“Architecture impacts the human experience.”
As President and Principal, Larry leads HPI’s firm wide commitment to client service, purposeful design and professional integrity.
As leader of the firm’s extensive higher education practice, Larry’s experience includes guiding clients through interactive planning, architectural design, and programming sessions; working with project committees with diverse representation; and presentation to Boards and public agencies. He holds steadfast to HPI’s core values which include “solutions which assist our clients meet their mission.”
Larry joined HPI in 1976. He credits his professional growth to Rush Hill, HPI’s founder, who as a mentor supported the success of individuals within the firm. Larry embraces a firm culture that provides people this same opportunity and fosters career development. He states, “with the right people, there is no limit to what we can achieve.”
He received his Bachelor of Architecture from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.
“It is fascinating to me how architecture impacts people’s lives. I’m the kind of person who enjoys beauty and art … so I am passionate about creating environments and buildings that impact life and express beauty as a feeling.”
As a Principal of Operations, Ammar leads a significant amount of K-12 and higher education planning, programming, design, construction documentation, and construction administration. Respected for his leadership and technical expertise, Ammar has an extensive track record of successfully guiding HPI’s teams through jurisdictional review agencies.
Ammar is committed to client satisfaction, efficient processes, and the professional growth of the team.
Ammar joined HPI as a Project Architect in 2003. He has thrived in a culture which fosters collaboration and supports individual growth. Ammar exemplifies HPI’s commitment to “service as the driving factor … you get a better project and a happier client.”
Ammar received his Masters of Architectural Technology from the University of Technology, Baghdad, Iraq and his Bachelor of Architectural Engineering from the University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq.
“Architecture is like exploring a destination you haven’t been to yet. You don’t know where you are going to end up but you want to see what’s over the next rise.”
John joined HPI in 1990 and helped foster a collaborative environment where teams focus on serving the client in the highest of regard. John has brought leadership to the design of countless built senior living communities across California.
As of 2023, John has formally retired from his Principal role, yet continues to provide support and mentorship for the next generation of senior living leadership at HPI.
“On senior living – a passion of mine – I have always respected the elderly and this is my way of giving back. It’s close to my heart to design facilities that enable people to thrive and enjoy their living environment.”
As a Design Principal focused on senior living and healthcare, Mark guides project teams in a collaborative process to create architecture that reflects a client’s mission and vision. He is focused on providing exceptional environments while maintaining operating efficiencies and financial sustainability. While staying abreast of industry trends and user preferences, Mark represents 30 years of experience. He shares, “you want to do your best job – my strengths are in service and providing a well-designed product that is high quality and cost effective.”
Mark joined HPI in 1978 and believes in the team-oriented atmosphere, “HPI has given me opportunity over the years to explore different aspects of architecture from the technical to the creative. I started out as a drafter and the culture enabled me to grow; that’s what attracted me and has kept me continuously passionate about HPI.”
Mark received a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.
“The dedication, commitment and passion to our craft produces an everlasting impact on human lives and the betterment to the communities which our projects reside”
Nick brings a decade of senior housing experience nationally and a combined 20 years of dedication towards architectural planning, design, and technology. His depth of experience and forward thinking allows him to challenge the status quo with a fresh perspective while helping guide the forward trajectory of senior living at HPI. Senior housing strikes a heart string for Nick to help lead the process of bringing new, modern and inviting communities to market that house our nations aging population.
As a Principal for Senior Living, Nick’s focus is to listen intently and empathically to both clients and HPI team members. He recognizes the importance of staying in tune with every member of his team so that together they are working in tandem to meet the goals of our clients, creating the best experience for residents and guests of our designed communities. Senior housing projects are complicated, code stringent and take a coordinated and communitive team involvement to provide a successful product for our clients and ultimately to the resident user.
Nick received his Associate of Occupational Studies – Architecture and CAD Technology from High Tech Institute in Phoenix, Arizona.
“I have always been interested in the character of spaces and how architecture impacts your experience.”
As Director of Education, Andria ensures through a hands-on, collaborative approach, HPI’s commitment to client service, design excellence, and professional integrity.
Andria first joined HPI in 2004 and immediately gained a strong appreciation for the planning and design of educational facilities. “There is something special about educational facilities – they provide an opportunity to create enriched environments that support teaching, learning and socialization. It is very rewarding to be part of the team creating the spaces and places, students, faculty and the community deserve.”
To broaden her expertise in the Education sector, Andria joined a private school organization in 2014 to oversee design and construction for their nationwide expansion. “I learned a great deal from the client perspective; an even deeper appreciation about the challenges clients face, and a stronger understanding of how the architectural process can be supportive of their success.”
In 2015 Andria rejoined HPI to continue her focus on Educational projects.
Andria received her Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Southern California.
“As design professionals we approach problems or address challenges in imaginative ways that are unique to every building we touch. No two projects are ever the same!”
As Director of Design, Doug is skilled in working with clients to confirm and interpret the user’s programmatic needs and explore design alternatives. He collaboratively works to achieve the vision of the client, creating designs that are tailored specifically to their needs and aspirations.
At HPI, he appreciates that the clients always come first. “There’s a collective aim that all of us have, from the top down, to provide a level of service that exceeds our client’s expectations!”
