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Chris Guerra joined HHL Architects in 1988 and became a New York State registered architect in 1990. He graduated from Pratt Institute School of Architecture and Planning in New York City with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture.

Just before joining HHL, Chris drew the montage of Buffalo buildings (he now sells as posters), and at HHL’s 50th year celebration, we realized that we’ve actually worked on virtually all of these buildings! We asked Chris if we could apply his beautiful poster as a mural to our building, in honor of Buffalo, HHL, and him. Fortunately, he agreed!

Possessing design intuition that is sensitive to existing structures and contextual appropriateness, Chris has regularly been the lead designer on most of the new buildings HHL has designed since he joined. His talent extends into many building types, of variety design motifs to suit the context. In addition to his design expertise, Chris has been an instructor at the University at Buffalo, School of Architecture and Planning, as well as his alma mater; the Pratt Institute.

Chris has been active in the Buffalo community, serving on boards such as the Preservation League of New York State, New York State Council on the Arts, the Downtown (Buffalo) Neighborhood Development, and the Buffalo Preservation Board. He was recognized by the Buffalo Urban Core International Design Competition, and also earned a Merit Award from the Philadelphia Urban Planning Competition for his work on Market Street Terminus at Penn’s Landing.

HIGHLIGHTED PROJECTS
285 Delaware Office Building

Artspace Patchogue Lofts

Erie Community College Burt P. Flickinger Athletic Center

Lancaster Presbyterian Church Renovations & Expansion

Center for Inquiry Expansion & Renovation

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James joined the HHL team in 2022 and holds a Master of Architecture degree from The State University of New York at Buffalo, and a Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies from Hobart College. James brings knowledge of drafting, 3D-modeling, and existing building documentation to the team.

His design interests include sustainability through restoration and adaptive reuse of existing buildings, embracing technology as a design tool, and creating a positive impact on communities through architecture.

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Rich grew up in Buffalo attending Buffalo Public Schools, and in 1992, he graduated with a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Architecture from the University at Buffalo, School of Architecture and Planning.

Rich originally joined the HHL team in 1996 after working for the Dormitory Authority of New York. He left to pursue other opportunities in 2013 and returned home in 2018 with added skills and experience in the Real Estate industry. His innate design and management ability and tenacity ensures a successful project. He’s committed to being the Client’s Champion, ensuring that each project receives his personal attention to quality. Rich’s leadership is recognized by the other staff and on many projects consisting of historic renovations, facility planning, educational and administrative planning and housing.

EXAMPLE PROJECT EXPERIENCE

El Barrio’s Artspace PS109

Artspace COS Lofts (Colorado Springs)

The Mill at Crossroads Apartments (Buffalo)

The Gideon Putnam Hotel & Roosevelt Baths & Spa

Beaver Hollow Independent Health Aquatic Center

Westminster Presbyterian Church

Erie County Courts Master Plan & Implementation

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Ken is a New York State registered architect and is also NCARB-certified, allowing him to be licensed in all other US states. He is currently licensed to practice architecture in: Virginia, Tennessee, Colorado, and Louisiana. In 1986, Ken graduated from Kent State University, School of Architecture and Environmental Design with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture.

Ken joined HHL Architects in 1988 and became a partner in 2002. Ken is known for his uncompromising approach to delivering quality services, detail, and keen client sense. His leadership has been recognized on projects such as the addition and renovations to the Park Country Club of Buffalo, expansion and renovations to The Buffalo Club, upgrades to the historic Saturn Club, and various projects with NYS Parks, and custom residential work at The Lofts @ Elk Terminal.

KEY CLIENTS
The Buffalo Club

The Saturn Club

The Park Country Club of Buffalo

First Amherst Development Group

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Matt joined HHL Architects in 1989, became a registered architect in 1990, and became partner at HHL in 1997. A lifelong Buffalonian; he received an AAS in Architectural Technology from Erie Community College, followed by a BPS in Architecture from the University at Buffalo. He is responsible for staff and business development, while leading project design and management. He has extensive experience managing complex, multi-million-dollar projects requiring communication between consulting firms. Highlights include leading the restoration and reconstruction of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Darwin Martin Estate along with former partner Ted Lownie; the multiple office headquarters designs, and food service facility designs for Delaware North Companies; leading the development of M&T Bank’s Design Standards and corporate & branch designs; and the award-winning adaptive reuse of Spanish Harlem’s (NYC) historic PS109 High School into El Barrio’s Artspace PS109, for Minneapolis-based Artspace Projects. Matt continues to lead hospitality and multi-family housing projects, as well as other historic and corporate design projects.

