Behind the Design: Episcopal School of Acadiana

A village feel, two classrooms at a time.

When Episcopal School of Acadiana first partnered with AQ Studios, it was to create a campus master plan rooted in the school’s mission, vision, and values. Years later, ESA reengaged the team to reimagine that plan with a multi-phase construction approach — one that would celebrate the campus’s unique “village” character.

The first phase? Two new classroom buildings, each with two classrooms, designed to fit seamlessly into ESA’s lower school area. These aren’t just functional spaces — they’re small, welcoming structures with fully accessible front porches, placed to encourage connection and conversation. Surrounded by ESA’s rich canopy of oak trees, the buildings reinforce the school’s tradition of students walking outdoors between classes, creating moments of healthy engagement with faculty, staff, and peers.

The AQ Team Behind the Project

Aaron Schaubhut — Designer & Project Architect
Aaron’s work focused on detailing the buildings to feel like a natural extension of ESA’s campus. From the small wood building vernacular to the inviting porch, every element supports the community’s rhythm and outdoor lifestyle.

What design detail are you most proud of, and why? – “The front porch—simply because it serves as a warm, inviting pause for students and teachers as they move through the campus,” Aaron explains. “Given the village-like layout of the campus and how it’s experienced, I understood that the ‘back’ of the building needed to be just as accessible as the ‘front.’ That’s why every classroom features doors with exterior porches on both sides, allowing easy access from either direction.”

Meredith Guidry — Designer & Project Architect
Meredith’s expertise in client relationships and construction administration was key to turning the design into reality. She worked closely with ESA and the contractor to ensure the project stayed aligned with the school’s vision.

What excited you most about working on this project? – “I am happy to have been a part of the expansion of this campus and contribute to the unique outdoor classroom design that ESA provides for their students,” Meredith says. “I’m proud of the exterior material selections that were matched to adjacent architecturally significant elements. This allowed the new classroom buildings to fit seamlessly into the overall aesthetic of the campus.”

Why It Matters

These two buildings are more than just classrooms — they’re the first step in a multi-phase effort to grow ESA’s campus while protecting its village feel. By honoring the existing landscape and weaving in spaces for spontaneous connection, the design supports ESA’s mission in a tangible, lasting way.

In Their Words

What do you hope this project means to the ESA community? – “I hope this project demonstrates that the ESA campus can continue to grow and evolve in fresh, meaningful ways — while still honoring the school’s unique context and culture.” — Aaron Schaubhut

“I hope that this project provides excitement for the community as each structure is enhanced to reflect and support their identity.” — Meredith Guidry

AQ Studios – Design Team:
Aaron Schaubhut and Meredith Guidry — Project Architects
Donnie Matherne – Construction Administration
Steven Domingue – Project Manager & Studio Lead