Over 100 Year Legacy

  Somdal Associates LLC, headquartered in Shreveport, Louisiana, is a respected architectural and design firm with a legacy spanning over a century. Founded in 1908 by Edward F. Neild, renowned for designing the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library, the firm became Neild & Somdal through a pivotal partnership with Dewey A. Somdal. After Neild’s passing in 1955, the firm transitioned into Somdal Associates LLC, continuing its influence on Louisiana’s architectural landscape.

  Throughout its history, Somdal has been recognized for thoughtful, sustainable, and client-focused design. Its portfolio includes a broad range of project types: healthcare facilities, schools, churches, athletic centers, multifamily residences, and custom homes. Notable works include the iconic Don Theater in Shreveport and several award-winning historic renovations downtown.

  Somdal’s leadership has also played a key role in the architectural community, with multiple principals having served as presidents of the AIA Shreveport chapter. Today, the firm continues to provide high-quality architectural services, maintaining its commitment to integrity, innovation, and design excellence.

Edward F. Neild, Sr.

  • (1884–1955), Born in Shreveport, Louisiana on December 3, 1884. Neild matriculated at Tulane University, from which he graduated in architecture with the class of 1906.  Shortly following his graduation, he opened offices in Shreveport and began the practice of his profession.  He started his own firm in 1908, and added a partner, Dewey A. Somdal in 1934 to create Neild-Somdal Associates.  Neild became a member of the American Institute of Architects in 1918 and made fellow in 1948.  Mr. Neild was cited at the time as “one of the chief influences in elevating the standard of civic design in his state.”  His work designing the Caddo Parish Courthouse in Shreveport, gained him recognition by President Harry S. Truman.  Truman hired Neild to design the Jackson County Courthouse in Kansas City, Missouri where Truman was a judge at the time.  When Truman became President of the United States, he asked Neild to serve on the Fine Arts Commission.  Neild and Truman remained close friends until Neild’s death in July of 1955.

Dewey Somdal, architecture, A man dressed in a formal tuxedo holding a wrapped gift in a room with framed artwork and a chandelier.

  • (1898–1973), Born June 5, 1898 in Mansfield, Illinois.  Somdal received his formal education at the University of Illinois and Chicago Academy of Fine Arts.  He moved to Shreveport in 1922 and began his 51 years of architectural practice in this city.  He entered the office of Edward F. Neild, Sr. at the time of his move and maintained a continued practice through subsequent firm names until his death when he was senior partner in the firm on Somdal-Smitherman-Sorensen-Sherman-Associates.  He became a member of the American Institute of Architects in 1939 and was named a fellow member.  Somdal was the first president of the Louisiana Architects Association from 1946-1948.  In 1958, Somdal was named “Mr. Shreveport” for his extensive work in the community and also received thee United Fund Medallion that year.  He served as Director of the Shreveport Chamber of Commerce and Director of the Historic Preservation Society of Shreveport.   He died in October of 1973. 

History

  • Text from an informational display or plaque stating: '1908. Edward F. Neild, Sr. Architect was founded in Shreveport, LA'.

  • A quote about Shreveport Memorial, stating that the sanitarium eventually became Schumpert Medical Center, beginning a 100-year relationship between the firm and the hospital.

  • Image listing notable projects from 1923, including Cedar Grove High School, Highland School Building, Common Street Office Building, R.T. Moore Residence, and Peabody Hall at LSU.

  • A black and white digital sign displaying notable projects from 1924, including Byrd High School, First Presbyterian Church, Mrs. Stanley Sour Residence.

  • Text listing notable projects from 1927, including Caddo Parish Courthouse, Fair Park High School, Heidelberg Hotel in Baton Rouge, and Texas Street Methodist Church.

  • A webpage screenshot with the year 1934 in bold at the top left. Below, black text reads: 'Dewey A. Somdal joins Neilid to begin Neilid-Somdal Associates.' The background of the page is light gray with a dark gray border.

Architectural blueprint of the upper part of a building's facade, featuring detailed design elements like columns, moldings, and decorative motifs. Handwritten notes and measurements are visible throughout the drawing.

