Taller Tales

Advanced manufacturing introduces different variables than traditional logistics users: higher workforce densities, elevated electrical requirements, and equipment-intensive layouts. In certain markets, the competitive advantage in speculative development is no longer maximizing the box to yesterday’s standard specs. It is calibrating the next generation of shell to responsibly serve both warehouse/distribution and advanced manufacturing users. In this white paper, we outline our design-led framework for advanced manufacturing ready speculative buildings.

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.

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.

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.

Beginning July 2024, California is leading the nation with new standards to reduce the carbon footprint of large commercial buildings. At HPA, we’re ahead of the curve — guiding clients through these life cycle assessment requirements with practical, efficient strategies that keep projects compliant while supporting a more sustainable future.