History of HGW Architecture
Based in San Diego, California, HGW Architecture is an award-winning architecture firm. Randy Hanna AIA, Jim Gabriel AIA, ULI, and Matthew Wells AIA, founded the firm in 1997.
Hanna Gabriel Wells Architects specializes in Architecture, Planning, and Interior Design. They provide a wide range of services, like programming, feasibility analysis, master planning, architectural design, interior design, and space planning.
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 as a result of his shared conviction that the built environment has the ability to effect positive change in the world. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in architecture from the UC Berkeley in 1999. In addition to being a principal at HGW, he established the San Diego chapter of the US Green Building Council.
Having joined in 2002, Eric Wendlandt ULI is among the staff members at HGW Architecture with the longest tenure. He has an intense attention to detail and a love for exquisite design. Eric received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Kansas State University in 2002.
Amanda Behnke AIA began working for HGW Architecture in 2006 and rejoined in 2016, after a brief absence. She is highly motivated by the chance to use architecture to tell stories, and she is always searching for exceptional craftsmanship in all aspects of her work. Amanda earned a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Miami in 2005.
Randy Hanna, Co-Founder of HGW
Arizona State University awarded him a Bachelor of Architecture in 1985. Randy has almost forty years of experience designing buildings and spaces that people can use. He is passionate about developing architecture and actively participates in the leadership team of the firm. He also likes to travel, play golf, row, and spend time with his grandchildren and children.
Jim Gabriel, Co-Founder of HGW
James (Jim) Gabriel graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in Design in 1985. After earning his bachelor’s degree, Jim went to the University of California, Berkeley to finish his Master’s in Architecture in 1987. The agrarian landscapes, the wisdom of farmers, and life on the edge of land and sea have always inspired him, thanks to his upbringing on California’s Central Coast.
Matthew Wells, Co-Founder of HGW
Mr. Wells graduated from Montana State University with a Bachelor of Architecture in 1984. Choosing to pursue his education further, he graduated from the same university in 2009 with a Master’s Degree in Architecture. Being a native of San Diego, he has a strong enthusiasm for creating award-winning solutions, be it intricate master planning studies or beautifully designed construction details.
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Company Culture at HGW Architecture
HGW Architecture was established on the fundamental tenet of producing amazing work with amazing people. HGW is an architecture and interior design firm that creates beautiful, environmentally responsible spaces that encourage collaboration, community, and healthy living.
As a studio, we utilize our culture and unique talents to create a combined effect that is greater than the sum of its parts.
When shaping daily activities, HGW Architects emphasizes the environmental experience. They move forward with the knowledge that every project presents an opportunity to make a positive difference and that communities’ and individuals’ well-being is greatly impacted by the built environment.
Hanna Gabriel Wells Architects views every project as unique with a story to be told. They know that good design necessitates a rapport with the client, and that rapport is based on trust, which is gained via attentive listening and quality work. HGW is convinced that in order to tell a story, they must first 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 is an Italian architect who 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 graduated with honors from the University of Naples “Federico II” with a Master Degree in 2022. She participated in a Photography Contest in 2019 where she was awarded II Premio Comitato Unico Garanzia and her Thesis project in Project Design, Restoration, and Landscape in Capri titled “Monte Solaro: History within landscape. Knowledge, conservation, enhancement.” was mentioned as «best academic work» in the University’s project catalog. During her student years, Eleonora took a year abroad through ERASMUS at Universidad Politécnica de Madrid_ETSAM, which is NAAB accredited University.
Caiazzo’s work experience is varied and extensive despite her young age. Since graduating, she has worked full-time jobs and internships consecutively. One of those was as a Graphic Designer at Julian Lopez Galan Y Asoc., S.L.P. where she was responsible for the post production render design for the project Escuela Hogar de Boltaña – PIREP. For her job as a Graphic Designer, Eleonora also employed her skills in Photoshop and 3D Modeling with Rhino.
HGW Architecture‘s Selected Projects
Confidential Client Corporate Office – San Diego, California
The idea behind this corporate office project was to create a corporate campus by combining several leased office spaces. This project was started by HGW Architecture and their client through a multi-phased, comprehensive programming effort that determined the overall needs of the department based on personnel, anticipated growth, and workplace practices. The goal of the office project was to improve cooperation, adaptability, and efficiency.
Photos by HGW
Sparks Gallery – San Diego, California
The historic brick and timber Sterling Hardware Building had to be transformed into an urban art gallery and event space as part of this adaptive reuse project. Inspired by the historic fire escapes on the downtown buildings, a new steel-framed mezzanine offers more natural light from skylights above, as well as additional circulation and gallery space.
Photos by HGW
The Pavilion House – San Diego, California
Pavilion house offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean from its perch atop Sunset Cliffs. The house is positioned as close to the ocean as possible, and its lofty roof planes open up to let in views and natural light. Views of the courtyard-style pool and the lift slide doors that open to reveal the Pavilion on the Cliffs are framed by picture windows.
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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