At HK Architects, we're harnessing the power of 3D printing in architecture to enhance our design process and deliver exceptional results to our clients. In this pursuit, we're excited to announce our recent investment in 3D printing technology. This addition to our design toolkit marks a step forward in how we approach architectural design and presentation.

3D printing offers several key advantages:

• Rapid prototyping allows us to quickly produce physical models during schematic design, enabling efficient exploration of design alternatives.
• The technology is cost-effective and reduces expenses associated with traditional model-making while maintaining high quality.
• Models enhance visualization and collaboration with clients, offering tangible, three-dimensional representations of their projects.

These advantages foster clearer communication and understanding of spatial relationships and design intent. Finally, 3D printing accelerates our design iteration process. We can swiftly produce and test multiple design versions during schematic design, refining our solutions more efficiently. This investment isn't just about keeping pace with trends; it's about enhancing our capabilities to deliver even better outcomes.

3D Printing and Collaboration for Montague Park

Our first 3D printing project came about in preparation for the kickoff schematic design charette with Reed Hilderbrand (Cambridge, MA), Chattanooga Design Studio (Chattanooga, TN), Hillworks Design (Auburn, AL), Studio Ludo (Philadelphia, PA), and Sherwood Engineers (Atlanta, GA) at the Reed Hilderbrand office in Cambridge, Massachusetts. HK’s founding partner Heidi Hefferlin and project manager, Michael Prater attended the meeting, bringing carefully wrapped structures in their carry-on suitcases from Tennessee to Massachusetts. Read more about the Vision Plan for the new Montague Park here.

To bring the entire teams’ ideas to life, discussions centered around a 1:20 working model of the 45-acre park. HK’s part of the project is the Civic Edge; a linear group of buildings positioned between the parking and the park that acts as a gateway to the park. To bring the Civic Edge to life, we printed multiple structures, which were either open, covered, or enclosed, to be moved around the model to explore multiple iterations of placement with the design team and stakeholders.

"The ability to edit a physical composition allowed for quick design iterations during the Montague Park Design Charette. It was incredibly helpful for each member of the team to be able to clearly articulate a design direction through the use of the models which allowed the team to share ideas and collaborate in real time." -Michael Prater, HK Project Manager

The integration of 3D printing in architecture at HK Architects marks a significant step forward in our design capabilities. From rapid prototyping to enhanced client collaboration, this technology assists us in how we approach projects like the Montague Park in Chattanooga. As we continue to explore and expand our use of 3D printing, we're excited about the possibilities it offers for creating more innovative, efficient, and client-focused architectural solutions.

HK Architects office space is located at the Wheelhouse which is an adaptive reuse project at the corner of Holtzclaw and Main Street. Right down the block from us sits Park Central at 1673 S Holtzclaw which is another example of an adaptive reuse project that has helped bring more life to this side of Main Street in Chattanooga, TN. MiKen Development acquired the property and knew that the bones were good, and trusted HK to bring his vision to life.

Once a bustling yarn dyeing factory in the early 20th century, this historic building has been transformed into a mixed-use development, now home to organizations like the Public Education Foundation, Clearstory Arts, and the Austin Hatcher Foundation. The design of these spaces honor the past while embracing the future.

HK Architects has played a pivotal role in this building's evolution, with our most recent project focusing on creating a new space for Public Education Foundation (PEF). This tenant improvement project presented both challenges and opportunities as we sought to honor the building's industrial past while meeting PEF's modern needs.

The Program:

PEF was relocating from downtown, seeking a more urban setting with ample space for educator training, private offices, meeting rooms, and large classrooms. Our goal was to uncover and celebrate the building's original architectural features while creating a functional, inspiring workspace.