Preserving our Legacy: Somdal Digital Archive

Over a Century of Design, Now Just a Click Away

Somdal has helped shape the architectural identity of Shreveport and much of Louisiana. Many of Somdal’s early works remain cornerstones of their communities—courthouses, schools, hospitals, and civic buildings that continue to serve the public and define the character of their surroundings.

These projects are more than history—they’re living parts of our built environment. To preserve and share this legacy, we’ve created the Somdal Digital Archive.

Why the Archive Matters:

  • Safeguards fragile drawings, records, and photographs from deterioration.

  • Makes over a century of work available to historians, researchers, and the public.

  • Celebrates Somdal’s influence and innovation across generations.

  • Offers inspiration and context for future projects and design thinking.

  • Future owners and caretakers of these buildings can access and download original documentation—supporting thoughtful renovations, restorations, or adaptive reuse.

ARCHIVES DATABASE COMING SOON
Louisiana State Exhibit, A sketch of the interior courtyard of a building, showing a rectangular pool in the center, surrounded by trees, bushes, and people walking and standing. The background features a large modern glass and concrete structure,
Louisiana State Exhibit Museum, Shreveport, Louisiana, Interior view of a display gallery with large windows, a curved wall, a sofa, display cases, and a few people inside.
Louisiana State Exhibit Museum, Shreveport, Louisiana, Architectural blueprint of a circular building layout with detailed room and structural plans, including a roof plan, porch, and schedule sections.
Louisiana State Exhibit Museum, Shreveport, Louisiana, Architectural sketch of a building with trees in the background, The notes indicate it is a design by architects Edw. F. Neild, D. A. Somdal, Ed. Neild Jr., for the U.S. Harbor in Los Angeles.
Somdal Associates, architecture interior design, Louisiana, Architectural drawing of a building's facade featuring large letters spelling 'SHANA' and a circular emblem with a bird and the words 'BUNCION JUSTICE CONFERENCE' around it.
Somdal Associates, architecture interior design, Louisiana,Architectural drawing of a building's front elevation, labeled 'Common Street Elevation,' showing detailed measurements and annotations for the Zion Temple in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Somdal Associates, architecture interior design, Louisiana, Architectural blueprint of a classical column and entrance details with measurements, sections, and design notes.
Somdal Associates, architecture interior design, Louisiana, Architectural blueprint of a classical building with detailed design elements, annotations, and notes on construction and ornamentation, including columns, cornices, and decorative motifs.
Somdal Associates, architecture interior design, Louisiana, Architectural blueprint or detailed drawing of ornamental frieze with intricate scrollwork and a central classical style face or mask.
Somdal Associates, architecture interior design, Louisiana, Architectural drawing of the Scottish Rite Cathedral's front facade featuring columns, windows, and detailed classical design elements.
Somdal Associates, architecture interior design, Louisiana, Architectural blueprint of a church facade with detailed measurements and design notes.
Somdal Associates, architecture interior design, Louisiana, Architectural blueprint of a Coca-Cola building with detailed front elevation, showing windows, doors, signage, and decorative elements.
Somdal Associates, architecture interior design, Louisiana, Architectural blueprint of a multi-story building with detailed front elevation, including windows, doors, and roof design.
Somdal Associates, architecture interior design, Louisiana, Blueprint of a building's front elevation with detailed architectural drawings and measurements.
Somdal Associates, architecture interior design, Louisiana, Architectural blueprint of the R.W. Norton Art Gallery entrance, showing detailed plans of the facade, including labeling of sections and structural elements.
Somdal Associates, architecture interior, A black and white photo of a large, ornate government building with classical architecture. The building has tall columns and decorative carvings near the roof. There are trees and cars in the foreground.
Somdal Associates, Historical black and white photograph of the construction of the Caddo Court House, showing scaffolding and cranes around a multi-story building with classic architectural details, surrounded by trees and city buildings.
Somdal Associates, architecture interior design, Louisiana, Norton Art Gallery, An architectural drawing of a classical building with columns, trees, and a pond in the foreground.
Sketch of a new passenger train station for the Texas & Pacific C.R.R. in Shreveport, Louisiana, showing a modern, multi-story building with people outside and steam coming from a train in the background, with cars parked in front.