated and well-crafted kitchen allows for a full view of the chef’s counter, creating a unique and enjoyable culinary experience for Armada’s guests, lending a historic experience and tasteful journey into local New Orleans culture and cuisine.
