HKP Architects has been providing architectural services to the Pacific Northwest since 1952. Founded on the values of honesty, simplicity, and service, our firm is highly respectful of our many long-term relationships with clients and the community. Our work shows remarkable consistency over the past six decades, and we remain dedicated to providing architectural design that is high-value, environmentally responsible, and sensitive to its site.
We focus on civic buildings and spaces, educational facility planning and design, non-profit and community-oriented projects, and private homes; work that lifts people up in their lives. Whether they are places of learning, affordable housing or cultural institution work, our objective is to realize our clients’ vision and optimize every opportunity.
All of our projects emphasize long-term value for our clients through efficient use of space, appropriate use of materials, sustainability, and the benefits of natural light.
HKP Architects is a Women Business Enterprise (WBE)-certified firm.
Founded as Henry Klein and Associates in 1952, HKP was the first full-service architectural firm in Skagit County, Washington. Founding principal, Henry Klein, a native of Europe, was one of the Pacific Northwest’s most lauded architects. His legacy includes designing many of the region’s iconic mid-century modern homes and civic buildings.
Klein’s colleagues recognized his influence on Northwest architecture in conferring the AIA Seattle Medal to him in 1995. In his acceptance speech, Klein noted:
“…the simple notion of architecture as the spaces we separate from the infinite space surrounding us and then enclose: spaces that still retain all the various and changing light, colors, textures, sounds and mysteries of the universe. But because architecture is of human scale and dimensions, we can bring these wonders home and make them felt by ordinary people of all ages, backgrounds and stations in life.”
This reverence for the power of architecture, and its effect on people of all ages and cultures, remains a vital part of HKP’s mission to this day. Current HKP partners Julie Blazek and Brian Poppe carry forward the firm’s legacy to elevate the human spirit through use of space, materials, light, and sustainable design.
“In my dealings with HKP staff, I have found them to be highly competent and professional, skilled in distilling the needs of the Tribe and in translating those needs into useful and serviceable facilities. They maintain a high level of quality and responsiveness in their work and great attention to detail, which has resulted in numerous products of great value to the Tribe. I would give my high recommendation for them to anyone seeking skilled and highly qualified architectural services.”
Ed Knight
Director of Planning
Swinomish Indian Tribal Community
Sustainable design principles have always been at the heart of our design decisions, particularly when it comes to Passive House technology, natural ventilation, passive solar strategies, light, views and material expression in the Pacific Northwest. HKP Architects actively incorporates sustainable design principles in all of our work and we attempt to help clients understand the long-term benefits both to our environment and to their operation and maintenance costs. Partner Julie Blazek is a Certified Passive House Consultant.
HKP launched an internal Sustainability Policies & Initiatives program in 2020. The vision of the program is to review our business operations and building maintenance through the following Triple Bottom Line lens:
The program outlines a range of efforts towards reduction, recycling, and reuse of materials, buying from local sources, sourcing from sustainable and ethical companies, reducing our carbon footprint and improving our building’s efficiency. It relies on leadership at all levels and depends on our staff to be as dedicated to these principles as the firm partners. It is intended to hold us all accountable for the impacts of our decisions, both positive and negative, towards the environment and society. We, as individuals and as a whole, can lead by example with our clients, peers, and community.
We believe it takes more than great buildings to build a strong community: community outreach and involvement is also a priority. We encourage our team to serve and contribute in various ways. Local organizations supported by HKP collectively or individually by our employees include:
“HKP Architects have now taken two blank slates and transformed them into magical spaces at the Children’s Museum of Skagit County locations. Their vision for design and components led us to create and enhance the exhibit designs into vibrant spaces, utilizing the available square footage to optimal use and value. They also provided excellent attention and guidance throughout the planning and build-out phases at both locations.”
Cate Melcher Anderson
Executive Director
Children’s Museum of Skagit County