Matt has been involved in the Western New York Community, serving on boards such as American Institute of Architects, and the Buffalo Niagara Partnership’s former Downtown Buffalo Neighborhood Development, where he led the Buffalo Regional Urban Design Assistance Team project for “Living in a Downtown.” In 1998, Matt was recognized by Business First in their annual 40 Under 40 awards and also received the Professional Excellence Award for service to the profession by the local AIA chapter in 2003.

KEY CLIENTS / PROJECTS
Artspace Projects, Inc.

• Artspace Buffalo Lofts
• Artspace Patchogue Lofts
• El Barrio’s Artspace PS109
• Roderick Artspace Lofts (El Paso)
• Artspace Trinidad (CO) Space to Create
• Artspace Ridgway (CO) Space to Create
• Artspace COS Lofts (Colorado Springs)
• Artspace Utica Lofts

Regan Development

• Packard Building Apartments
• Niagara Gateway Apartments
• Swinburne Building Apartments
• The Mill at Crossroads Apartments (Buffalo)

Delaware North Companies

M&T Bank

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation

• Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House
• Niagara Falls State Park

The Longshed @ Canalside (Buffalo)

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1936-2017

Ted was a founding partner of HHL Architects, established in 1969 in Buffalo’s eclectic Allentown district. He received a Bachelor in Architecture from Cornell University and continued with advanced studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University. Ted became a registered architect in 1964. In addition to his full-time practice, Ted taught senior and graduate studios for 25 years at the University at Buffalo, School of Architecture and Planning, and after continued to lecture throughout the region.

Ted was an active member of the Western New York community, completing six years on the New York State Board for Interior Design. He served on the Buffalo Preservation Board, the Association for Preservation Technology, and the Scajaquada Pathway Steering Committee. He had also been a grant evaluator for the New York State Council on the Arts in the Architecture, Planning and Design program, the Capital Aid program, and the Getty Grant Program. Ted continued to work at HHL Architects until he passed away in January of 2017, and is survived by his wife of 48 years, Olga Aleksiewicz; a son, Alexi; a daughter, Anya; and one grandchild.

KEY CLIENTS
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House

Kleinhans Music Hall

Roswell Park Cancer Institute

Theater Place

The Roycroft Inn

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Annette Rizzo joined HHL Architects in May 2016 and not only brings with her over 40 years’ experience in accounting and business administration, but she also keeps the office running smoothly and efficiently.

Annette’s accounting and business experience make her a skillful asset to the HHL team.

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1936-2020

Fred is a founding partner of HHL Architects from 1969 to 2002, continuing to work at the firm until 2012. Fred received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Trinity College and continued with advanced studies at the University of Pennsylvania, graduating with a Master of Architecture in 1962. He became a registered architect in 1966.

While at HHL Architects, Fred led the management and design of numerous projects ranging in size from $400,000 to $13,250,000, working with Federal, State and local agency ordinances and regulations. He was Principal-in-Charge on projects for The Gow School, Western New York Psychiatric Center, Albright-Knox Art Gallery, West Seneca Developmental Center, University at Buffalo, Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, and the restoration of St. Paul’s Cathedral and Trinity Church, among others.

In addition to his work at HHL Architects, Fred was instrumental in founding the Landmark Society of Western New York, a preservation organization with the mission to protect the unique architectural heritage of our region and promote preservation and planning practices that foster healthy, livable, and sustainable communities. Fred passed away in 2020 and is survived by his wife Marie, their children Ginny (Terry) Meenan and Tom (Amy) Houston and four grandchildren, Abby and Betsy Meenan and Nina and Henry Houston, and many nieces and nephews.

KEY CLIENTS
Albright-Knox Art Gallery

Delaware North Companies

Elmwood Franklin School

Episcopal Church Home

The Gow School

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1929-2012

Mike Hamilton was a founding partner of HHL Architects in Buffalo, NY, working at the firm from 1969 to 1997. Born in Boston, MA, he attended undergraduate school at Princeton University, followed by a Master’s Degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Design.

