We are pleased to announce two promotions to Associate!
Since joining HKIT in 2018, Lisa (pictured top right) has successfully undertaken some of the firm’s most technically challenging affordable housing projects in recent history with thoughtfulness and diligence. Principal Paul notes, “Lisa demonstrates a commitment to HKIT’s ongoing growth and improvement, not only through her project work but also through her active involvement with our internal Revit Committee and Design Break series.”
Amy has played a crucial role in the success of our educational facility projects, from campus modernizations to new constructions. Regarded as a DSA expert by our team, Amy’s comprehensive knowledge of the DSA processes has kept our projects moving forward smoothly. Principal Melissa commended Amy for her dedication and leadership, highlighting her recent CSI certification and ability to create lasting relationships with clients.
Join us in congratulating Lisa and Amy on their well-deserved promotions!
Principal Paul McElwee joined HKIT in 2005, and has been on a steadfast mission to make an impact on the Bay Area community through the design of resilient and sustainable affordable housing. As the firm’s multifamily housing practice leader he shares, “Affordable housing has always been an important market sector in the Bay Area, and with the on-going housing crisis, I am grateful to be a part of a firm that is integral to the design of quality affordable spaces for our most vulnerable populations.”
When asked what his favorite thing about working at HKIT is, he responded, “The people! We have an incredible team at HKIT, and I’m inspired every day by the passion and dedication they bring to their work. I couldn’t be more lucky!”
Thank you, Paul, for your dedication to continuing HKIT’s legacy of creating meaningful places for people to call home.
For nearly two decades at HKIT, Principal Jeff Evans has focused his attention on designing thoughtful and inspiring learning environments for public and private educational clients. “Upon completing grad school, I learned that HKIT’s mission was to create architecture that enriches the community and environment, and that rang true with me then as much as it does now. Our work is about people, creating safe and affordable buildings that provide homes and environments for education. Great places to live and learn are fundamental keys to successful life pathways. I feel that our work is an important part of helping people thrive. That’s why I joined HKIT, and it’s why I’m still here and excited about the work that we do.”
When asked what about HKIT he is particularly proud of, he shared, “I’m proud of HKIT being a leader in highly efficient, sustainable educational design. This is an area of our practice that I have been heavily involved in, and I remember the hard work and steps it took to get to where we are today. I’m proud of our emphasis on creating sustainable, resource-efficient projects that use less energy and water, that are healthy for people and the whole world.”
We thank Jeff for his passion and commitment to designing meaningful and sustainable spaces.
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.
As we near our firm’s formal 75th anniversary date in October, we begin to acknowledge the leadership team that is responsible for leading our firm into the future. We proudly spotlight Principal, Melissa Regan-Byers. Melissa’s journey with HKIT began 17 years ago and was guided by a desire to join a firm that designs meaningful projects and one with strong female leadership. Inspired and mentored by Principal Emeritus, Dara Youngdale, Melissa’s approach to leadership demonstrates a similar commitment to mentorship. Melissa actively supports young women within HKIT and as a mentor with Girls, Inc., inspiring the next generation of architects.
When asked about her favorite project sector, she shared, “I feel the most inspired by my work on school projects. I love kids and the excitement and energy they have when they enter a new classroom or multipurpose building for the first time. I enjoy that oftentimes our projects involve taking older buildings with outdated technology, HVAC systems, poor ventilation, or acoustics and transforming them into healthy learning environments. It brings me joy to know that our work can make a difference in a child’s life.”
Looking toward the future and having successfully completed two Zero Net Energy (ZNE) projects, Melissa excitedly envisions a time when all HKIT’s education projects achieve ZNE status.
Melissa’s dedication is just one example of the passion that drives our firm.
Foon Lok West, which translates to “Joyous Community” in Cantonese, has truly lived up to its name, being awarded the Grand Award for Best Affordable Housing Community – 60 du/acre or more from the Pacific Coast Builders Conference (PCBC) Gold Nugget Awards. Much-deserved recognition and congratulations go to MidPen Housing, Nibbi Brothers, and our talented team of subconsultants for bringing this incredible community to life.
We are thrilled to formally announce that Melissa Regan-Byers has been elevated to principal. In 2006, she joined the firm as a job captain. Over the course of 15+ years, she was promoted to associate and senior project manager, focused on educational projects for several Bay Area school districts. “Melissa has been instrumental in shaping our practice as a strategic partner for numerous school district clients. We are confident that Melissa will excel in her new leadership role supporting our clients and look forward to her continued contributions to the firm’s success,” shares Principal Jeff Evans, AIA, LEED AP BD+C.
Principal, Paul McElwee was interviewed by Senior Housing News for an article that explores how our team was able to navigate the obstacles of a compact site and neighborhood concerns to deliver Casa de La Misión, an award-winning project that honors the rich history of the surrounding community. Located in San Francisco’s Mission District, the project is a 45-unit affordable senior housing project that meaningfully incorporates elements of the neighborhood’s vibrant history and culture into its design.
