Our annual office retreat took us to Portland, Oregon, this year for a bit of exploring, reflecting, celebrating, and, well… eating. McMenamin’s Kennedy School hosted the three-day retreat, where we held working sessions in The Library and other beautifully preserved historic rooms of this amazing property. Getting out into the city, we toured a […]
The HKP team recently toured Resilient Framing Systems’ design and fabrication facility while on our annual company retreat. Resilient Framing Systems designs and manufactures high-performance wall and floor panels at their facility, located on the east side of Portland. We were greeted by the owner Scott Kosmicki, who gave us a brief overview of Resilient’s […]
HKP recently completed the Old Town Residential District (OTRD) Design Standards in collaboration with the City of Arlington’s Planning & Land Use Division. The OTRD Design Standards serves as a tool to assist Property Owners, Developers, Contractors, and Architects in designing additions, renovations, and new construction that are compatible with the residential neighborhood. By using […]
When it comes to going fast on the water, HKP project manager Rochelle Hill is a tough competitor. She recently competed in the HAPO Columbia Cup hydroplane races held in Tri Cities, WA where she drove her E350 hydro to a 3rd place finish! Learn more about Rochelle and her racing roots here: https://www.nwpb.org/2022/07/26/for-trans-hydroplane-racer-the-columbia-cup-is-a-family-affair/ Rochelle […]
We received 7 bids, Friday August 19th for the Mount Vernon Library Commons project! Thank you bidders for all your time and effort for submitting bids. HKP Architects is anxious to break ground in a month or so! Stay tuned for Groundbreaking notices, tentatively scheduled for September 17th on the site.
HKP sent Christine Baldwin to the AIA Conference on Architecture 2022 in Chicago at the end of June. Over the course of five days she attended keynotes, seminars, and tours that focused on topics such as sustainability, inclusivity and equity, community-based design approach, and overcoming site complexities with Design-Team ingenuity. There was a consistent theme […]
Mayor Jill Boudreau welcomes bidders to the Pre-Bid Walk-though for the Mount Vernon Library Commons project held by HKP Architects this week. Bids are due August 18th. Excited to see some great contractors show interest in this one-of-a -kind project.
“HKP Architects has 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 […]
At long last, First Serve! The Claude Blackburn Pickleball Pavilion at Skagit Valley College was officially opened in June 2022. Thank you to SVC, the SVC Foundation, and especially our Design-Build partner Trico Construction on working together towards this milestone! It’s been a long process for getting these shorter courts in play!
HKP Partner Brian Poppe attended the 2022 A4LE Washington Chapter Conference last week and they didn’t waste any time jumping into the deep end of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) pool. The first day afternoon workshop was a discussion about how designed space, and sometimes the process of design, can affect DEI issues […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Julie Blazek, Partner HKP Architects 204 W Montgomery Street Mount Vernon, WA 98273 360-336-2155 jblazek@hkpa.com www.hkpa.com HKP Architects Welcomes Kelly Valentin as a Project Manager Kelly received her Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies from Washington State University in 2017 and Master of Architecture in 2018. […]
This month’s update includes the UW Capstone Project and a new social media campaign that you can participate in to help garner Federal support for funding. Read the June Monthly updates here in English or Spanish. Follow the progress through the Mount Vernon Library Commons social media here!
HKP would like to acknowledge and celebrate Brian Poppe’s 30th anniversary with HKP Architects! Brian, a Partner at HKP Architects, enjoys working collaboratively with clients to help ensure that their projects build stronger communities and a healthier environment. Over his career, he has worked with many public and private entities, including local school districts, community […]
Transportation Engineering students at the University of Washington presented their Capstone Projects on July 1st, on the UW campus. Mayor Jill Boudreau and members of the Design Team were invited to watch the students present their research and recommendations. The students worked in four teams, and each presented their final proposals to the entire class. […]
Landscape plantings have arrived! The Skagit Valley Pickleball Club along with volunteers installed plantings over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Plantings include parking lot island improvements, detention pond screening, and arborvitae along the West and South façade of the building to provide a wind break to the courts. We’re one step closer to the June […]
A momentous step in the Mount Vernon Library Commons project. HKP staffers working overtime to post the Land Use Notice signs! Keep checking for updates as bidding is set for this summer.
Julie Blazek was a recent guest of Erin Long’s podcast “Being in Possibility” where she got a chance to discuss her passion for sustainability, current projects, and representation in design. Listen here to the conversation – which includes what it means to live in possibility, and what that means to Julie and her work and […]
HKP Architects is thrilled to see the new NWEJATC in East Wenatchee wrapping up construction and getting ready to welcome new students this summer. HKP is working with Pottle & Sons Construction on the tenant improvements and has enjoyed a tremendous working relationship with the Owner and Contractor as part of this Design/Build effort.
April’s Monthly Update focuses on all the work leading up to Permit Submittal, a partnership with UW Transportation Engineering Students, and Calls to Action to support the library. Read more in the update Spanish and English PDF’s below.