Mike became a registered architect in 1963 and founded HHL Architects in 1969 with Frederic Houston, Theodore Lownie, and Peter Castle. At HHL, Mike led the management and design of projects ranging from $300,000 to $25 million dollars with the Erie Community College Burt P. Flickinger Athletic Center. He was Principal-in-Charge for work done at the Erie County Courts, Erie Community College Athletic Center, Canisius College, Nichols School, Theater Place, and Market Arcade Cinema. He was particularly experienced in roofing and handicap accessibility, working on projects at the Buffalo Psychiatric Center, the West Seneca Developmental Center, and the Western New York Children’s Psychiatric Center, among many others.

In addition to his work at HHL Architects, Mike was also an artist and biologist. He was an avid bird watcher, and a member of the Buffalo Ornithological Society. He also was a co-author of several chapters of “Niagara Birds,” published in 2010. He taught design studio courses at the University at Buffalo School of Architecture and also participated in Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper, an environmental advocacy group. Mike passed away in May of 2012, and is survived by his wife of 20 years, Susan F. Riordan; a daughter, Katrina V.T.; and two sons, Douglas P. and Philip K.

KEY CLIENTS
Erie County

Erie Community College

Canisius College

Market Arcade

Theater Place

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Andrew joined HHL Architects in 2017. He received his undergraduate and Master of Architecture degree from Arizona State University and due to his NCARB-certification, is a registered architect in Arizona and New York.

Andrew’s experience covers a broad range of architectural projects in New York, Arizona, California and Colorado. He is a seasoned project manager and designer, experienced in coordination of large multidisciplinary project teams. His design experience includes healthcare, industrial, commercial, residential and educational building types. In recent years, he was the project manager of major capital improvement projects for various public school districts in Western New York, and numerous affordable housing and hospitality projects in New York and Colorado.

Andrew’s interest in sustainability led him to become LEED AP in 2005. He was part of the design team for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory RSF building in Colorado, a LEED Platinum and zero energy building. He is particularly sensitive to regional differences in architecture and how sustainable design manifests differently in various contexts.

EXAMPLE PROJECT EXPERIENCE

Artspace Trinidad Space to Create

Artspace Ridgway Space to Create

Artspace Utica Lofts

616 Niagara Apartments (Niagara Falls)

Niagara Falls State Parks Retail & Food Service Upgrades

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Alexandra joined the HHL team in mid-2023. She began her architectural profession in 2002, working at some notable NYC-based firms, as well as Buffalo based firms. From 2008 through 2013, she worked as an architectural educator at NYC’s College of Technology followed by a similar role at New York University. The combination of practical and technical instructional experience makes Alexandra very well rounded and valuable for HHL’s projects as well as collaboration with staff.

Her education began in the late 1990’s at NYU’s College of Arts & Sciences, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History, notably achieving Magna Cum Laude with Honors. Immediately following, at NYU’s Institute of Fine Arts, she earns a Master of Arts degree in Art History. In 2002, she then earned a Master of Arts degree in Architecture, from MIT. She became a New York State licensed Architect in 2007.

Alexandra has been recognized with numerous awards and citations, has led various grant submissions, and has lectured on design and has written articles on design which have been published. She brings to HHL; experience with planning, interior design, adaptive reuse, as well as new building design.

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James joined the HHL team in late 2021. He holds a Master of Architecture degree from The State University of New York at Buffalo, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Design/ Planning from UB. He’s well trained and skilled with computer technology, including Revit and rendering software.

He likes to travel to a new city each year to explore various architecture designs and styles. James is known for communicating well with others, good problem solving, and managing his time effectively.

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Russ joined the HHL team in 2023. He holds a Master of Architecture degree and a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Design from The State University of New York at Buffalo, as well as an Associate’s Degree from Monroe Community College, in Rochester, NY.

Russ worked for architectural firms in Buffalo & Rochester since 2020, and he brings knowledge and experience in drafting, 3D-modeling, and existing building documentation to the team. He also worked as a CNC Technician for Western New York-based, internationally known, terra cotta artisan; Boston Valley Terra Cotta.

His experience in residential design as well as new commercial construction fits perfectly with HHL varied project portfolio.

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Shiva joined the HHL team in late 2024. She is well trained and skilled with computer technology, including
Revit, Lumion, Adobe Creative Suite and a variety of rendering software. Shiva earned a Master of Architecture from The State University of New
York at Buffalo, and a Bachelor of Architecture,
Islamic Azad University.

She collaborated with PUSH Buffalo in her master’s program. She was also part of the energy modeling and daylight analysis group, making it possible for the design team to take all the aspects of the sites into
account while designing passive houses. Shiva has worked on various residential, commercial, healthcare and mixed-use projects during her professional career.

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