After more than four decades of architectural excellence and 25 years with HLR Architects, Principal John J. Recny, RA, NCARB, has announced his retirement, effective February 14, 2025.
Since joining the firm, John has been instrumental in shaping HLR’s reputation for excellence in architectural design, particularly in religious and educational facilities. His career journey began in 1981 in Washington DC, where he worked on significant projects including the National Press Building renovation. In 1986, he discovered his passion for religious architecture, which would become a defining focus of his career.
Under his leadership, HLR maintained its intentionally boutique size to ensure hands-on principal involvement in every project while expanding its portfolio across educational, institutional, commercial, medical, and faith communities. This approach has resulted in countless successful projects throughout Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC.
“Looking back over these 25 years, what stands out most is the trust our clients placed in us to help realize their visions,” reflects John. “From watching congregations celebrate their first service in a new sanctuary, to seeing students thrive in spaces we designed – these moments remind me why I chose this path in architecture. Working alongside dedicated colleagues and clients who became friends has been deeply rewarding. I’m particularly proud that our merger with Sandbar Architecture grew from these same values of trust and relationship-building. While closing this chapter is bittersweet, I know these relationships will continue to flourish under the combined strengths of our firms.”
John and HLR’s History
Originally from Ohio and a graduate of Kent State University, John holds professional registrations in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, DC, and Pennsylvania. His expertise in complex renovations, adaptive reuse, and master planning has helped countless clients realize their vision for facility development.
The firm’s roots trace back to the early 1970s when young architects David Lipp, Tom Helbing, and Paul Salditt departed from the Alexandria-based VVKR architectural firm. The three entrepreneurs began collaborating in 1973, with one of their first significant projects being an addition to Calvary Road Baptist Church in Alexandria’s Franconia area. They incorporated as “Salditt Lipp and Helbing” and established their office in Tysons Corner, where the firm would remain until 2016. Following Paul Salditt’s departure in 1978, the practice was renamed “Helbing Lipp Ltd. Architects Engineers,” reflecting Tom Helbing’s dual expertise as both architect and structural engineer.
As the firm expanded its portfolio to include religious and educational facilities, it opened a branch office in Charles Town, West Virginia, establishing itself as a regional leader in institutional design. John Recny joined the firm in 1998, bringing his passion for religious architecture that perfectly aligned with the firm’s growing expertise in faith-based projects. His dedication and leadership led to his partnership in 2008, and by 2013, the firm was renamed Helbing Lipp Recny Architects (HLR Architects). Following the retirement of founding partners Tom Helbing in 2013 and David Lipp in 2016, John became the sole principal, successfully guiding the firm while maintaining its foundational principles of ethical practice, practicality, and common sense.
HLR Architects Merges with Sandbar Architecture
In Fall 2024, HLR Architects merged with Sandbar Architecture, a Florida-based firm known for its innovative approach to commercial, residential, and specialty architectural design. This strategic merger combines HLR’s extensive experience in religious and educational facilities with Sandbar’s diverse portfolio, creating a strengthened presence along the Eastern Seaboard. The Oakton office will be led by incoming Director of Architecture Aaron Margolis, AIA, ensuring continuity of HLR’s commitment to exceptional client service and design excellence.
“John Recny’s leadership has fostered an exceptional legacy at HLR Architects,” states Daniel Edgell, President of Sandbar Architecture. “His commitment to outstanding client service, dedication to design excellence, and profound knowledge in religious and educational architecture have positively impacted the communities that he has served throughout his career. As John moves into retirement, we are privileged to have the opportunity to work from the solid foundation he built over the last 25 years. His focus on nurturing client relationships and providing thoughtful, practical design solutions resonates deeply with our philosophy at Sandbar. We are committed to upholding HLR’s tradition of excellence and to enhancing our collective strength.”