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.

  • Navigating the CBSCS 2025 code change

    Our team has reviewed the 2025 California Building Code (CBC) updates, which will become effective on January 1, 2026. Below is a high-level summary of the relevant changes for industrial buildings: Seismic forces go up by 15% to 20% Increased emergency egress illumination requirements Increased guardrail requirements at retaining walls Long term required bicycle parking requirements are doubled EV chargers requirements are doubled Case by case: More solar, battery storage, and updated photovoltaics & battery energy storage standards Increased requirements for indoor and outdoor storage of lithium-ion / lithium metal batteries and energy storage systems More stringent wildfire and wildland interface provisions

    For more information see our detailed code update. We are tracking the code adoption schedule for our other major markets as well. For more information contact us at info@hparchs.com to discuss the code changes that apply to your project.

  • Emerging Trends in Industrial Skylights

    Incorporating natural light into warehouse and manufacturing facilities is a common design approach. Natural light improves working environments and reduces energy consumption. The difference between a building with and without skylights is… night and day. However, their integration into building design comes with both benefits and drawbacks, which can vary significantly depending on the geographical location and climate. This white paper illuminates the key considerations for installing skylights, with a specific focus on market differences between west coast projects specifically Arizona, Washington, and California. Additionally, we examine the alternative use of clerestory windows as a viable design option.

Frequently asked Questions

0

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.​