History of HGW Architecture
HGW Architecture is an award-winning architectural firm based in San Diego, California. Randy Hanna AIA, Jim Gabriel AIA, ULI, and Matthew Wells AIA, founded the firm in 1997. Hanna Gabriel Wells Architects takes its name from the founders’ last names.
The company provides a range of services, including programming, feasibility analysis, master planning, architectural design, interior design, and space planning. They specialize in Architecture, Planning, and Interior Design.
Today HGW Architecture is run by 6 principals: Randy Hanna, Jim Gabriel, Matthew Wells, Sean Chen, Eric Wendlandt, and Amanda Behnke.
Sean Chen AIA joined HGW Architecture in 2003 because he shared the firm’s belief in the power of the built environment to drive positive change. Since 1999, he has held an Architecture Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California Berkeley. In addition to being a principal at HGW, he founded the San Diego chapter of the US Green Building Council.
Eric Wendlandt ULI is one of HGW Architecture’s longest-tenured employees, having joined in 2002. He is extremely detail-oriented and passionate about beautiful design. In 2002, Eric graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from Kansas State University.
Amanda Behnke AIA started working for HGW Architecture in 2006 and returned in 2016, following a brief break. She is constantly looking for extraordinary craftsmanship in all facets of her work, and she is greatly inspired by the opportunity to tell stories through architecture. Amanda graduated from the University of Miami in 2005 with a Bachelor of Architecture.
HGW Architects emphasize the environmental experience while shaping daily activities. They proceed with the understanding that every project offers the chance to have a positive impact and that the built environment significantly affects the wellness of individuals and communities.
Randy Hanna, Co-Founder of HGW
In 1985, he received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Arizona State University. Randy has nearly four decades of experience designing places and structures for people to use. In addition to being an active member of the firm’s leadership team and being passionate about developing architecture, he enjoys traveling, playing golf, rowing, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Jim Gabriel, Co-Founder of HGW
In 1985, James (Jim) Gabriel received his Bachelor of Science in Design from Arizona State University. Jim attended the University of California Berkeley to complete his Master’s Degree in Architecture in 1987 after completing his Bachelor’s. His upbringing on the Central Coast of California has left him perpetually inspired by the agrarian landscapes, the wisdom of farmers, and life on the edge of land and sea.
Matthew Wells, Co-Founder of HGW
In 1984, Mr. Wells completed his studies for a Bachelor of Architecture at Montana State University. He decided to continue his studies and received his Master of Architecture Degree from the same University in 2009. He is a native San Diegan who is passionate about developing award-winning solutions, whether they are complex master planning studies or elegantly crafted construction details.
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Company Culture at HGW Architecture
The basic principle behind HGW Architecture’s founding was to create incredible work with amazing people. They use their unique talents and culture as a studio to create something greater than the sum of their parts. HGW is an architecture and interior design company that crafts stunning, eco-friendly spaces that promote community, cooperation, and healthy living.
HGW views every client, every site, and every program as a story waiting to be told.
They understand that excellent design requires a relationship with the client, and that relationships are built on trust, which is earned through listening and delivering. HGW is convinced that before a story can be told, they first need to listen.
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Architect-US is proud to work in close contact with HGW Architecture and to be able to ensure the firm gets to know and work with amazing young architects like Eleonora Caiazzo whom we helped process her J1 Visa through our J1 Visa Program!
Eleonora Caiazzo
Eleonora Caiazzo, an Italian architect, took part in the Architect-US J1 Visa Program. Architect-US sponsored her visa and assisted her with the application process. She was able to secure a job at HGW after confirming that she did not require their sponsorship. Her training at HGW began in April 2023 and will continue until October 2024.
Eleonora finished her studies at the University of Naples “Federico II” with a Master Degree in 2022. She also participated in a Photography Contest in 2019 where she was awarded II Premio Comitato Unico Garanzia. During her time in University, in 2021, she also went to the GoPillar Academy BIM – course advanced in Revit BIM Autodesk basic, intermediate, advanced 3D design and modeling; family creation; rendering settings; and project phase management. Eleonora is a multilingual individual proficient in Spanish, English, and Italian.
Caiazzo’s work experience is varied and extensive despite her young age. She’s had back to back internships and full-time jobs ever since she finished University. One of those was as an Intern Architect at Victor STP S.R.L where she participated in Research and Concept Development, Project Management, Design Review and Historic Preservation. Caiazzo was also part of Zoning and Planning Board Hearings and was the Studio Initiator and Workflow Formulator.
HGW Architecture‘s Selected Projects
Fleetridge Residence – San Diego, California
This renovation is made possible by a large corner lot that is perfect for creating a variety of gardens around the house and allowing for indoor-outdoor living. One enters the house through a courtyard with a koi pond from the motor court. While there are many layout similarities between the new plan and the original, this new home goes above and beyond by opening its exterior to the gardens and combining its rooms to create opulent and elegant volumes.
Photos by HGW
Watermark Office Building – San Diego, California
This six-story structure is the first on a multi-building campus. Its expressive facades offer striking views of the building from the nearby motorway and are a direct response to the site’s conditions. The building’s rich character is enhanced by integrated metals, low iron glass, and natural stone.
Photos by HGW
Sharp Rees-Stealy Santee Medical Office Building – Santee, California
The building was designed with the local topography in mind. It has several views of the mountains in the area, a distinctive roof line that mimics the distant hillside’s silhouette, and a color scheme that echoes the warm tones of the granite found there. Visible from the surrounding streets, the facility features a glazed stairway known as the «jewel box» that opens towards the community.
Photos by HGW
We will be posting more projects by HGW Architecture in the upcoming weeks and months, so keep an eye out for more of their incredible work! Every Friday we will be posting a new Featured Company, so join us again next week!
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