What People Are Saying
“Take Note NOLA is the only newsletter that I am always excited to read. You should check it out if you don't already subscribe. Zachary Smith and his team at Zach Smith Consulting and Design address issues related to building in New Orleans. They discuss problems and offer actionable solutions.” - M.B.
“Zach, Laura and Ron, Thank you for helping us with the XSTR. You don’t know how much it means to have strong advocates navigating a system that I don’t always understand. Thank You Again.” - J.H.
“First of all, the very biggest THANK YOU!!! We cannot tell you how grateful we are and how much stress this has eased for our family. We are so very appreciative for all Zach Smith Consulting & Design and its agents, particularly Ron Loesel, have done for us throughout this process over the last two years. Ron has been an exceptional communicator and has provided invaluable insight and counsel, and has been incredibly caring and reassuring throughout the whole process…
Again, we are very grateful for all that you have done to help our family… We have also been recommending your services to individuals with permitting issues and will continue to do so with the utmost of confidence in the future. Thank you so very much.” - S. and B. W.S.
“I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate and how outstanding Ron Loesel was/is in working with and representing me in the NSTR process. He is such a professional, and kind, thoughtful and gracious in the process. Laura Barth was also so helpful, professional, caring and knowledgeable in the process, as well. You have an extraordinary team, and wanted to acknowledge Ron and Laura.
I really appreciate the firm you have created, giving greater access to zoning and permitting processes, which can be quite confusing and cumbersome to the average citizen. I also really enjoy your monthly newsletter.” - M.T.
“Zach and team have been great to work with. They’re a versatile team capable of solving a range of challenging and unconventional situations when it comes to land use, architecture, and permitting. We look forward to expanding our relationship.” - J.S.
“I had the pleasure of working with Zach Smith Consulting on a somewhat unconventional project — the design and installation of a parade stand at Lula Restaurant Distillery in New Orleans. From start to finish, the entire team exceeded expectations. Project Manager Thai Nguyen was especially outstanding. He was consistently prompt, detail-oriented, and communicative throughout every stage of the process — from the initial design concept to final installation. Thai even followed up the following year to ensure the setup remained functional and made helpful recommendations for tweaks based on our evolving needs. The entire Zach Smith Consulting team was approachable, professional, and thorough, making what could have been a complex process feel seamless. I would absolutely work with them again and highly recommend their services to anyone in need of thoughtful and reliable project management.” - J.B.
“We've worked with Zach Smith Consulting & Design on several projects for both architecture and land use consulting. Zach and his team bring a thoughtful, solutions-oriented approach and a strong understanding of local zoning and permitting processes. Their responsiveness and attention to detail have made them a valuable partner on complex projects. Highly recommend.” - M.B.
“Zach Smith Consulting & Design provided excellent permit liaison services for three New Orleans residential permits. Two were approved by the city in under 21 days with no issues, and the third—though delayed nearly two months—was held up solely due to typical city bureaucracy, not any fault of Zach Smith. Their permit applications were clear, thorough, and professionally handled. Zach and his team navigated each step with skill, patience, and professionalism. Highly recommend for anyone needing experienced support with the New Orleans permitting process.” - L.W.
“Extremely kind and helpful people. Very knowledgeable on all permitting and land use issues in the city.” - N.B.
“Highly recommend Zach Smith's team for all things architecture. His team is knowledgeable and efficient but most importantly, friendly and helpful.” - G.H.R.
“Zach Smith & his team are worth their weight in gold. They make every project smoother & better. And they are delightful people too!” - A.O.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Working with Ron Loesel at Zach Smith Consulting has been an absolute game changer. He has helped me navigate the permitting process on multiple occasions with a level of ease and efficiency that is truly unmatched. Ron’s unparalleled knowledge of the process, combined with his professional yet personal touch, made what could have been an overwhelming experience feel completely manageable. He takes the time to explain every step, anticipates potential roadblocks, and provides clear, actionable guidance to keep things moving smoothly. It’s rare to find a consultant who brings this much expertise while also being so approachable and responsive. If you’re looking for someone to help you cut through the red tape and get results quickly and professionally, I can’t recommend Ron and the team at Zach Smith Consulting highly enough.” - S.W.S.
“Zach Smith Consulting & Design has been an absolute lifesaver for my husband and me. We were completely overwhelmed trying to handle the maze of permits and licenses required through the City of New Orleans. After multiple frustrating attempts on our own, we turned to Zach and his team—and it was the best decision we could have made. They took an incredibly complicated process and made it easy and stress-free. Ron Loesel, our consultant from Zach Smith, was professional, knowledgeable, and patient every step of the way, giving us total peace of mind that everything would finally be done correctly. Thanks to his help, we were able to move forward with confidence. Highly recommend Zach Smith Consulting & Design to anyone dealing with permits, licenses, or city red tape in New Orleans!” - B.W.
“I am a developer and have been working with ZSCD since their beginning. Whether it is early project planning/zoning, delays with Safety and Permits, or anything else that comes up with the city, they are always my first (and only) call. The email newsletter they put out is also great!” - S.L.
“Zach understands how to navigate the very tall task of opening a business in New Orleans more than most can or would. Michelle Alcina (Architect) is brilliant and a gem” - Lagniappe Bakehouse
“We work with ZSC&D on Historic Properties and have been successful with procuring historical tax credits. They are knowledgeable on the process and easy to work with. We will continue to work with them for Historic Tax Credits and any other permitting processes in future” - T.G.
“Zach and his team are amazing. Given his in-depth knowledge of the New Orleans Office of Safety and Permits, they quickly identified the issue and resolved it immediately. Highly recommend if you are stuck in permitting neutral.” - R.B.
“Blue Pepper Investments, a real estate development company, has been doing business with Zach Smith Consulting & Design for quite some time. We have utilized their services to help us with permitting, inspections, architecture plans, navigating city hall, and simply just asking for help in explaining situations. I can honestly say that every experience i have had with this company was positive. From the receptionist to the CEO, everyone has been pleasant. I'm with Zack Smith and Consulting for as long as they are in business or until i retire. Hats off to them.” - G.C., CEO of Blue Pepper Investments, LLC.
“Blue Pepper Investments, a real estate development company, has been doing business with Zach Smith Consulting & Design for quite some time. We have utilized their services to help us with permitting, inspections, architecture plans, navigating city hall, and simply just asking for help in explaining situations. I can honestly say that every experience i have had with this company was positive. From the receptionist to the CEO, everyone has been pleasant. I'm with Zack Smith Consulting for as long as they are in business or until I retire. Hats off to them.” - G.C., CEO of Blue Pepper Investments, LLC.