About HPA Architecture

HPA, Inc. is a 100% employee-owned architecture and planning firm, licensed in nearly 30 states, with over 45 years of leadership in industrial building design. We deliver high-impact solutions across master planning, business parks, logistics facilities, and build-to-suit developments. Our multi-disciplinary expertise and client-focused approach helps developers and end users navigate complex challenges and deliver Class A facilities designed for today and future-ready.

Architectural Highlight

At HPA, we take pride in our work, with a focus on precision and detail in every project. Our design philosophy balances function, cost-effectiveness, and aesthetic appeal, ensuring each project meets both client expectations and operational needs.

Insights & News

  • We Wrote the Book

    With over four decades of experience, HPA, Inc. has developed a wealth of profound expertise regarding successful industrial design and construction. We continue to maintain a strong level of technical expertise through extensive collaborations with Real Estate Development Companies and End Users. Often, you will find us engaging with these agencies through education on stock inventory products as well as manufacturing programs. Collaborating with the NAIOP in 2005, we authored the influential “Rules of Thumb for Distribution/Warehouse Facilities Design”, an authoritative compendium updated in 2020 to align with ongoing market trends and industry standards.

  • LEED v5.0 Is Here: The Next Evolution in Sustainable Design

    The USGBC has officially approved LEED v5.0, marking a significant step forward in how sustainability is defined, measured, and achieved in the built environment. Centered on three core priorities: decarbonization, quality of life, and ecological conservation and restoration. In this technical memo, we outline what’s new in LEED v5.0, how the framework has been reorganized, and what project teams should know about the transition timeline as LEED v4.1 and v5.0 run concurrently. Project registration for LEED v4.1 will close on June 30, 2026. We recommend registering projects that are scheduled to kick off next year before this date.

  • SB415 (AB98) Early-Stage Planning Tool

    California’s SB 415 (formerly AB 98) reshapes how logistics and warehouse developments are planned and designed near sensitive receptors, setting a new statewide baseline for smarter, more responsible industrial development. Effective January 1, 2026, the legislation introduces requirements for site planning, buffering, truck circulation, and building performance, with standards that vary by project size, zoning, and proximity to surrounding uses. Many projects will also be required to meet the new “21st Century” or “Tier 1 21st Century” logistics facility criteria, raising expectations for energy performance, electrification readiness, and long-term operational sustainability.

    To help our clients move forward with confidence, we created this summary chart as a practical, early-stage planning tool. The chart translates the complex regulatory framework into an easy-to-read, side-by-side comparison, highlighting the design considerations that most directly influence site feasibility, entitlement risk, and site plan design. Our team uses this tool to identify constraints early, unlock design opportunities, and deliver clear, buildable solutions tailored to each site and project goal.

Frequently asked Questions

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Years of
Experience

Industrial design is evolving quickly. We’re seeing growing demand for higher clear heights (40’+), expanded trailer parking, and EV-ready infrastructure. Energy efficiency is a major focus—many projects now include solar panels, LED lighting, more efficient HVAC systems. Flexibility for multi-tenant use and streamlined permitting strategies are also increasingly important. HPA stays ahead of these trends to help ensure your building is competitive, energy-efficient, and future-ready.

Most building codes, including the California Building Standards Code (Title 24) and the International Building Code (IBC), are updated on a 3-year cycle. California also issues mid-cycle updates called Intervening Supplements about 18 months after the main update. Other states typically adopt new IBC editions on a similar 3-year timeline, though adoption timing varies by jurisdiction.

Clear height, column spacing, dock count, trailer parking, and office flexibility are key. We stay on top of industry trends to ensure your building stays competitive in today’s market.
It depends on several factors, including your project’s location, jurisdiction, proximity to sensitive receptors, and whether a rezone is involved. At HPA, we’re happy to provide a complimentary site analysis—just reach out to get started.

New green building regulations are placing more focus on reducing the environmental impact of construction materials. This can include using lower-impact products like efficient concrete mixes or conducting assessments that measure and reduce a building’s overall carbon footprint. These strategies are becoming more common as energy and sustainability codes continue to evolve. Check out our white paper on embodied carbon for more insight.

The industrial market is shifting as demand for space continues to grow. Developers are looking beyond traditional core markets toward areas with more available land, greater flexibility, and long-term growth potential. At the same time, there’s an increasing focus on speed-to-market, entitlement strategies, and future-ready design features like EV infrastructure and energy efficiency.​