Careers

OUR CULTURE

HPA is comprised of talented and creative problem-solvers who are passionate about and driven by their desire to improve our communities.

Civic Engagement

We foster an environment that values civic engagement. We support our local communities by providing pro-bono architectural services to non-profit organizations, including The LeBron James Family Foundation, the Piven Theatre Workshop, Ignite (formerly Teen Living Programs), and Friends of the Children. HPA also organizes staff volunteer opportunities, including clothing drives, food-pantry distributions and walkathons.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We believe our firm should reflect the rich tapestry of individuals who comprise our community. We are committed to working towards authentic change and progress through inclusive recruitment, hiring and advancement practices.

The Hartshorne and Plunkard Architecture Fellowship at the University of Illinois at Chicago’s School of Architecture is an endowed fellowship aimed at increasing diversity in architecture education and, in turn, diversifying the talent pipeline into the profession. Made possible by a financial  pledge by Founding Partners Jim Plunkard and Raymond Hartshorne, the fellowship is awarded annually to a BIPOC graduate student at UIC, who receives tuition support for up to three years of graduate study, a paid HPA summer internship, and additional academic and professional mentoring with HPA.

Team Activities

From sports teams to affinity groups, HPA staff gather together to learn from each other, build skills and have fun.  Individuals can join internal committees to explore professional interests and shape the firm’s best practices in historic preservation, technical services and sustainability.  Company teams play in recreational softball and volleyball leagues. Regular social gatherings include HPA’s book club, trivia night, game night and gardening club.

WORK WITH US

Join our collaborative of design professionals and you’ll be engaged on a variety of sector types, working on a dedicated team led by an HPA partner, who guides the design project from inception to completion. Staff of all levels are engaged throughout this iterative process, interfacing with clients and consultants, observing job sites and contributing to design drawings.

We believe in growing our firm by investing in our people. We offer a compensation structure that includes bonus and profit-sharing opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package with medical insurance, PTO, a 401(k)-retirement plan, short-term disability insurance, pre-tax commuter transit benefits, and fitness club discounts. Our work schedule includes remote-work Fridays and summer hours.

Encouraging ongoing learning, including licensure and professional development, is at the core of HPA’s success. Employees are assigned a mentor within the firm to guide staff through their career objectives. We provide stipends to help staff pursue architectural licenses, professional certifications, and participation on industry organizations. Regular in-house workshops range from product demonstrations from vendors to sharing best practices in project management, building technology and communications.

Internships

HPA is dedicated to developing emerging designers in our internship cohort, offering paid work opportunities to college and graduate students year-round. Our robust program aligns with the six AXP practice areas, and provides learning opportunities in the tasks essential for architectural practice. Our interns also engage with HPA executive leaders for professional development, including communications training, resume feedback and portfolio review. Through hands-on work engagements, one-on-one mentoring and in-person site visits, interns develop their technical skills, architectural expertise and professional network.