About architecture – “I love the artistic process that architecture requires. The act of making or creating something, within a defined set of parameters, is extremely rewarding when you see it affect people in a positive way.”
Doug received his Bachelor of Architecture from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.
“I like the questions and challenge of construction. I have always been interested in how things are built.”
As Director of Construction Administration, Jack ensures that HPI’s construction phase services are provided in a consistent and proactive manner with a focus on delivering projects on time, on-budget and with design excellence… “the ultimate success of the project makes our efforts seem worthy and valuable.”
Jack works equally well with clients, builders and the internal team as he directs construction administration services. Jack joined HPI in 2008 and appreciates the “trust factor” and how HPI empowers its construction administration teams to make decisions. He says this foundation comes from the top, that “here you get opportunities…”
Jack received a Bachelor of Architecture from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.
I love the way great architecture [design] makes you feel. Much like music, different spaces trigger different emotions. As an architect, it is our job to be the conductor.
Jeff joined the HPI design team in 2006. In the 8 years that followed he led many of HPI’s significant education and senior living design assignments. Subsequently, Jeff accepted a new challenge, spending two years in the design of large, mixed-use, multifamily housing complexes for one of California’s leading multi-family housing practices.
Jeff rejoined HPI in 2017, stating, “I was continually inspired by creative design, new challenges, and HPI’s satisfied clients.” Jeff’s design leadership led to his advancement to Director.
Architecture….I love the collaboration – collaboration with our design team and collaboration with our clients; satisfaction of walking through a building that we have spent so much time designing and examining every little detail; witnessing the excitement and enjoyment of the end users after they have moved into their new space; the creative process – the transformation of an “idea” to built form. To me, architecture is art with purpose and function.”
He received his Bachelor of Architecture from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.
“To me a project is successful when we see the end users learning, living, or working – and thriving – in a well-designed and constructed project.”
Matt is a passionate, innovative architect who emphasizes collaboration, whether with clients, in-house teams, consultants, or contractors. Over the course of his career, he has focused on large, complex projects, including education, assisted living, health care, and aviation. Using his expertise in detailing, building codes, BIM, and construction contract administration, he is adept at developing and refining concepts throughout the design and construction process. Matt’s creative approach and ability to resolve highly technical challenges allows designs to be thoughtfully and successfully realized.
Matt joined HPI in 2012.
Matt received his Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Architecture from Rhode Island School of Design.
As a licensed Architect and Director for Senior Living, Stephanie has led the team for several ground up communities as well as renovations and modernizations that include Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care in California and Arizona. She has worked closely with clients to create vibrant environments where older adults thrive in living spaces.
Her measure of success is two-fold. First, it’s positive feedback from the client. The best measure of success from our clients is when they come back to us for another project. By that measure, she is happy to say that HPI has had a lot of success. The second measure of success is hearing that the residents and staff love their new community.
Stephanie received her Master of Architecture and Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
“I believe that people influence the architecture that surrounds us. My passion is to get to know, engage and surround myself with as many people in life and through their inspiration create meaningful architecture that adds value to the human condition.”
As Director of K-12, Karla plays an integral part in a variety of projects, engaged in every phase of the project. Her responsibilities include client interaction, design and document preparation support, and construction administration. She brings extensive experience working with various jurisdictional agencies, including city and state which extends to the Division of State Architects (DSA) for education projects requiring state agency approvals.
Karla is a leader, facilitator, and synthesizer. She has a strong sense of accountability that she brings to every project. One of the most important commitments to her is to meet and exceed clients’ expectations.
Karla joined HPI in 2022 and is a team player; enjoys bringing together the ideas and strengths of a team through collaboration to develop a great project. “Every person has a voice and I want to hear it and honor it.”
She received her Bachelor of Architecture from California Polytechnic State University, Pomona. She was also a mentee in the CASH (Coalition for Adequate School Housing) Leadership Academy Spring 2021 Cohort 10.
“I believe in the opportunity for spaces and places to create joy, delight, inspiration, and wonder.”
As Director of Interior Design, Tamara leads the interior design efforts for all of HPI’s market sectors, including Higher Education, K12, Senior Living and Student Housing.
Tamara has over 20 years of experience in interior design for educational facilities. She believes in the opportunity to solve workplace and learning environment stressors with research, thoughtfulness, and a deep understanding of the user. She strives to ensure that every space has a strong connection to those experiencing it.
Tamara received her Bachelor of Science in Design and Environmental Analysis from Cornell University. Her concentration was in Human Factors and Ergonomics.
“I’ve always been inspired by architecture that is as beautiful as it is functional. My passion is building connections to support design teams as they create spaces that positively impact people and their communities.”
As HPI’s Senior Living Business Development Manager, Ursula is an integral part of for all business development initiatives for HPI’s Senior Living sector throughout the Western United States.
With over 25 years of experience within the A/E/C industry, Ursula brings a proven track record of identifying and cultivating client relationships and teaming partnerships. Her extensive background and knowledge help guide the Senior Living team to making informed decisions and maintaining a strong sector understanding.
She received her Bachelor of Arts in Visual and Performing Arts from California State University, San Marcos.