HMC Architects

08/27/2026

As the summer ends, we're saying goodbye to an exceptional group of interns who brought fresh perspectives, creativity, and an enthusiasm for learning to our studios.

Over the past few months, they contributed to project teams, explored the design process, and helped shape the conversations that inspire our work every day. We're grateful for their hard work and dedication, and we're excited to see where their careers take them next.

Thank you for being part of our story this summer, we wish you continued success as you build the foundations of your future.

Flip through to see some of our favorite summer highlights: 1. Our ONT studio Interns on their final day 2. Seattle intern Sara on site at the University of Washington 3. Southern California interns on a higher education site walk 4. Seattle intern Sam in a planning meeting 5. The setup vs. 6. the shot

08/26/2026

🐶🎉 Happy National Dog Day! And a belated Happy National Cat Day! 🐱✨

The timing couldn't be more paw-fect as we celebrate the winners of HMC’s 2026 Paws & Purrs Fashion Show!

Congratulations to our Barkitect of the Year, Bodhi and Purrchitect of the Year, Memphis! Shout out to Barkitect Runner Up, Bacon and Purrchitect Runner Up, Elvis!

From dapper dogs to stylish cats, our employees' furry companions brought the cuteness, the charisma, and just the right amount of friendly competition.

Today, we're giving extra treats to the pets who keep us company through virtual meetings, supervise project deadlines, and remind us to step away from our screens for a much-needed walk (or cuddle break). Congratulations to our show-stopping pet superstars! 🐶🐱 🏆🐾

08/26/2026

We are proud to once again earn a top spot in Building Design & Construction - BDC’s 2026 Giants 400 Report. In the “Top 200 Architecture Firms for 2026” list, HMC ranked #14!

The Giants 400 Report highlights the leading architecture, engineering, and construction firms in the U.S., recognizing excellence across 25 sectors and specialties. Although our firm operates exclusively in California and the Pacific Northwest, our team ranked among the nation’s best!

See the full list at https://www.bdcnetwork.com/giants-400/article/55398941/top-200-architecture-firms-for-2026

08/18/2026

What does higher education design need to solve next?

In our latest Five in Focus, Higher Education Principal-in-Charge Peter Erni shares five priorities that can help colleges and universities reduce friction, respond to changing educational pathways, and create more supportive campus experiences.

https://hmcarchitects.com/blog/2026/08/18/five-in-focus-with-peter-erni-what-higher-education-design-needs-to-solve-next/

Welcome to Five in Focus, HMC Architects’ blog series spotlighting the trends, ideas, and innovations shaping the future of architecture and design. Each edition features insights from our leaders as they share what inspires them and what informs their work. Higher education design is being shaped...

08/13/2026

Please join us in congratulating Sergio Lechuga on his appointment to the IIDA Southern California Chapter Board of Directors as Vice President of Advocacy! 👏

As part of a distinguished group of industry leaders, Sergio will play a key role in championing the power of design and helping shape the future of the industry throughout Southern California.

Congratulations, Sergio, on this exciting milestone!

It's season at IIDA Southern California Chapter. Meet our Board of Directors, class of 2026-27! 🌟🍎✏️

President
Sonaly Dudheker, Assoc. IIDA, WELL AP, LEED AP, Fitwel Amb.

President Elect
Sarah Geske, NCIDQ, IIDA | HLW

Past President
Robert Norwood, FIIDA, Assoc. AIA | Robert A Norwood Design Studio

VP Advocacy
Amanda Humphrey, IIDA, NCIDQ | Hendy
Sergio Lechuga, Assoc. IIDA, CID | HMC Architects

VP Chapter Events
Kelsey Sebastian, Ind. IIDA | Bentley
Susan Suhar IIDA, NCIDQ, LEED AP, WELL AP, FitWel Amb. | HDR Inc.

VP City Centers
Gabe Holland, Ind. IIDA | Western Office
Megan Plante, Ind. IIDA | OFS

VP Communications
Ryan Markland, Ind. IIDA | Sourced
Sayyara Rustamov, IIDA | Haworth

VP Equity Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)
Tina Giorgadze, IIDA, NCIDQ, LEED AP, CHID, RID | SmithGroup
Christine Peter, Ind. IIDA | Kaleidoscope Concept

VP Membership
Jax DiBenedetto, Ind. IIDA | Steelcase
Michael White | Gensler

VP Outreach + Philanthropy
Amira Marouf, IIDA, LEED AP | Armstrong World Industries
Heather Crespy, IIDA, NCIDQ, CID | HDR Architecture Inc.

VP Professional Development
Julian Lopez, IIDA, NCIDQ | HMC Architects
Tyler Westfall, IIDA | Westfall Commercial Furniture

VP Sponsorship
Amy Bonelli, Ind IIDA | Maxxit Group
Leslie Fields, IIDA | Office Furniture Group

VP Student Affairs
Tara Donnelly, IIDA | Gensler
Shayla Prophet, IIDA | Haworth

DIRECTORS

Los Angeles City Center Directors
Jillian Potts, Ind. IIDA, WELL AP, LEED GA | Interface
Jillian Robertson, NCIDQ | JK & Co.