The Transformation:

1. Uncovering History: We revealed hidden architectural elements, including clerestory windows, steel beams, and original wood plank ceilings.
2. Maximizing Natural Light: By exposing the clerestory windows and preserving large industrial windows, brought a flood of natural light into the space.
3. Embracing Industrial Character: Exposed brick walls, steel columns, and the preservation of the original wood slat ceiling connect the space to its manufacturing past.
4. Balancing Privacy and Collaboration: We designed private offices with windows for every employee, while creating open central areas for collaboration and flexible meeting spaces.
5. Supporting PEF's Mission: A large classroom and a large open workspace with various styles of collaboration space was incorporated for educator training, alongside a kitchen and various meeting rooms to support daily operations.

At HK Architects, we're proud to contribute to another transformative adaptive reuse project in our neighborhood. It's rewarding to hear that PEF employees enjoy their new environment. One shared, "I love coming into work – mainly because I enjoy the space. It really suits us." We agree – space fosters creativity, collaboration, and learning, aligning perfectly with our design goals.

Exciting New Student Activity Center Coming to CGLA Campus

Construction is underway on CGLA's campus for a brand-new student activity center that promises to be a vibrant hub for campus life. The single-story center will feature a spacious open gymnasium with flexible space for various sporting, STEM, and interdisciplinary activities. Think robotics competitions and soccer!

HK Principal Heidi Hefferlin, AIA, and Project Manager Wilson Kessel, AIA visit the site.

HK Architects’ design for the CGLA student center aims to create an inclusive space that fosters community, creativity, wellness, and learning outside the classroom while still protected from the weather to be utilized alongside their outdoor activity spaces. HK has completed multiple buildings on this campus and are proud to partner and support the great work of CGLA and the Montessori Elementary School in Highland Park. With an expected completion date of Fall 2024, the new center will provide a long-awaited facility for CGLA's vibrant and growing student population to gather, socialize, and exercise.

Currently, HK Architects is working with LAUNCH Chattanooga to design their parklet to enhance their kitchen incubator. LAUNCH Chattanooga is a non-profit organization that supports entrepreneurs and small businesses in the Chattanooga area through programs, resources, and event space - including their kitchen incubator (Kitchen Incubator of Chattanooga or KIC). As they continue to grow and enhance their offerings, LAUNCH approached HK Architects to design a parklet for the space in front of the KIC building.

A parklet is a sidewalk extension that provides more space for outdoor seating, greenery, and community activities. For LAUNCH, the new parklet will serve as an activated "front porch" to host food trucks, outdoor events, and casual gatherings right on the street.

"The parklet ties into LAUNCH's mission of fostering entrepreneurship and building community," said Heidi Hefferlin, lead architect on the project at HK Architects. "By extending their presence to the sidewalk, they create a welcoming entry point and bring all the great energy from inside-- outside".

HK's design incorporates ample seating, a small stage for live music, planter boxes for greenery, a pergola for shade, and flexible programmable space.

LAUNCH’s new community space at the KIC will begin construction over the summer and slated for completion this fall. It will not only benefit the KIC's existing members and visitors, but also create an inviting public space for the whole community to enjoy.

At HK Architects, we believe thorough preparation is key to a successful building project. That's why we emphasize test fits and programming in the early stages.

Let’s say you have a business that needs space for 50 employees. You have outgrown your current space and are looking for more square footage while also needing space to include a kitchen, multiple conference rooms, smaller conference room areas, a large board room, etc. You think you found the perfect building, but you are unsure if all your building needs could fit in this new space.

HK Architects has two solutions for this scenario.

1. Programming: Defining project requirements

Programming involves gathering and analyzing all relevant project information - client goals, budget, specific requirements, site details, and code regulations. We work closely with clients to clearly define the project scope, priorities, and key drivers. Thorough programming ensures all aspects are considered upfront, minimizing oversights later. Below is a visual representation of the programming results that guided the design of United Way of Chattanooga. See the finished project here!

1. Test Fits: Visualizing the Design

During test fits, we create hand-sketches or renderings to visualize how the proposed building will look and function within the designated space. We analyze layout options, space utilization, traffic flow, and functional relationships between areas. This allows us to identify potential issues early and develop optimal solutions. In the case of EMJ, the test fit was to show them how their needs could be met in an existing structure, though test fits can be used on new construction and renovations. See the completed project here!

