Our Studio
Studio BKA is an award-wining architectural practice founded by husband-and-wife duo, Ben Allen and Kim Payne Allen, in 2016. The firm focuses on functional, beautiful architecture from the inside-out, leveraging the latest in design and modeling technology to coordinate and build projects virtually, to better communicate with clients, consultants, and contractors.
Our studio has extensive experience designing new construction projects as well as renovations, historic tax-credit projects, with building types ranging from mixed-use buildings to residential to religious. Putting user experience and client satisfaction at the forefront of every design, we seek to deliver timeless, contextual projects for our clients.
Our mission at Studio BKA is to offer a holistic design approach to architecture by providing a strong, sustainable vision at the project conception through construction. We are passionate about design and architecture, cities and communities, people and partnerships. Our clients goals are our highest priority and our greatest inspiration.
Ben Allen, AIA, Principal
University of Texas, 2004, B.Arch
Ben Allen is the co-founder and principal architect of Studio BKA. He focuses on business and project management, design and technical detailing. Ben has worked in Dallas and New York City before moving to New Orleans in 2014. His experience ranges from 30 story new construction buildings to historic restoration projects. Among his notable projects is the AIA award wining New York Historical Society where he acted as the project architect for four years. Ben is a licensed architect in Louisiana & Texas and is a member of the American Institute of Architects.
Kim Payne Allen, RA, Design Director
Louisiana State University, 2003, B.Arch
Kim Payne Allen is the co-founder and design director of Studio BKA. She focuses on conceptualization, planning, branding, and design. She is involved in all aspects of the project development to ensure the concepts are carried through the project details while coordinating with building systems and trades throughout construction. Her experience ranges from multifamily commercial buildings to high-end residential to hospitality design. Kim worked in New York City for 11 years prior to moving to her native New Orleans. Her notable projects are the renovations to the Paramount Hotel, NYC, and the award wining restaurant, St. Cecilia in Atlanta. She is a licensed architect in Louisiana and New York.
Ana Azizi, Architectural Designer
University of Louisiana, Lafayette, 2020, M.Arch
Ana Azizi joined Studio BKA in January 2021. She brings a fresh perspective to her projects using her advanced skillset in modeling and rendering to communicate her design ideas. She has experience in all phases of projects: design, documentation and construction administration. Prior to moving to New Orleans in the winter of 2020, Ana spent that year working in her hometown of Lafayette, Louisiana to develop and deliver the city's premier wayfinding system, Route Lafayette, which is currently being implemented throughout downtown and its surrounding areas.
Cecile Benoit Albarado, Architectural Designer
Tulane University, 2018, M.Arch
Cecile joined the Studio BKA team in July 2023, bringing with her a fresh excitement. Cecile's passion for design is the culmination of her appreciation for fine finishes and environments and creative problem solving tendencies. Cecile utilizes her experience in adaptive reuse and historic tax credit projects to develop design concepts that are refreshing but respectful of the built environment and its rich histories. In addition, she is well-versed in hospitality design, having worked on various award-winning hotel projects across the country. Her sharp graphic abilities and BIM skills make her an effective team member through all phases of the design process.