Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Architectural Solutions
HGA is a national interdisciplinary design firm rooted in architecture and engineering, dedicated to creating a positive, lasting impact for clients across healthcare, arts and culture, community, corporate, education, government, science and technology, and energy markets. Founded in 1953 by Richard Hammel, Curt Green, and Bruce Abrahamson, we have grown from a small basement practice to a firm with over 1,200 employees and 13 offices nationwide. Our approach begins with deep listening and research to understand client needs, cultural contexts, and the human condition, enabling us to deliver innovative, sustainable solutions. We prioritize empathy, curiosity, and collaboration, fostering a culture where employees and clients can achieve their best work. With expertise in architecture, commissioning, digital practice, engineering, environmental graphics, interior design, landscape architecture, lighting design, resilience planning, sustainable design, and technology, we combine the personalized service of a small studio with the resources of a full-service firm.Our interdisciplinary teams have earned recognition, including five national AIA Honor Awards and over 160 local AIA awards, reflecting our commitment to design excellence and measurable impact. We believe great design transcends aesthetics, addressing functional needs while inspiring healing, enhancing culture, and fostering community. Our sustainability efforts focus on responsible development, energy efficiency, and minimizing environmental impact. Through research-driven insights and evidence-based design, we help clients navigate complex challenges, from healthcare innovation to workplace transformation. Our legacy of forward-thinking solutions continues to shape the built environment for future generations.
Services
Architecture
Interior Design
Landscape Architecture
Engineering
Sustainable Design
Details
- Year established: 1953
Highlights and features
- We offer 70+ years of experience in architecture and interdisciplinary design.
- Our teams combine technical expertise with creative problem-solving for tailored solutions.
- We prioritize sustainability and resilience in every project's planning and execution.
- Our research-driven approach ensures designs meet measurable human and organizational needs.
- We maintain long-term client relationships through transparent communication and collaborative processes.
Associations and certifications
- SITES Accredited Professional
What people say
Award-winning designs
Sustainability focus
Collaborative approach
Technical expertise
Long-term partnerships
Services
Architecture
HGA's architecture practice creates timeless, functional spaces that address evolving human needs while prioritizing beauty and sustainability. Our interdisciplinary teams combine technical excellence with creative vision to deliver iconic structures across healthcare, corporate, education, and cultural sectors. With over 70 years of experience, we transform client aspirations into built environments that enhance organizational missions and community well-being.
Interior Design
Our interior design solutions reflect organizational brand and culture through people-first environments that enhance wellbeing and adaptability. We create flexible, inspiring spaces for workplaces, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions, ensuring alignment with evolving operational needs and sustainability goals.
Landscape Architecture
HGA's landscape architects craft environments that merge ecological responsibility with cultural storytelling, creating healing gardens, urban plazas, and sustainable campuses. Our designs foster community connection while addressing climate resilience and long-term site sustainability.
Engineering
Our engineering teams deliver innovative mechanical, electrical, and structural solutions that optimize building performance and occupant comfort. With expertise in 48 U.S. states and 10 countries, we integrate technical precision with sustainability to create efficient, future-ready infrastructure.
Sustainable Design
We embed sustainability throughout the design process, from energy-efficient systems to materials selection that reduces environmental impact. Our resilience planning addresses climate risks while creating spaces that promote human health and ecological balance.
People
Paul Stefanski
Director of the Design Insight Group
Paul leads HGA's research initiatives, applying evidence-based design to improve healthcare environments and workplace productivity. With over 25 years of experience, he specializes in translating complex data into actionable design strategies that enhance organizational performance.
Tao Ham
National Engineering Practice Leader - Lighting
Tao Ham specializes in integrated lighting solutions that enhance architectural aesthetics while optimizing energy efficiency. His work spans healthcare, cultural institutions, and corporate campuses, focusing on how light affects human wellbeing and building performance.
Kathleen Anglo
Director of Landscape Architecture
Kathleen leads HGA's landscape architecture practice, combining ecological expertise with cultural storytelling. She has designed award-winning healthcare gardens and urban parks that prioritize sustainability and community engagement across 30+ years in the field.
Paula Storsteen
National Interior Design Practice Leader
Paula directs HGA's interior design strategy, focusing on creating adaptable, brand-driven environments for healthcare and corporate clients. Her work emphasizes wellness, equity, and flexible spaces that support evolving organizational needs.
Ariane Laxo
Director of Sustainability
Ariane leads HGA's sustainability initiatives, developing resilience strategies that address climate risks and energy efficiency. With expertise in net-zero design, she helps clients achieve long-term environmental and operational goals through innovative building systems.
Questions
What markets does HGA specialize in?
HGA serves healthcare, corporate, education, government, arts and culture, science and technology, and energy markets with tailored design solutions.
How does HGA incorporate sustainability into projects?
We integrate sustainable design principles, energy-efficient systems, and resilience planning to minimize environmental impact while meeting client needs.
What sets HGA apart from other architecture firms?
Our interdisciplinary approach combines architecture, engineering, and research with a human-centered focus to deliver measurable, innovative outcomes.
Does HGA handle international projects?
Yes, our expertise extends to international projects across multiple sectors, supported by our nationwide office network.
How does HGA ensure client collaboration?
We prioritize stakeholder engagement through workshops, research partnerships, and transparent communication at every project stage.
Reviews (1)
Jacob Solmonson
Nov 17, 2018
Report
At Prime Therapeutics- Boulder Lakes- nice building but absolutely terrible design between the sofit and the upper windows. Whats the point of those windows? Can't clean them. There was no planning on how to maintain them when their is 6 inches to work with between the glass and sofit.