Orange County City Center Director
Erin Pysnik, Ind. IIDA | Turelk

San Diego City Center Directors
Ashley Casatelli NCIDQ, IIDA | HDR Inc.
Erica Roman, IIDA, LEED AP | Howard’s Rug Company

Regional Student Affairs Director
James Arakelian, Ind. IIDA | Environmental Contracting Corporation

ADVISORS

Sarah Devine, IIDA | Revel Architecture & Design
Pam Light, FIIDA
Brett Shwery, FIIDA, CID, AAIA, LEED AP | HKS

Looking forward to an exciting year ahead! 💫

08/04/2026

We are thrilled to announce that HMC’s Community + Culture Practice Leader and San Diego Studio managing Principal Kyle Peterson, MBA, AIA is now a licensed architect in the State of Oregon.

As HMC Architects continues to expand its presence across the Pacific Northwest, Kyle’s newly earned architecture license strengthens our ability to serve clients throughout the area and enables him to collaborate directly with our Portland teams on projects that shape community and culture while advancing our firm's design for good ethos.

Kyle is also a licensed architect in California, Texas, and Washington and he continues to pursue licensure in additional states to support the evolving needs of our projects, clients, and growing practice. Please join us in congratulating Kyle on this incredible achievement!

07/29/2026

Join HMC’s Steven Wilson next for the Lean Construction Institute- San Diego Community of Practice's 8th Lean Industry Day!

Steve will join Kylan Greenville (Balfour Beatty) and Melissa Quintana and David Gonzalez (Grupo Hermosillo), and Vincent Marsala, MBV (Turner Construction Company) to explore practical Lean strategies, innovative project delivery, and the power of collaboration. Whether you're just beginning your Lean journey or looking to deepen your expertise, this is a great opportunity to learn, share ideas, and expand your network.

🗓️ August 7, 8 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

🏛️ San Diego State University

To learn more and register, visit https://mylci.leanconstruction.org/LCI/Events/Event_display.aspx?EventKey=SD080726&WebsiteKey=2007eced-50c6-4f09-8b60-274f701143bf&_gl=1*18nzk7h*_gcl_au*MTg3OTI4NTM2LjE3ODUzNjA2NzU.*_ga*NTcyMDg0NjM1LjE3ODUzNjA2NzU.*_ga_57LMCDXZJW*czE3ODUzNjA2NzUkbzEkZzEkdDE3ODUzNjA3MTQkajIxJGwwJGgxMTMwNTY2MDgz

Join us for a collaboration of three diverse presentations and one simulation exercise. These sessions will advance your vocabulary and broaden your view of opportunities for LEAN at any stage in your journey.

07/29/2026

Designing new community facilities presents an energizing opportunity to create meaningful, long-lasting value for residents. How do we ensure these facilities serve as inclusive, multigenerational spaces that remain relevant and active over time?

Too often, communities struggle to align design with the diverse needs of their populations and risk creating spaces that exclude neighbors and fail to maximize public benefit. In his article for the California Parks and Recreation Society’s Summer issue, "Designing for Everyone: A Strategic Approach to Inclusive, Flexible, and Multigenerational Community," HMC's Jonathan Orr explores how designers and clients like the Town of Yucca Valley work together to build inclusive spaces that are loved for generations.

Read the full article at https://issuu.com/california_park_rec_society/docs/cprs_magazine_summer_2026

Dive into our extensive resources on the topic that interests you. It's like a masterclass to be explored at your own pace.

07/23/2026

🌊 Making a difference where it matters most.

As Southern California experiences another summer heatwave, it's inspiring to see the Hilda L. Solis Aquatic Center already serving as a vital community resource. From free recreational swimming and swim lessons to a variety of aquatic programs, the center is providing a safe, welcoming place for neighbors to beat the heat.

We're proud to have partnered with Balfour Beatty to deliver this transformative design-build project and even prouder to see it making an immediate impact on the community it was built to serve.

The project was recently featured by Secret Los Angeles as a must-visit destination to cool off this summer. Check out the feature to learn more about the aquatic center and its swim hours https://secretlosangeles.com/new-aquatic-center-los-angeles-free-swimming/

07/23/2026

Community college libraries are more than collections of books—they're dynamic hubs for learning, connection, and student success. As campuses adapt to changing student needs, thoughtful design plays a critical role in creating spaces that support collaboration, technology, wellness, and academic achievement.

HMC's Marko Blagojevic explores how reimagining the community college library can strengthen the student experience and better serve today's learners in the latest article in University Business Magazine

Read the full article here: https://universitybusiness.com/how-to-reimagine-the-community-college-library-for-student-success/

The community college library may be the last building that blends academic support, basic needs, tech access and a sense of belonging.