Since joining HKIT over a decade ago, Principal Christophe Laverne’s portfolio has spanned all HKIT’s market sectors. As one of HKIT’s Senior Living practice leaders, Christophe reflects, “What sets HKIT apart is our unwavering 75-year continuous commitment to our core practice areas: housing, senior living, and education. We remain committed to what we have excelled at since 1948.”
“What truly drew me to this firm,” he continues, “is its unique blend of size and character. Our mid-sized team, in one office, allows everyone to get to know each other and fosters lasting relationships. It’s a family where community is at the heart of our culture, and it translates into the impactful projects we design as a firm.”
Thank you, Christophe, for your dedication to our practice and contributions to our team culture.
We are thrilled to announce that Greg Hielsberg has joined HKIT’s leadership team as our newest Associate!
An integral member of our Education Team, Greg brings over 18 years of experience in the planning and design of learning environments to HKIT. In addition to being a skillful designer, he holds a key role in the firm as the Chairperson for the Production Standards Committee and a member of the firm’s Revit Committee.
“Greg has exhibited great leadership, collaboration, team camaraderie, and a dedication to mentorship in the firm. We are confident he will be an excellent addition to our Associate’s group,” says Principal Melissa Regan-Byers, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB.
Principal John Frando joined HKIT in 1996. During his initial interview with the firm, he had the chance to connect with then-partners, Komatsu, Ivelich & Tucker (the “KIT” in HKIT). John remembers being drawn to HKIT’s welcoming and collaborative office environment, saying, “HKIT felt like a place where you could be yourself and take on a lot of responsibility, with people to guide and nurture you along the way.” John was excited to be offered a position and the rest is history.
As one of HKIT’s Senior Living practice leaders, John focuses on senior communities, both new construction and renovations. As a Certified Access Specialist, CASp, he’s also brought his expertise to the regulatory arena, helping to identify and modify regulations that have hindered advancements in senior housing. When asked about his favorite part of creating senior living communities, he responded, “When you design housing, you’re building a community bigger than yourself and your role on a project. I love going to open houses after projects are complete, staff and residents have moved in, and hearing residents express happiness and gratitude for their new home. On more than one occasion, residents have wanted to give me a tour of their homes. Even though I already know so much about their space, I enjoy seeing how they’ve personalized it. I think about the new memories they’ll create there– that’s something truly special.”
We thank John for his commitment to our practice of meaningful design.