This month we have been working on literally thousands of details required for the construction of the new Mount Vernon Library Commons. From stair railings to cabinets and window details, every corner of the building needs to be illustrated in enough detail to convey to the contractor exactly how it is to be built. The […]
Redding, California. Prior to 2004, Redding would not have been on my radar as a destination location. But since seeing Santiago Calatrava’s Sundial Bridge published in the architectural journals, it has been on my design bucket list. As a resident of a small, rural town in Washington State, located along the banks of the Skagit […]
In February of 2022, I had the opportunity to revisit Julia Morgan’s Berkeley City Club in Berkeley, California. Aside from the Hearst Castle at San Simeon, it’s probably Morgan’s most well-known work. It still operates as a public health and wellness pool/spa, restaurant, event space, and hotel, which makes it very accessible for extended stays. […]
Construction is progressing at the new Pet Emergency Center in West Mount Vernon. Interior finishes are coming together to create a light-filled and calming space. Fingers are crossed for good weather to allow the painting and staining of the exterior materials in the next few weeks. The transition to the new building is scheduled for […]
Women in Construction (WIC) Week raises awareness and celebrates the work of women in the construction industry across the country. “WIC Week gives chapters nationwide the opportunity to shine a bright light on the construction industry and women’s very important place in it. WIC is also vital in bringing awareness to the great success women […]
“Thanks to the Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce for publishing a story on the Mount Vernon Library Commons and its sustainability goals. The entire team is working to push the envelope, literally and figuratively, to reduce our environmental impacts.” March 4, 2022 Sustainability is at the heart of new Mount Vernon Library Commons project By JOURNAL […]
We’ve gone vertical! Trico has started erecting the structural steel for the upcoming Blackburn Pickleball Pavilion at Skagit Valley College. It won’t be long now until those 10 courts are being used by people enjoying what may become Washington’s official state sport! Five truckloads of steel building components recently arrived at Skagit Valley College, where […]
Plans are nearing completion for the Mount Vernon Library Commons! The design team has completed 50% Contract Documents, and have just a few months left to complete Bid Documents for this milestone project. This month’s update focuses on the focus on reducing the embodied carbon of concrete, the wayfinding and signage design, and the lighting […]
So glad to see the Friday Harbor Head Start Early Learning Center nearing completion. Only the final inspections remain until the doors are opened to the community! . . #HKP #HeadStart #SkagitValleyCollege #ArchitectureThatMatters
The Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce held it’s annual Awards Ceremony on January 26th. HKP Architects Partner Julie Blazek received the Business Person of the Year Award for 2021. “Her knowledge, skills and sustainable practices are making a difference,” chamber Operations Director Jeremy Kindlund said. Julie is grateful to the Chamber and its members for […]
HKP is completing construction administration on this beautiful water view home renovation. Moceri Construction is finishing final punchlist items and exterior staining will be completed this spring in warmer weather, when we will be back for finish photography. Amazing clients, once again!
Forterra recently invited industry partners to view a prototype of their new CLT modular unit at the Port of Everett. The 2-Bedroom affordable housing unit is made of 3 modular sections and is designed to be part of a larger apartment complex. The unit design is fantastic and at the target market price of $45,000 […]
Governor Jay Inslee issued his Climate Policy Brief this December to highlight initiatives focused on climate resilient design and clean energy. He named the Mount Vernon Library Commons as one project of merit, adding $4 million dollars in additional funding for the EV Charging Stations. The project will be Passive House, all electric, and have […]
HKP is working with Kriegh Studio Architects and WSP to track embodied carbon for the Mount Vernon Library Commons project. Our goal is to reduce carbon impacts by 30%, and we are hopeful that we might get to 40% better than conventional construction.
As the year ends, the project is coming to the end of Design Development and heading into Contract Documents. Our team has been working hard coordinating with our incredible team of consultants, including Swift Company, landscape architects, who’s work is featured in this month’s update.
HKP Architects Receives Two NWW AIA Design Awards Children’s Museum of Skagit County and Bhakti Marga North America Meditation Center projects lauded with 2021 Awards MOUNT VERNON, WASHINGTON, December 9, 2021 — HKP Architects is thrilled to announce that their firm received two Awards at this year’s American Institute of Architects Northwest Washington Section Design […]
Construction of a new Pet Emergency Center is well underway! The new veterinary services facility replaces the current building, originally constructed in 1978. It is a one-story, wood framed structure enclosing nearly 5,200 sf, which almost doubles the size of the previous building. Interior spaces include five exam rooms, an open treatment suite, x-ray and […]
HKP Architects welcomes Chrystal Delphia-Ramos as a Project Administrator. Chrystal received her Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Purdue University in 2005, with a minor in Business and Marketing. After graduating, she joined Alt & Witzig Engineering, working on multiple geotechnical projects including a 50,000-acre wind farm and Purdue’s new recreation center. During her 20 […]
We’re half-way through Design Development, starting to really define the building elements and features.! Check out the latest news.
HKP Architects received two Citation Awards from the Northwest Washington AIA at the 2021 Awards Ceremony, which was held virtually on October 7th. 2021 NWW Design Awards Winners Announced Awards were received for The Children’s Museum of Skagit County and the Meditation Center (unbuilt). Jurors included Dr. Sharon Sutton, artist Rik Allen, and Construction Safety […]
For the second year in a row, HKP’s Office Retreat was held at Lakedale Resort, on San Juan Island. Lakedale is a client of HKP’s, and their yurts provide the perfect accommodations for a Covid-19 safe event. This year, we spend two nights at Lakedale, offering plenty of time to enjoy the island and still […]
HKP Partner Julie Blazek spent the afternoon at the home of a local veteran along with a number of Mount Vernon School District students, Councilperson Iris Carias, and several other community members. The morning crew worked through the rain to do most of the heavy lifting (shown here, photo credit Mount Vernon Parks and Enrichment […]
The Jamestown S’Klallam Housing Solutions Study wins another award! On October 6th, Gov. Jay Inslee and Department of Commerce Director Lisa Brown recently announced the 11 Smart Communities Award winners for 2020-21 HKP served as architectural design consultant for the Housing Solutions Study, led by Beckwith Consulting Group, which focused on housing for workforce, elders, […]
The team is half-way through the second phase of design, called Design Development. The focus of this month is on Energy Modeling. Also see the link to the Fundraising Video that was made by team member BrandQuery.
HKP Architect’s return to the Lake Cavanaugh House was a special honor, after the original house was designed by HKP founder Henry Klein. HKP Partner Brian Poppe was an intern in the office and worked on the original house with Henry. As a firm partner, he led the addition/expansion of the house with the new […]
So excited to share this incredible video by @brandquery for the City of Mount Vernon Library Commons. Help us make this project a reality!
Mikke is in WSU’s Master of Architecture program, and spent the summer with HKP helping on a number of tasks and projects. Mikke produced presentation drawings for two completed projects, drafted Advanced Framing Details for our BIM Library, helped develop Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FF&E) plans and built physical study models for the Mount Vernon […]
The team is almost complete with the first phase, Schematic Design, and the development of the preliminary design for our first cost estimate. This month’s focus is on the EV charging station capacity of the project.
Our second in a monthly series of community updates, highlighting the carbon-reduction goals and some preliminary building massing and design features.
The first of our monthly community updates gives a view into the kick-off of the project and preliminary activities in English and Spanish. Enjoy!
