HKIT: 70 Years And Counting

As part of their 70th anniversary celebration, HKIT agreed to answer questions about their history and what’s next for the firm. Be sure to see their commemorative exhibit at the chapter office the next time you’re in downtown Oakland. HKIT’s exhibit will be on display through the end of August.

1. How did your firm get its name?
   The firm began in 1948 as “Donald L. Hardison, Architect”, the name of its founding partner, it changed several times over the years as Principals joined the firm becoming Hardison Komatsu Ivelich & Tucker in 1974. The name was later simplified to HKIT Architects in 2008.
2. How large is the firm?
   47 employees

3. Where are you located?
   Oakland

4. How did the firm get its start?
   Founding Principal Donald L. Hardison started the firm in 1948 with a variety of post-war housing and community projects.

5. What is the firm personality?
   Socially conscious and community-based architecture, largely for non-profits

6. What’s the firm’s focus?
   Affordable Housing, Senior Living, and Learning Environments (K-12 Schools)

7. How might the focus of your practice change?
   The diversity of our portfolio has sustained us through the changes in the economy over time, so for the present our direction is solid moving forward.

8. What’s the most unusual project your firm has done?
   The Peace Garden at the Rosicrucian Museum in San Jose and Buena Vista Terrace, the conversion of a church to affordable senior housing, in San Francisco

9. When was the firm established?
   1948

10. What’s your favorite local building?
    U.C. Berkeley Student Center (designed by Hardison DeMars)

11. What is the makeup of your firm and do you have other disciplines?
    HKIT offers Architectural, Planning and Interior Design services

12. How is your firm structured?
    6 Principals, 2 Senior Associates, 8 Associates

13. Do you have any office pets?
    No

14. Which method of marketing has been the most successful for the firm?
    All of the above … no rest for the weary here … but we rely heavily on existing clients, and repeat work as a result of the value we place on client service and doing good work

15. How would you describe your firm’s culture?
    Inclusive

16. What team-building activities happen within your firm?
    Happy Hour Fridays, summer picnic, regular staff lunches, volunteer opportunities etc.
17. What’s your firm’s favorite lunch spot?
    There are so many great places in Old Oakland!

18. What does the future hold for the firm?
    It looks bright!!

    

    Visit HKIT at hkit.com to learn more.