About Vermillion Architects

Established in 2014 by Angelique Hernandez and David Hamer, is a firm of experienced professionals offering comprehensive architectural services to residential, commercial, and institutional clients. Vermilion Architects proudly holds a Women Owned Business status and maintains a diversified practice. While devoted to small-scale projects, it has expertise in both residential and commercial new construction, rehabilitation, and restoration. Vermilion Architects has developed expertise in athletic complex design, new residential multi family housing, office building renovations, as well as restaurant and event space design. We place an emphasis on service to our clients, and have a notable experience with participating as a team member on projects. Our projects are executed with a commitment to quality designed with a disciplined approach to project constraints and clients needs. Emphasis is placed on providing the required and appropriate services as determined by each individual project's needs.

2017 INDESIGN AWARD

Metairie Center Building 5

2020 JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION AWARD NOMINEE Outstanding Restaurant Design: Seating 75 and Under

Spoonbill Watering Hole and Restaurant

Awards

Our Team

  • Partner & Principal Architect

    Angelique Hernandez is a distinguished partner and principal architect at Vermilion Architects, with three decades of expertise since her graduation from the University of Southwestern Louisiana. Renowned for her multifaceted role as a lead designer and project manager, Ms. Hernandez demonstrates a profound comprehension of building materials, construction methodologies, and local regulations, coupled with an innate flair for aesthetics and design. She actively engages with clients to discern their needs and formulate designs that exceed expectations. She is proficient in fostering collaboration among interdisciplinary teams of engineers and contractors, she ensures timely and budget-conscious project delivery while enhancing team dynamics and communication. Angelique's notable affiliations include memberships in AIA South Louisiana and Designing Women of Acadiana, and she currently holds the presidency position for CSI Acadiana chapter. Her ongoing dedication to Downtown Lafayette has been instrumental in shaping Vermilion Architects' trajectory.

    Graduated from University of Southwestern Louisiana in 1996 with a Bachelors of Architecture

  • Partner & Principal Architect

    David Hamer serves as a principal architect at Vermilion Architects, bringing forth three decades of architectural experience since his graduation from the University of Southwestern Louisiana in 1995. Renowned for his meticulous attention to detail and comprehensive understanding of architectural integration, David is committed to delivering excellence in every aspect of his work. He is skilled in creating detailed drawings and specifications for construction projects and inspects construction sites to ensure compliance with plans. Leading the firm with a specialized focus on Building Information Modeling (BIM), he orchestrates projects with precision and creativity. Noteworthy is his attainment of architectural licensure in both Texas and Mississippi, further expanding Vermilion Architects' capabilities to meet diverse architectural needs with proficiency and expertise.

    Graduated from University of Southwestern Louisiana in 1995 with a Bachelors of Architecture

  • Office Manager

    Bringing 25 years of management expertise, Candy Hamer became an integral part of Vermilion Architects in 2015. In her role as Office Manager, Candy demonstrates meticulous attention to detail as she maintains an orderly filing system for both paper and electronic documents while efficiently handling employee payroll processes. She actively contributes to the architectural process by assisting in the preparation of initial specification documents for architects' modification and review. Candy's keen organizational skills are instrumental in fostering a highly functional office environment, ensuring seamless operations within the firm.

  • Intern Architect

    Rachel Helminger, an intern architect and recent graduate of the University of Louisiana’s Master’s of Architecture Program, has a diverse background in academia and research. Rachel served as a Graduate Research Assistant at the university, collaborating closely with Professor Corey Saft on projects centered around the intersection of people and places. Notably, her research endeavors involved gathering oral, written, and visual histories of the Freetown-Port Rico Historic District, with the aim of documenting its evolution from cane fields to a prominent historic African American neighborhood, ultimately to be published in a comprehensive book. Driven by her passion for architectural storytelling, Rachel pursued her master’s thesis project, “Marksville, La: Storytelling Through Architecture,” which concentrated on the revitalization of her hometown’s historic urban downtown and the preservation of its cultural heritage through architectural narrative.

    Graduated from University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2022 with a Bachelors of Architectural Studies and graduated in 2023 with Masters or Architecture