Progress on the waterview home in La Conner! So great to see this addition and renovation start to round the corner and head to finishes. Great work by Moceri Construction!
Some days our work takes us to fantastical places. The crowd was enjoying the sun today at the @swwfair as we worked on surveys for a Master Planning effort with The Beckwith Group.
HKP Architects presented the first update to a joint meeting of the Mount Vernon City Council and Library Board at the August 4th Study Session. 50% Schematic Design plans were shared along with sustainability goals, existing conditions verification, and overall project schedule. Watch the presentations here: https://youtu.be/RgVQTsfGoJQ
HKP Architects is so excited to be part of the Chad Fisher Constructon Design/Build team to be brining much needed expansion space to the Chuckanut Brewery at the Port of Skagit. More space for production means more of Chuckanut’s amazing brews available for all of us! Looking forward to this one breaking ground soon.
HKP Architects is thrilled to be working once again on the Historic Lincoln Theater in Mount Vernon, WA. The Front of House is being remodeled to accommodate better flow and to add much needed larger restrooms. See what’s new in this virtual walk-through:
For the past two summers, I have traveled from Washington State to Wisconsin and back three times to work remotely while helping with family. The first trip, in the height of COVID-19, involved borrowing a friend’s travel van and driving both ways when hotels were closed. The last two trips have been by train, and […]
It’s often the case that the best views of a place are from the water. And for as many years as I lived in and visited Chicago, I had never seen it from the water. On a recent family trip to visit my former boss and her husband (also an architect), we booked an afternoon […]
The AIA’s Architect’s Guide to Business Continuity has been updated and is now released to the public. HKP’s case study about dealing with a building fire is now included. Click the link below for more! https://www.aia.org/resources/6282340-architects-guide-to-business-continuity?editing=true> “I can’t thank you enough for talking to me about your fire experience. Stories and advice like yours bring […]
Tales From the Magic Skagit: The Legacy of Henry Klein, “Town Architect” Michael Boss’s recent article on the history of Henry Klein inspired by the recent exhibit that HKP Architects curated for the Skagit County Historical Museum is a wonderful tribute to our firm founder.
HKP Architects is proud to be announcing the upcoming opening of the Oak Harbor Skagit/Islands Head Start location. Located in the old Land Title building, the building has been completely remodeled to provide for early learning environment with a outdoor playground. Construction is anticipated to be complete in September.
HKP Architects is working on three Skagit/Islands Head Start projects this year and the first is set to open in September. Located in Burlington, off Burlington Boulevard in the previous Skagit Bank Loan Office, this reimagined space will become a new home for Head Start’s early learning education.
HKP Architects is pleased to provide monthly updates on the progress of the Mount Vernon Library Commons project. Check out the link to the latest news on the City’s website here.
HKP Architects welcomes Rochelle Hill as a Project Manager. Rochelle comes to HKP with over 35 years of design and drafting experience with extensive use CAD/CAM/BIM in design for manufacturing. Her design interest and specialties are off-site construction, modular, pre-fabricated panels, Passive House, and high-performance buildings. Prior to coming to HKP, she was part of […]
HKP is looking for a talented, self-motivated Project Administrator. Check out the position details at http://www.hkpa.com/wp-content/uploads/HKP_PA_2021_Job-Posting.pdf
The pandemic has affected many of our annual activities, including volunteer events that used to dot the calendar each year. One of my favorites is the Women Build Week for Habitat for Humanity. My wife and I have been participating since our daughter, Lena, was accepted into the program and started building her own home […]
MOUNT VERNON, WASHINGTON, May 27, 2021 — HKP Architects is thrilled to announce that its firm has been chosen to design the Mount Vernon Library Commons, a new public library, community center, and parking garage which will serve as the gateway to the historic downtown commercial district. “This is a historic day for our city, […]
Masonry investigation work via drone at Whatcom County Courthouse to evaluate repaired and existing masonry. Sure beats scaffolding or lift rental and all the climbing involved.
Our new thermal mugs are in! Beautifully made by @libertybottles in Union Gap, WA. Featuring the plan of our home, the 1935 WPA Post Office Building, it shows our commitment to preservation, sustainability, and community!
HKP is honored to be working with the HeartSong Retreat to construct a new Meditation and Event Center. The project is currently in the funding and contractor selection phases. We’re eager to see construction start soon for this very special project!
Our new backpacks are here! Made in California using repurposed billboard vinyl, these @rareform bags are awesome for our field work.
Had to get in on the fun. It was a great retreat.
HKP staff participated in the National Day of Service with beach cleanups at Ebeys Landing and Similk Beach, writing cards to recipients of Farestart Meals, and taking in a powerful speech by Ijeoma Oluo, sponsored by Western Washington University, Bellingham Technical College, and Whatcom Community College.
Punchlisting in the COVID-19 era. Work is finishing up at Western Washington University’s Old Main Office Renovations project.
Looking back, there are somethings that haven’t changed. Happy holidays from the HKP team! Video link: https://vimeo.com/493853527
HKP Architects had a blast celebrating a COVID-19 safe holiday party with a live on-line cooking class from @SurLaTable. It wasn’t quite the same as being able to share a meal together, but still fun and delicious!
Got a chance to tour a nearly complete project in downtown Mount Vernon last week; space planning for two market rate apartments in our historic business district. Great clients, great project.
So great to see the green building community at last night’s Green Building Slam virtually presented by @sustainableconnections. And our own Austin Miles taking home the main door prize!
MOUNT VERNON, WASHINGTON, November 10, 2020 — HKP Architects is thrilled to announce that their firm received three of the six Merit Awards given out in this year’s American Institute of Architects Northwest Section Design Awards. Jurors included renown accessibility expert Karen Braitmayer, construction representative Susan McCants, and artist representative Linda Smeins. The three HKP […]
Remember to Mask Up to help our small businesses reopen and stay strong!
