Emile is founder of the Architectural and Planning Firm Picard Associates, Inc, Atlanta where he has served as CEO and Director of Design since 2015.
Hearing about the noble task of establishing Life House Atlanta through Andrew, a friend in his church’s Men’s group, Emile was introduced to, Dr. Kathleen Fleiszar, Life House’s Executive Director. After spending a Saturday morning meeting at a local coffee shop with, Andrew, Dr. Fleiszar and Board member Mary Reed I learned more about Catherine Reed who is Mary’s precious daughter, born with the life limiting illness, Cerebral Palsy. There was no doubt in my mind, the magnitude of dedication necessary to provide all of Catherine’s needs was vast. Catherine is one example of the many children living with special needs in our Community, who with a loving supportive family, is able to be cared for day to day. Caring for a special needs child brings with it many ongoing challenges including but not limited to lack of sleep, meaningful adult social interaction and the need for respite at times. In understanding the need for a Respite and Palliative Care Home and the envisioned Life House Atlanta, Dr. Fleiszar and Mary went on to very enthusiastically explain, how other similar endeavors such as Helen House in England, Crescent Cove in Minneapolis and Ryan House in Phoenix, each came to be in their own unique fashion. Agreeing with the need, Emile began to realize and envision how he could meaningfully contribute to the endeavor with his background in Architecture and Development, in helping Life House Atlanta become the fulfilled reality that it is meant be.
Emile earned his Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. As an Architect, Developer and problem solver, Emile has been responsible for more than 400 design projects in Aviation, Office, Transportation, Healthcare, Hospitality, Retail, Government, Campus, Sports, Recreation, Corporate, Historic Restoration, Specialty Mixed-Use, Multi-Family, Life Care, Senior Living, Life Care Communities and Single-Family Residential Community projects. Ranging in budgets from modest to those exceeding over $750 million, many have included administering contracts for construction and extensive management interactions with federal, state and local governmental agencies. Emile’s skill and versatility are reflected in the many successful projects he has been associated with, from conception through completion.
As the founding Principal of Picard Associates, Inc. in 2004, Emile now focuses his attention on Planning, Designing and Developing civically responsible, uniquely creative, sustainable Residential, Office, Mixed-Use-Mid-Rise and High-Rise and Senior Living Communities, along with a diverse variety of other uniquely individualized projects focused on, healthy environments and sustainable Green Business practices.
Emile’s work has always emphasized working closely with all stakeholders including not only Owners, but also Community Leaders, Government Officials and other Design Team Collaborators in creating responsible forward thinking, valued added sustainable projects. As a leader in fostering process driven results, with all stakeholders, Emile has been prolific in enabling consensus building with the projects he has been associated with.
An active participant in both the Atlanta business and civic Community, Emile is a former vice-president of the “Peachtree Park Civic Association”, and has served as a proxy member for the City of Atlanta Neighborhood Planning Unit, NPU-B. He has also served as an Assistant Scout Master of Boy Scout Troop 74, Atlanta Area Council and currently serves as HOA Board President of his Buckhead Community.