HHL Architects has been an idea-driven architectural design and planning firm since its establishment in 1969. The founders, Buffalo architects Mike Hamilton, Fred Houston, and Ted Lownie, were primarily focused on improving the quality of the design process and architecture in Western New York. Now, partners Matthew Meier and Kenneth Riter continue to perpetuate this focus on idea-driven design a
nd have expanded these ideas not only in Western New York, but also throughout the state and country in places such as New York City, Vermont, Virginia, Tennessee, Colorado, Texas, Nevada and Canada. Our practice has grown to encompass all project types; new build, renovation/addition, adaptive reuse, restoration/preservation, and planning. We work in a variety of industries, including commercial, cultural, education, healthcare, historic, hospitality, recreation, and residential. Through intimate knowledge of government and private agencies, contractors, suppliers, and building codes, the firm can move projects from inception to completion expeditiously. HHL takes pride in its responsiveness to client needs, ability to lead specialized teams, efficiency of production, quality of design, thoroughness of construction documents, and responsible project administration in all phases of work. Our concern for both users and their environment has led to working closely with our clients to effect optimum realization of their goals, and has deeply involved the firm in projects oriented towards development of the community and its context. HHL Architects approach to a successful project includes defining the client’s goals, outlining the scope, setting a budget, forming a qualified team, and assuring quality control is enforced throughout the entire project. We insist on a high degree of open and forthright communication among all team members supported by a wholesome working environment. To ensure that our design team continues to grow and produce excellent work, HHL Architects uses state-of-the-art AutoCAD and Revit architectural drawing software. Revit is a 3-dimensional modeling design tool that offers many advantages. Plans, sections, elevations, legends, and schedules are all interconnected, meaning that Revit drawings and schedules are always fully coordinated in terms of the information shown in drawings. With the use of Revit design software, early collaborative consultant participation is implemented and encouraged to identify opportunities, challenges, and potential conflicts. This integrated approach
affords the greatest amount of time to further develop and enhance opportunities, or to correct potential conflicts. This project delivery tool efficiently communicates with all project team members to promote shared knowledge and global vision in the production of high quality project deliverables. Revit also enhances the process of creating sustainable “green building” design solutions. HHL utilizes Revit to generate the appropriate level of sophistication in sustainable design solutions with respect to program requirements and budget. HHL Architects has completed numerous new structures, additions, and building renovation projects, all preceded by a sound planning phase and executed with quality control. We are proud of our legacy and the work we’ve done over the past few decades, and are committed to the preservation of the Western New York landscape, and our long-standing relationships within the Buffalo community and beyond.