A common concern for homeowners that wish to remodel their home is just how challenging it can be—logistically, financially, and even emotionally. There are many factors to consider when embarking on a home renovation, however, the three most impactful are: Where will you live during construction? How can you afford the total cost of […]
HKP’s team has been working very hard since COVID-19 hit and we felt that our annual retreat was an incredibly important break for us to regroup, relax, and regenerate. Luckily for us, there were as many yurts in our recent Lakedale Resort project as there are of us, and the opportunity to safely stay in […]
Reroofing of Edmonds Elementary, built in 1966, is currently under way. Enhancing the drainage of the flat roof and reducing the visibility of roofing from surrounding residences takes a concerted effort from the Architect, Owner, and Contractor
We invite you to join us for a virtual celebration! The 2020 AIA Northwest Washington Design Awards celebrate the best architectural designs available from the AIA members in Whatcom, Skagit, Island, and San Juan Counties. These projects represent the finest standards in sustainability, innovation, inclusion, building performance, and overall integration with client and surrounding community. The […]
Yesterday’s sunshine put our new solar array production over our first 100 trees saved! 6.6 tons of carbon emissions saved.
Earlier this year HKP Architects’ Partners, Brian Poppe and Julie Blazek, facilitated a Skagit Topics session centered around the Historical Museum of Skagit County’s Henry Klein Homes Exhibit. Using Henry and his work as a foundation, the panelists discussed what makes a good architect and architecture. The Skagit Topics panelists were: Marian Ritter, Client […]
One of the fun projects we were able to complete this summer was the new greenhouse for Skagit Valley College and the San Juan County Washington State University Extension. The greenhouse will be used by the WSU Extension and their master gardening program on SVC’s campus.
HKP got to tour Henry Klein’s very first house in Mount Vernon yesterday. Thank you, Erik Pedersen for opening it up for us. A piece of Mount Vernon history just waiting for the right buyer.
We’re growing and have two open positions at HKP! We are looking for a Project Administrator and an Architect in Training/Project Manager. See our Contact page for more info.
HKP’s Brian, McKenna and Julie helped with the Mount Vernon Downtown Association’s Clean Sweep program this weekend, helping to paint and weed along 1st Street and Pine Square. Loads of fun with the other volunteers!
HKP is looking for an Architect-in-Training to join our dynamic team. See all the details on our Contact page or here.
In addition to our Internal Sustainability Policies & Initiatives Program, HKP Architects has launched our Product Transparency Guidelines. At HKP, we understand that architects play an important role in safeguarding the health, safety, and wellness of all building occupants, reducing negative impacts on the environment amid our current climate crisis, and helping to educate […]
Some of our clients are using this closure time to complete much needed improvement projects. Orcas Island Library is one such client. We have helped them have completed the sliding glass partitions for the Children’s Room and Young Adult Rooms, and are now starting Lobby renovations, both of which were Alternates Not Taken in the […]
Excited to see HKP’s role is wrapping up as the addition for the new salt water touch tanks is completed at Padilla Bay Interpretive Center. The new tanks will be outfitted soon, with growing anticipation of the first visitors, once the center re-opens.
This February before the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, HKP Architects saw their 13.3kW solar photovoltaic system get installed by Western Solar. The system was financed through a low-interest loan, federal tax credits, USDA REAP grant, sales tax credits, net-metering, year-one depreciation, and discount for participating in the Solarize program. HKP made other energy-savings inside like an […]
Had our first virtual Pre-Bid Meeting yesterday with Western Washington University. Great to see so many contractors in attendance. Great walk-through videos and photos of the site by WWU.
We hope that you and your family, friends and colleagues are all well and are staying healthy. We recently re-opened our office on a rolling staff schedule and are taking precautions to work safely in our office and on site. It’s nice to keep our projects moving and continue to provide services for our clients […]
While COVID-19 meant a mainly virtual-focused Earth Day, HKP Architects’ staff partook in a variety of webinars, and McKenna also did some roadside cleanup in her neighborhood a few days later when the weather cleared. A reminder for all that Every Day is Earth Day!
Today we had our first on-line public Bid Opening for a project with the State of Washington Department of Enterprise Services using YouTube. Seven bidders and four bids under HKP’s estimate. Thank you all for participating and making this work during the COVID-19 shut-down to keep projects moving.
Sustainable design principles have always been at the heart of HKP Architects’ design decisions, particularly when it comes to Passive House technology, natural ventilation, passive solar strategies, light, views and material expression in the Pacific Northwest. We also attempt to help clients understand the long-term benefits of sustainable design both to our environment and to […]
HKP has been taking a virtual coffee/tea break each afternoon with staff. This is what happens when Christine takes that break on her front porch. Tahoe (left) and Chester (right), feeling left out.
Everything good must come to an end (or at least have a sabbatical). HKP Architects recently took down the Henry Klein Homes exhibit at the Skagit County Historical Museum, after fantastic viewership and rave reviews. Stay tuned for its next opening, scheduled for a perfect Seattle location after the current health situation is behind us. […]
Yesterday HKP Architects facilitated a Pre-Bid walk-though for one of our public clients using the latest COVID-19 safety precautions and social distancing, including roof access for contractors. Working to keep everyone working, but everyone safe.
Text: HKP Architects’ Partner Brian Poppe discusses the importance of community to our practice with the Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County (EDASC). Link to Article here.
Over the holiday weekend, HKP Architects’ partner Brian Poppe finished the Community Energy Challenge’s LED lighting replacement in the building, with a predicted savings of $570/year and increasing the needs met by our future solar array of building power from 27% to 39%! Thank you, CEC, for providing 135 of the 161 lamps necessary for […]
Let’s look back at some of our favorite highlights of 2019 and what the HKP team is looking forward to in the new year. The Henry Klein Homes exhibit A very special project for all of us is the Henry Klein Homes exhibit. The exhibit opened in November, highlighting our founder Henry Klein and showcasing […]
Thank you to Audio Video Resources for a great presentation on full spectrum color-correct programmable lighting Ketra Lighting last night.
HKP is thrilled to participate in the first year of @mountvernonwa Vibrance Shine program to light the historic downtown during the holidays and dark winter evenings. Come find our tree and see the other sponsors.
Mount Vernon, Washington / December 2019 – HKP Architects is pleased to announce that architect and firm partner Julie Blazek has recently earned her Passive House Certification. HKP Architects introduced its own Passive House Studio in 2016 to promote and execute Passive House projects for its clients. At the time, the firm had another CPHC […]
HKP Architects’ Partner Brian Poppe, AIA, LEED AP, embarked on an incredible summer trip to Italy in September. Once back at the office, we sat down with him to discover what he loved most about his time in Italy. Where in Italy did you visit and why? We spent 11 days in Italy, starting our […]
Don’t miss the exhibit on Henry Klein Homes on now through March 22 at the Skagit County Historical Museum. Opening night event reflections.
