When designing a new restaurant, we often think first about customer experience and what they see. That means we put a lot of thought into the dining area. As important as the dining area is, it is only about 60% of your restaurant’s space. Back of house (kitchen, prep spaces, administrative offices, storage, restrooms, and staff area) accounts for about …
When a church plant succeeds and the team begins looking for a new home, there are a variety of options: As a church plant, you have a mission that you’re looking to fulfill from the larger church who sent you to this new area. That makes merging with another church less than ideal as you would have to compromise your …
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, …
A custom home is a dream for many people. However, once they start the process, they realize just how much work it takes to go from inspiration to design to build and finally occupancy in a custom home build. Although rarely are two projects the same, the same basic steps happen in almost every design process. Of course, you and …
Congratulations on your new, soon-to-be restaurant. If you’ve found your way to this article, you are likely wondering about small restaurant design and how you can maximize the space you have. As an architecture firm who has designed all sizes and types of restaurants, we know that getting it right in a small space can be harder than in a …
During a recent visit to the Denver area, I had the opportunity to visit several craft breweries. During my time there, I looked closely at the busier ones and made some notes about each craft brewery design. What I came to realize is that they all had several things in common. Some of which I completely expected and others that …
There are many elements that set airport design apart from other construction and design projects. The one we’re going to focus on today is the passenger experience. A traveler may not have a choice if they want to fly. That means you want their experience to be positive so they prefer to choose air travel again. Understand Passenger Behavior As …
Whether you’re remodeling your existing church building or constructing a new facility, the church exterior design is as important as the interior. Its architecture should fit in with the surrounding area while being welcoming to both your current attendees and new ones. The exterior design and materials not only play a part in how your worship center stands out, but …
Today’s restaurants aren’t the same as those opened in the 80’s and 90’s. Now you can find a meal when part of the group wants sushi and the other wants burgers. Because of these fusion themes, restaurant architecture and design aren’t as straightforward as they once were. If you’re planning a fusion theme for your new eatery, you want to …
A distillery is unlike most other projects. A distillery is often a bar, gift shop, manufacturing facility, and tour business all in one. Few other businesses have as many elements as a distillery or brewery. You need an architect who knows all the needs and regulatory requirements of such a facility. Granted, there isn’t a class or classification that recognizes …
Earlier this year, the Biden Administration added another $1 billion in grants to improve airport infrastructure at 114 airports nationwide on top of the $2 billion granted since 2021. Many cities and states are also pledging tax dollars to help with the updates and modern airport design. If you are one of those airports with the funds to update, your …
No matter how long the wish list is for your new church building, there still may be things you’re missing. The earlier you bring an experienced church architect onto the project, the more likely you are to realize what you’re missing and get those items worked into your budget. Of course, your architect will ensure that your building conforms to …
Whether you’re building a space from the ground up or repurposing and remodeling an existing space, you need to address the seating needs with your architect earlier in the process than you may realize. Once you have your preliminary layout, it’s time to look at your restaurant seating design. Start with Types of Seating Most restaurants have a mix of …
There are countless elements in an airport that the public never sees. Behind the scenes, there are administration, airline and badge offices with many needs. Additionally, the rental car service center, baggage areas, and TSA areas, as well as law enforcement and maintenance facilities need to be functional and accessible. When they’re not, staff can’t get their jobs done, or …
If your church is ready for a new building, you and your building committee have a lot of work to do before breaking ground. One of the most important steps is finding the right commercial architect, ideally one with experience in worship center design. Of course, finding one you and your building committee feel comfortable with is important as well. …
Whether you’ve been creating craft beer in your home or garage or you’ve successfully opened other breweries, you know that the process takes time, tools and space. If this is your first commercial venture, there is a lot more to consider regarding your brewery architecture and design than you may realize. As a commercial architecture firm, it’s our job to …
If 2024 is the year you start working on your dream home design, your next step should be choosing an architect. It takes some research to find the right one – if you’re not sure what questions to ask during your search, click here for some suggestions. Once you choose your architecture firm, they’ll begin asking questions, offering suggestions, and …
Today’s families are busier than ever. That’s because they see the importance of extra-curricular activities and fitness for the whole family. Whether you’re planning to open a gym or an activity-based center like a martial arts or dance studio for children or something with multiple spaces that serve the entire family, you need the help of an architect. They can …
Unlike many commercial spaces we plan as an architecture firm, those we do for craft distilleries vastly differ from one another. That’s because each craft distillery owner has a different vision and plans for the customer experience. Some plan that the distillery is a destination with tours and tastings. Others see their space as a gathering space with a tasting …
When your building lacks the right space or feels dated, you may wonder if the right option is to find a new facility. If it is still the right size for you congregation, consider a church renovation. With the help of a skilled architect, an engineer, designer and contractors, you may be able to remake your space for a fraction …
Whether you’re opening a full-service spa with massage, facials, hair and nails, or a salon that offers all types of hair services, you want to make a good first impression. That happens the moment someone drives by or walks up to your salon. However, you want to keep the customers coming back. You must ensure that everyone has an exceptional …
