Plans include relocating from Oakland to San Francisco to grow the firm’s market share and position in the region
HMC Architects is pleased to announce that Michael Orr, AIA, LEED AP, BD+C has joined the firm as managing principal of HMC’s Bay Area office where he is responsible for the strategic direction and overall performance of the studio.
Previously serving as managing principal for HDR in their San Francisco office, Orr’s move comes at a time when HMC is taking important steps to invest in the future of its Bay Area studio and aggressively grow the overall position in the region.
With this appointment also comes a forthcoming move for the firm from its current office in Oakland to a new location in the City and County of San Francisco.
“We are very excited to have Michael on board to advance HMC’s design and grow such an important office in our firm,” said Brian Staton, president and CEO of HMC Architects. “His talent and leadership combined with a new San Francisco location will help us expand our markets and become a top-level firm in the Bay Area.”
In his new role, Orr will be responsible for setting the strategic direction for the practice, as well as lead the design studio in developing strong teams with diverse areas of expertise to deliver inspiring design solutions for clients in the area. With over 20 years of experience, Orr’s multi-faceted roles, as an architect, management consultant and leader, will be an undeniable asset to HMC and its clients. He initially worked as an architect at two international design firms, followed by a position at a healthcare management consulting firm. He also served as a director at a non-profit organization that serves the design and construction industries. Orr has been active in the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and he served as a volunteer for the NAPA County Landmarks where he advised clients on design strategies to repair buildings following a 2014 earthquake.
For HMC clients, the move indicates considerable support towards the firm’s Bay Area business by bringing in a proven leader to boost the quality of its deliverables and project approach. HMC’s future San Francisco address also positions the firm to attract global talent from the major cultural and innovation hub.
“I’m honored that HMC has entrusted me to grow its Bay Area practice and open a new office in San Francisco,” said Orr. “The San Francisco market is an epicenter of innovation and I look forward to expanding our client base, attracting talent, and showing our industry that HMC is a global leader in architecture and design.”
A licensed architect, Orr is completed his MBA from Emory University in 2011 with dual concentrations in finance and real estate
About HMC: HMC Architects is a healthcare, education, and civic architecture firm with a sustainable approach to design. Founded in 1940, HMC creates high-performance architecture and interior design solutions that not only wow and withstand, but also enrich people’s lives and serve the greater good. Today, HMC has seven offices in the western U.S. including California and Arizona. To learn more or become part of our story, visit hmcarchitects.com.