MOUNT VERNON, WASHINGTON, November 2019 — The team of Designs Northwest/HKP Architects earned a Citation award for the Twin Lakes Landing housing project at the 2019 AIA Northwest Washington Design Awards, held at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal on October 3. The jury, which included Chrysanthe Broikos, the curator at the National Building Museum in Washington, […]
HKP Architects’ Partner Julie Blazek, AIA, LEED AP, embarked on an incredible summer trip to Europe in June. Back at the office, we all enjoyed the photos of her travels on the HKP instagram page and once she returned, we sat down with her to discover what she loved most from her time in Europe. […]
MOUNT VERNON, WASHINGTON, October 2019 — HKP Architects is thrilled to announce that the Historical Museum of Skagit County will be presenting an exhibit of residential design works by regionally noted architect Henry Klein (1920-2013). The exhibit, entitled Henry Klein Homes: Light, Form and Materiality Through the Decades, will open November 22, 2019, and run […]
HKP Architects’ crew enjoyed a wonderful evening at the 2019 SWAN Women of the Year banquet. Congratulations to all the amazing Skagit Women!
Fantastic sketches by our guests!
HKP had so much fun hosting the Multi-Chamber After Hours last week. Great opportunity to visit with our friends and meet new acquaintances. Thanks to everyone who came and helped make it a special evening.
What a crew! Our staff bought and planted ornamental grasses and Quince at the office this weekend as our Holiday gift from last year. So thankful for such a nice gesture.
If you’ve lived in the Pacific Northwest for any period of time, you may know that late summer and early fall are some of the best times for outdoor activities. One of the best ways to enjoy this luscious weather is glamping at some of the wonderful locations throughout Washington State. The yurts, airstream and […]
HKP Architects welcomes Spencer Olsufka as a Project Manager. Spencer received his Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies from Washington State University in 2011, and Master of Architecture in 2014 from the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, Illinois. After graduating, he joined the architecture studio at Valerio Dewalt Train Associates in Chicago, working on multiple student […]
Mount Vernon, WA | August 2019 – Christine Baldwin recently earned her professional license to practice architecture in the State of Washington and has been promoted to Project Architect at HKP Architects. Licensure requirements include holding an accredited degree, working under the supervision of a licensed architect to obtain the number of hours of experience […]
Nice article in the Skagit Valley Herald on the Children Musuem’s Grand Opening. Read more here.
Electrifying to see the Littlefield Celtic Center “Flip the Switch” on its new 13.6KW rooftop PV Array. The system will produce approximately 15,800Kwh’s a year and provide 53% of the facilities electrical energy needs. Congratulations to the Celtic Arts Foundation and its supporters for their foresight and stewardship in making this dream a reality.
Construction is continuing to progress on the addition to a private residence on the shores of Lake Cavanaugh. The original residence was designed by Henry Klein in the early 1990’s, appearing as two cabins joined by an enclosed bridge. The current owners returned to HKP to design the addition. Taking its cues from the original […]
HKP Architects welcomes McKenna Klein as an Architectural Designer. McKenna received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interiors, Architecture, and Design from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design in Milwaukee, WI. Her design interest is in sustainability, contributing to the local community, and Human Centered Design (HCD) based on a particular subject’s needs, values, […]
As part of the clinics’ expansion, the tribe has also been approved to train DHATs in a program that is the first of its kind in the lower 48 states.
Designs Northwest/HKP Architects recently attended the National Association of Home Builders’ International Builders Conference in Las Vegas to receive NAHB’s Best in American Living (BALA) Silver Award for Housing Hope’s Twin Lakes Landing project in Marysville, Washington. The major design and planning objectives for Twin Lakes Landing were to create a sense of community by […]
The Progressive Design Build team of Mortenson/HKP Architects is one of three firms working on major projects at Western Washington University. Read more here.
Austin Miles has successfully completed the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) Building Conditions Assessment (BCA) Training and joins the list of certified BCA consultants. Austin Is excited to put these new skills to use for all of HKP’s K-12 clients looking for professional building assessment services!
Great to see clients and new participants at this year’s Spotlight on Skagit B2B event.
HKP Architects is honored to have been part of the team that made this project come to life, which will provide the first Dental Health Aid Therapist (DHAT) training in the lower 48 states. Photographs by Theresa Trebon, Swinomish Tribal Archive
Nice article on the McIntyre Matching Pledge for the Children’s Museum of Skagit County. Phase 1 is open and Phase 2 is slated to be complete this summer! See here to read more.
The HKP crew recently took a tour of the Swinomish Dental Clinic and DHAT Training Center expansion as Pottle & Sons is closing in on the Final Completion. A big thanks to Dr. Hogan, Dr. Dailey and John Stephens and the entire tribe for being such great clients!
Through rain, sleet and snow the addition to the Lake Cavanaugh house is taking shape.
Exciting news! The Swinomish Dental Clinic Expansion is open for business while the renovations of the existing spaces are being completed.
Less than two months before the Children’s Museum of Skagit County opens Phase 1 of their new location!
Just finished a fun Master Plan for a north Seattle couple.
Attending the “Zero Net Energy School Workshop” facilitated by the State of Washington’s Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. It was apparent how serious they were about Zero Net Energy when the power went out for over an hour! Kudos to OSPI and the presenters before, during, and after the outage for an informative […]
So exciting to be close to starting on Phase 2 of the Children’s Museum of Skagit County.
Do you think it’s a good idea to let students design their own school? We do. In fact, we did just that for The Evergreen State College. This was a fun and exciting project for Henry Klein Partnership (HKP); one that confirmed how important it is to include student voices when designing spaces for them […]
Poppe Joins a Growing Industry of Design-Build Professionals Redefining Project Delivery throughout the United States. Brian Poppe, Partner with HKP Architects, has successfully completed the Design-Build Institute of America’s comprehensive education, training and certification testing program to achieve the design-build industry’s designation as a nationally certified Associate Design-Build Professional.™ The Design-Build process is an expedited […]
Housing Hope’s Twin Lakes Landing project in Marysville, Washington, has won an award for the Affordable Housing category in the 2018 Best in American Living™ Awards (BALA) by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Award levels, including platinum, gold, silver and Home of the Year, will be announced during the NAHB International Builders’ Show […]
Great progress continues at the Swinomish Dental Clinic with Opening scheduled for January of 2019!