If you ask someone what they like best about their favorite restaurant, they’ll likely talk about the exceptional food, a favorite dish, or possibly a great server. Sometimes people talk about the ambiance. Chances are good they never talk about how the restaurant is laid out. Whether they notice the layout or not, it does impact the restaurant and that …
No matter the size of your home renovation or new custom home, you should work with a local and licensed residential architect. As you look for the right one for your project, you should interview them to get a feel of their style, services and experience. Here are some questions to ask that will help you find the best architecture …
Whether you’re remodeling your current medical practice or moving to a new space, you likely have several goals. One of them should be an exceptional patient experience. However, you also want any changes you make to benefit the practice as a whole. And, you want everyone to feel comfortable and safe and that their privacy is protected during exams and …
Most people choose to work with an architecture firm and build a custom home when they want their forever home. They put a great deal of thought into many aspects. However, almost everyone we’ve talked to who has built a custom home in the past has had something they wished they did differently. Here are the top three. Rushing the …
As your congregation grows, you may find yourself faced with the question many churches face, whether to build an addition or move to a new location and building. There are pros and cons to both and an experienced church architect knows the questions to ask to help you and your team make the right decision. Pros and Cons of an …
If you’re planning a custom home and working with an architect, you’ll have many conversations and answer many questions. One of the biggest that impacts the design is whether you’ll have an open concept floor plan or separate rooms (sometimes called a closed floor plan). There are pros and cons to both, however, depending on your lifestyle, family, and the …
Building a custom home is a huge undertaking. You get to decide what you want in every aspect. However, without some guidance and expertise of a residential architect, you may miss out on little things that will make your home even more perfect for you. Here are just a few of the many reasons you want an experienced architect helping …
A medical facility, whether it be a small family practice or a hospital, has unique design requirements. As medical care evolves, so does healthcare architecture. Not only must a patient be able to navigate the facility, but they have an expectation of privacy and safety. You want them to feel comfortable and cared for. Of course, the doctors, nurses and …
Whether your congregation is big or small, you want them to feel welcome and comfortable in the space. No longer do you walk into the vestibule and continue on into the sanctuary all within just a few feet. Church architecture has changed in part because of technology and also how we worship and congregate at church. As you and your …
Have you ever looked at a new home or building and wondered what the designer, homeowner or architect were thinking? Or, have you ever driven by a home and wished yours looked as amazing? The term often used for a great looking property is curb appeal. It applies to both residential and commercial projects. The last thing anyone wants is …
Whether you’re designing and building a new facility from scratch, remodeling an existing space, or adding onto your building, you need a commercial architect. Choose the wrong one and you may not have the functional space you need. When you choose the right one, you will likely love the space and it will serve you well for many years. Just …
Building a custom home and remodeling a home are both big undertakings. Not only do you have to find an architect and designer with whom you want to work, but you need to be able to articulate your home design ideas, wants and needs. It’s easy to express how many bedrooms and that you want a lot of natural light …
As experienced architects, it’s always interesting to hear what people think about our profession. Most people know that we go to college and most of us have neat handwriting. However, some of the things that people assume they know about architects is far from accurate. We thought we’d help you know the facts. Myth #1 – My Contractor Can Do …
If you’re looking for someone to design your new home, an office building, or an addition to an existing space, you need the assistance of many people. Every project needs a licensed architect and some will need an engineer. Of course, a designer is also essential and we talked about how your architect works with your designer previously. Education & …
If the highly competitive housing market has you considering a home addition, you’re not alone. Whether you only want a home addition or are remodeling and want both a new layout and more space, you should work with an experienced architect. As an architecture firm, we’re working with many homeowners on a variety of different home additions, however, there are …
When building a custom home, you may first think about the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you want. Then you may begin thinking about other special needs or features you want in your home. But, how much thought are you putting into what your home will look like on your property? Architects don’t only design a functional interior, but also …
If you’re looking to design a custom home, you’ll want to hire both an architect and interior designer even before you hire a builder or contractor. Although they share the same goal to create an aesthetically pleasing and functional home, they have different roles in the process. The Architect’s Role Your architect’s role is to create plans for the construction …
You may be surprised at all an architecture firm does before the general contractor can begin his work on your building, for your home or business. In fact, architects are helpful in more than just new building construction, they also help with repurposing or remodeling of buildings and homes. Let’s, however, for this article, talk about why you need an …
Potential clients call to discuss their projects on a routine basis. Most of the conversations are similar. They almost always ask about experience, timing and pricing. Often, people who have had prior experience with their local Building Officials would ask some form of this question: “Have you ever dealt with the AnyCity, USA building department? They can be especially difficult.” …
We spend our days, and often nights, working to help other people. The clients that we serve are out there doing the same for the needs of their clients and customers. Over the past few months we have thought a lot and have decided that a change is necessary so that we can continue to improve the services that we …