Through test fits and programming, we can anticipate challenges and make informed decisions from the start. This meticulous early-stage planning positions projects for smooth execution and successful outcomes that meet our clients' visions.

At HK Architects, we are passionate about sustainability and preserving the natural landscapes that define our beautiful state of Tennessee. This year, we were thrilled to once again sponsor and participate in TennGreen's annual Hike-a-Thon. TennGreen, a nonprofit dedicated to conserving Tennessee's natural treasures, organizes this initiative to raise awareness and funds for their conservation efforts. The Hike-a-Thon is a call to action, encouraging outdoor enthusiasts to explore the Tennessee's outdoors while contributing to a worthy cause. And we came up with a great team name, HK Architreks!

For our team, this event was not only a celebration of nature but also a testament to our commitment to environmental stewardship. We seized the opportunity to connect with one another, stay motivated, and indulge in a friendly competition that fueled our adventurous spirits. HK Architreks came in second place overall for total number of adventures with 208 adventures and our team captain, Youngeun Joung coming in second place for amount of feet climbed at 20,775 vertical feet!

Check out this slideshow of some of our team's adventures!

As we  hiked, climbed, and mountain biked throughout April's Hike-a-Thon we were reminded of  our commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable design principles. Our participation in this event has rekindled our passion of  incorporating eco-friendly practices into our projects and our core belief that the built environment should coexist harmoniously with nature.

As a firm with a passion for sustainability and a commitment to preserving natural landscapes, HK Architects eagerly embraced the opportunity to sponsor and partake in the TennGreen Hike-a-thon. TennGreen, a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving Tennessee's natural beauty, organizes this annual event to raise awareness and funds for their conservation efforts. The Hike-a-thon serves as a rallying call, encouraging outdoor enthusiasts to explore the state's stunning trails while supporting a worthy cause.

Youngeun Joung hiked in her home country of Korea. She won best photo for this snap of her and her mother in Bukhansan National Park in Seoul.

This event was a fun way for our team to connect, stay motivated, and provide some healthy competition. In total, our team completed 136 adventures in the month of April. We walked away with some pretty awesome stats:

- Most Miles hiked: Youngeun Joung - 2nd Place (197.1)⁠

- Most Miles Trail Run: Clif McCormick - 3rd Place (49.4)⁠

- Most Miles Mountain Biked: Charles Barlow - 3rd Place (58)⁠

- Most Feet Climbed: Tiffany Murphy - 3rd Place (18,158)⁠

Tiffany Murphy, interior designer, won third place for most feet climbed.

As the Hike-a-thon came to a close, our team realized that our involvement in such events goes beyond the act of hiking and adventuring; it is a symbolic gesture of our commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable design practices. Our involvement in this event helped reignite our passion to continue incorporating sustainable design principles into our projects, ensuring that the built environment coexists harmoniously with the natural world.

HK Architects is proud to announce that Nick Messerlian, AIA, has been made Principal at the 29 person firm; bringing over 16 years of experience in architecture and interior architecture to the leadership team.

Nick joined HK Architects in 2014 as the lead in the Interior Design Studio. He has played a vital role in the firm's success, managing, coordinating, and presenting complete architectural projects. He has a passion for creative problem-solving and is dedicated to finding the best possible design solution in every project he undertakes. Nick is an adept project manager, forming meaningful relationships with clients across the residential, civic, and commercial/industrial fields. 

Nick graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and spent a year studying at the Danish Institute for Study Abroad in Copenhagen. Nick spent seven years in New York City with Axis Mundi, a boutique architecture firm focused on residential interiors. 

Nick's work at HK Architects has been instrumental in the firm's success, and we are thrilled to have him as a Partner. His commitment to excellence and dedication to his craft have made him an invaluable member of the team. Nick is a family man, and he, and his wife, Barbara have two sons, with a third on the way in June. 

Please join us in congratulating Nick Messerlian on his promotion to Principal at HK Architects. We are excited about the future of the firm with Nick's leadership and expertise.

April 11, 2023