The @skagitcountyhistoricalmuseum recently sent these photos of our building under construction. What a fabulous resource, for not only us, but for the County for such amazing detailed information about how this 1935 Post Office building was built – in addition to the drawings that we have.
From time to time a Henry Klein home comes on the market. Owning a Henry Klein home is very special. Most of the homes designed by our firm’s founder have only had a single owner over the years. The design of these homes express the character of the northwest, particularly the Skagit Valley. “For inspiration […]
One year ago today, this is what we came to work to. Unbelievable to think that in one short year so much change would occur. Thankful for all of our good fortune and bright future and for all who have been a part of it.
HKP was honored at the Children’s Museum of Skagit County Chair-ity Auction as “Greatest Friends of the Museum” for helping with all three museum locations. Thank you to Cate, the Board, the staff and Kevin Paul for the beautiful carving. Can’t wait for V3.0 to open soon!
Thanks to Marjorie and company @LundOpsahl hosting WildLife last night. The topic was licensing for female architects, engineers and landscape architects. Great group and great conversation.
Quick study models of building massing for a new project in the works. Stay tuned.
More progress on the Swinomish Dental Clinic and DHAT Training Expansion. Looking great!
A rare opportunity to tour Henry Klein’s house this week with our staff. Thanks to the owners for allowing us a peek back in after a few years. What a gem.
Great care by Pottle and Sons to erect the cedar posts and glu lam beams for the Swinomish Dental Clinic expansion. Beautiful.
Many thanks to North Cascades Institute for hosting us at the Learning Center for our firm retreat. So wonderful to be on campus 14 years after its’ opening to do a really meaningful post-occupancy evalua tion.
HKP welcomed the Orcas Island Community to a workshop Tuesday night to discuss our new Moran State Park Interpretive Center to be located at the top of Mount Constitution. HKP is honored to be working on this incredible project.
Couldn’t have been a nicer day for our team meeting at Mount Constitution project site. Kicking off the project with State Parks and CREO/edx interpretive team. Stay tuned.
The new sculpture installation at Lakedale Resort “Embark/Embrace“ is so beautiful. So neat to see the artists at work while this was being installed. Embark/Embrace (2018) The work begins as a red cedar log felled on its side at the edge of a large body of water. As it extends out from the water, […]
Excited to be part of the development of plans for Northwest Innovation Resource Center’s The Lab at Everett. Read more here.
The Yurts at Lakedale Lodge are open! Enjoyed this Open House Thursday for everyone who helped on the project ahead of the first guests that arrived on Friday. Book yours now!
Construction progressing nicely at the Swinomish Dental Clinic Expansion. Great working with the team at Pottle and Sons Construction, Inc.
HKP Architects representatives Christine Baldwin and Julie Blazek recently participated in the Habitat for Humanity Women’s Build Week at the Summerlynd Neighborhood in Mount Vernon. So thrilled to participate in this incredible effort.
Twin Lakes Landing wins Pyramid Award for Excellence in Construction at last week’s ABC Awards banquet. Congratulations Synergy Construction, HKP Architects, Designs Northwest, and the entire team. Check it out at http://www.djc.com/news/co/12110953.html
The one-year anniversary is fast approaching for the Orcas Island Library Addition! Did you know that the designer of the original Library was Henry Klein, the founder of HKP? We are honored to have been selected to work with the Library and Community on the addition that honors the original design and provides more opportunities for the […]
Thanks to everyone who attended our Open House! If you couldn’t make it, here are some of the event photos from Carmylee Photography. We hope you’ll feel like you were there. We truly appreciate working in a space that supports many of the same ideas we encourage for our clients; sustainability, natural light, and collaboration. […]
Congratulations to the Town Of Friday Harbor for their recent award for community planning with the Breezeway Pocket Park. Part of their on-going efforts to revitalize Sunshine Alley. See here for more.
Early Childhood Learning: The Business Case, put on by The Association of Washington Business yesterday was fantastic. So great to see so much focus on this subject from all facets of our c ommunities and legislation.
Photos by Mike Penney of a recent HKP Architects kitchen addition/remodel in Mount Vernon.
Check out the start of excavation for the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community Dental Clinic Expansion. Underway with this exciting project with Pottle and Sons Construction, Inc. to add clinic space and DHAT Training.
HKP Architects had fun participating in the second annual “CanStruction” competition sponsored by the Skagit County Rotary Club. HKP was the Team Architect for Team Canned Response “In honor of the professional first respondents of Skagit County.” See the video here. for more on the event.
Omar received his Bachelor of Architectural Design from University of Washington in June of 2016. As a student, he studied abroad in Rome for 3 months focusing on water and its dwindling importance in Roman society today. In his last quarter at UW, he enrolled in a Scandinavian Design Furniture Studio with a study abroad […]
Excited to see our clients, consultants, partners and friends at our upcoming Open House. Please note the time change from 5:00pm-8:00pm. See you there!
The United States Green Building Council (USGBC), the agency that oversees the certification of LEED projects nationwide, recently announced its annual list of the Top 10 States for LEED. The competition was so close that they also released the next five ranking states to recognize the significant strides that have been made in these local markets. […]
HKP Architects had fun participating in the second annual “CanStruction” competition sponsored by the Skagit County Rotary Club. HKP was the Team Architect for Team Canned Response “In honor of the professional first respondents of Skagit County.” To read more about the event see here.
HKP Architects announces the purchase of the Mount Vernon Post Office Building, establishing the firm’s new headquarters. HKP has been located in downtown Mount Vernon since 1952, but always as a tenant. The building, built in 1935, has been previously owned by the Federal Government, the Mount Vernon School District and most recently, Skagit Valley […]
It’s Official! The new home of HKP Architects. We’re excited to preserve and protect this historic gem and call EDASC, Leadership Skagit and Congresswoman DelBene our tenants.
HKP Architects and BrandQuery designed kiosks have just been installed for the City of Mount Vernon in Pine Square and Waterfront Park. Changeable directories will feature walking and biking trails, downtown business locations and current events.
Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce Reports on Housing Hope’s Twin Lakes Landing. See here for more. Housing director Bobby Thompson said lessons were learned on Twin Lakes Landing, but the nonprofit would use modular again because it gets units open sooner.
HKP Architects and Designs Northwest teamed up to design this six building campus in the city of Marysville with 50 one and two bedroom apartments units for Housing Hope. Housing Hope’s mission is to promote and provide affordable housing and tailored services to reduce homelessness and poverty for residents of Snohomish County and Camano Island. […]
A very special gift to Brian and Julie from the HKP team, a painted portrait of Henry Klein. Incredibly touching.
Having a great time with the HKP crew at our holiday party. Thank you Farmstrong Brewery for the space to celebrate a great year!
HKP’s Twin Lakes Landing for Housing Hope was featured in a local news special. See here for more.
HKP toured the A-dec manufacturing campus this week with Swinomish dentists and staff to review dental equipment for the Dental Clinic and DHAT Training Addition.
HKP’s Twin Lakes Landing for Housing Hope is the largest modular affordable housing project in Washington State. Fifty units will welcome previously homeless families starting this week. To read more, see here.
Ribbon cutting for Housing Hope’s Twin Lakes Landing is set for December 8th – can’t wait to see the families at play in their new, safe place to call home. See the full story here.
So thrilled to be helping expand the existing clinic to bring DHAT training and greater access to the Swinomish Indian Tribal Nation.
The formwork has started for seven yurts at the beautiful Lakedale Resort on San Juan Island. Can’t wait to see them rise up out of the forest (and book an overnight!).
HKP Architects Habitat Build Day at the Summerlynd Development in Mount Vernon last Saturday. Great weather and great progress made – thanks to Paublo and Christi from Habitat for making it a great day!
Painting to begin on Twin Lakes Landing affordable housing in Marysville – to be open to previously homeless families in November!
HKP included in local architect’s choices for favorite Seattle buildings, Seattle Times Pacific Magazine. See here for the full article. HKP’s, Julie Blazek selected the Daily Journal of Commerce Building as viewed from south end of Western Avenue.
The Bellingham Technical College’s Campus Center was recently awarded LEED Gold Certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). The building, designed by HKP Architects, incorporates a number of sustainable features to reduce its impact on the environment, improve indoor environmental quality and reduce operating costs. The Campus Center building provides a sustainable campus core for […]
One of HKP Architects’ Raúl Hirsch’s sketches from a trip to the Architectural Biennale in Venice, Italy.
The Bellingham Technical College’s Perry Center for Fisheries and Aquacultural Science was recently awarded LEED Silver Certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). The new building designed by HKP Architects incorporates a number of sustainable features to reduce its impact on the environment, improve indoor environmental quality and reduce operating costs. Until the new building […]
Thanks to Guemes Island Market and Sue Roberts Sculpture for helping HKP Architects enjoy a wonderful Retreat on the island!
So excited for the Orcas Community on the Grand Re-Opening of the library! Watch this wonderful event and great video produced for the library.
It’s move-in day for Orcas Island Public Library in preparation for the Grand Reopening Friday!
See the video below for a bird’s-eye view of the construction progress out at Twin Lakes Landing in Marysville.
HKP Architects Partner Julie Blazek participated in the Women’s Build Week at Habitat for Humanity last weekend in Mount Vernon. Congrats to H4H for such a great annual event.
The Town of Friday Harbor has installed the new Spring Street sidewalk bulb that was recommended as part of the Sunshine Alley Revitalization Study conducted by the team of Beckwith Consulting Group, HKP Architects and SvR Design Group.
HKP architects had fun participating as volunteers in CanStruction, an event organized by Leadership Skagit. Follow here to read more about the event. HKP employees assisted two teams; Migrant Student Leaders from MVHS constructing an American flag out of over 800 cans, and the “Free Agent” team of community volunteers who constructed the tulip installation […]
So great to see so many of our clients, friends and colleagues at this year’s Schmoozefair. Thanks to BrandQuery for these great photos from the evening.
Very cool time lapse video by Housing Hope of the site and foundation prep for the Twin Lakes Landing project from a few weeks ago. Modular units set to be craned into place in early May.
HKP Architect/Designs Northwest designed Twin Lakes Landing for Housing Hope featured in Everett Herald. See the link to view the full article.
Exciting week as the first modules from Idaho arrived on site Friday at Twin Lakes Landing in Marysville while footings are being finalized.
Congratulations to Bellingham Technical College’s Perry Center for Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences for achieving LEED Silver!
A local Skagit County realtor recently found these renderings of HKP Architect’s founder Henry Klein’s first commission in the Valley, the Brotherton House.
One of HKP Architects’ Raul Hirsch’s sketches from a recent trip to the Architectural Biennale in Venice, Italy.
HKP Architects was pleased to be a part of Notkin’s Playing Cards project, now on exhibit at Seattle City Hall. See the link to view the full list of participating architects and their artwork.
Make plans early for what promises to be the best Passive House Conference ever next fall.
Authors Julie Kriegh (Kriegh Architects), Mike Fowler (Mithun Architects) and Russ Weiser (HKP architects) will be presenting a study at the upcoming Passive House Northwest Conference in Seattle on March 27th, 2015.
The Passive House Concept is spreading from residential to commercial projects in the U.S. and in Europe. Follow this link to the greenbuild 2014 report from BUILDING DESIGN + CONSTRUCTION that describes the largest Passive House Building in the U.S. to date, and the first Hospital to be Passive House certified in Germany. Commercial building […]
Worked on this Design Lab project proposal for the City of Mount Vernon and Skagit County consideration.
A recent groundbreaking ceremony for the Littlefield Celtic Center, in Mount Vernon, Washington. Can’t wait to hear the beautiful wind instruments play in this new facility.
Great Puget Sound Business Journal article on recent multi-family PH in Seattle.
This small and efficient house in Wisconsin is typical of Passive House projects in how comfortable they are even in the coldest weather. Check out the slideshow. This is just one possibility for the comfort, health benefits and efficiency of building a Passive House. Well worth the investment.
The State of Washington Department of Enterprise Services recently received the 2014 Distinguished Project Award for projects under $10 million for the Bellingham Technical College’s Perry Center for Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences, designed by HKP Architects. The awards ceremony was held at the Tulalip Casino and Resort this October. Accepting the honor on behalf of […]
This from Passive House NYC: Join New York Passive House activists on September 21st for the People’s Climate March. Friends, This is our moment to change everything. But we need everyone. We have just one month to turn the People’s Climate March in our home of New York City into the biggest march against climate […]
Passive House Certified buildings have the potential for significant energy savings. This aligns with the goals of many local energy utilities. So we consulted with our local utility, Puget Sound Energy (PSE) and found out they have several programs that could provide incentives for Passive House qualified projects, both commercial and residential. On the residential side, […]
A few photos from our recent opening of the new Seattle branch office. Thanks to all who dropped in to say hello and wish us well. Looking forward to new opportunities.
Sustainable Connections hosted an informative workshop on HRV’s last week. Was nice to see the actual parts and pieces and study the differences in efficiency models.
As you may have already heard in recent climate reports for the U.S. and the World, climate change is happening even faster than scientists expected. Below is an image of what 12 feet of sea level rise might look like in Washington DC. See the website for images of what 12 feet of sea level […]
Recent article in the Skagit Valley Herald on HKP’s Passive House Studio. Read the article here.
I attended the Passive House Northwest Annual conference in Portland, Oregon on March 27th and 28th. This was a great opportunity to learn more about the latest advances in healthy, comfortable and efficient Passive House Certified projects from all around the world. After the conference I toured several Passive House projects in Portland and heard […]
Saturday’s conference agenda was packed with tours of Passive House projects, either in construction or completed. This gave all of us the opportunity to talk with homeowners and designers about the comfort and living conditions as well as design and construction successes. Great projects and wonderful hosts. All PH dwellers loved their homes!
Fantastic presentations at this year’s Passive House Northwest Conference in Portland including schools, affordable housing and market rate multi-family projects in the region and abroad. Great lessons learned and product information shared by those pushing the envelope.
Great WLIC social last night at Oles Morrison law firm in Seattle.
Some call the “Secret Sauce” for Passive House the stringent air sealing. Heat losses through cracks and gaps have been reported to reduce energy efficiency up to 30%. By meeting the air-tight level of a Passive House of 0.6 Air changes per hour the health of the occupants is also improved because air leakage leads […]
HKP is currently working on a Passive House design for a lot in Mount Vernon, Washington. Project is a speculative venture; 1,350 square feet in 1.5 stories. Amenities to include accessible ground floor, carport, garage, rainwater catchment, solar hot water and of course, Passive House benefits.
Rik Allen’s futuristic “Seeker” museum exhibition features the artist’s largest-scale work to date Rik Allen, Seeker, 2013. Glass, steel, aluminum. H 180, W 66, D 66 in. photo: KP studios. courtesy: Museum of Northwest Art. Contemporary glass artist Rik Allen has expanded the scale of his latest work featured in his solo exhibition titled “Seeker” […]
Images from the recent exhibition of the late Henry Klein’s work. This retrospective was held at the Skagit County Historical Museum from April 15 – June 2. Henry’s work spans 40+ years of public and private work in the northwest. His elegant nature and humble presence are what we remember and take forward as we […]
HKP’s massing model of the waterfront is based on Shoreline Master Plan height recommendations presented in 2011. Along with heights, HKP suggested alignments and setbacks from existing arterials to help maintain sight lines and view corridors to the water.
HKP’er Adair Orr’s recent design and fabrication project – a pot rack for some foodie friends in his shop. The piece is a combination of lathe work, forging and general metal fabrication.
In September, Studio K hosted the local Mount Vernon Bike Walk Committee to present the latest ideas for the Skagit River Non-motorized Bridge. Adair presented the rationale behind the purpose, location and opportunities surrounding the bridge project. The Bike Walk group was unanimously supportive, and suggested making contacts with Public Works and Planning Departments to […]
Two weeks ago was round one for the Life of an Architect Playhouse Design Competition. There were a staggering 250+ entries from 14 countries around the world. I was very excited to see that I was selected as one of the top 20 finalists to move on to the final round of judging. This past weekend was […]
Last month, Mount Vernon Mayor Jill Boudreau joined Design Lab as our guest. We presented a history of the firm and discussed the formation of Design Lab and the projects related to the city, including a pedestrian bridge across the Skagit, the possible future parking structure, and what development might look like along the entrance […]
Today is the deadline for the Life of an Architect Playhouse Design Competition. Life of an Architect is an Architecture blog written by Dallas based Architect, Bob Borson. The competition was created to benefit Dallas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). CASA is a nonprofit organization of community volunteers trained and supervised to serve as voices […]
Once a month BrandQuery, a local brand enhancement firm, hosts HKP for a lunch-hour “Design Chat”. Topics range from White Space to Bad Advertising. The topic for February’s Design Chat was Futurisms. Presentations included future products of necessity for developing countries, a return to nostalgic design, the super-sex, creating livable communities in the oceans out […]
Adair Orr and Joe Lambert present preliminary analysis of pedestrian and bicycle bridge design criteria: necessity . impacts . issues during a September Design Lab session.
Studio K Project: Pedestrian Bridge Over the Skagit River HKP Architects is researching options and designs for a pedestrian bridge across the Skagit River, a long-time desire of many residents, downtown business people and visitors. These existing photos of the historic Mount Vernon west side bridge show it’s unique character, although crossing this bridge as […]
Studio K Project: Mount Vernon Parking Garage HKP Architects continues to study plans and massing studies for a multi-level parking garage between 2nd and 3rd streets, as desired by the City of Mount Vernon. Historical preservation of the existing GTE building is a concern of many residents and local business groups, so careful attention to […]
Studio K Project: Mount Vernon Parking Garage HKP Architects is taking up one of the City’s desired projects, a multi-level parking garage to the north of the County Administration Building, as one of their Studio K_Design Lab projects. Research started with Site Analysis of existing conditions, historical buildings (both past and present), surrounding buildings, traffic […]
