Congratulations to Kim Hankins, AIA, LEED!

“As an African American architect you are a rare breed.”
Harvey Gantt 1991    

William Hezmalhalch Architects (WHA) features a diverse group of talented individuals and we are very proud to have Kimberly Hankins, Architect, LEED AP on staff.  With over 18 years of experience she has contributed to many of our award-winning projects and is an integral part of our firm.  As one of 36 female African American Architects in California she has recently been added to The Directory of African American Architects by the Center for the Study of Practice at the University of Cincinnati. “The Directory is maintained as a public service to promote an awareness of whom African American architects are and where they are located.”    

Kim’s architectural experience ranges from Residential, Design Guidelines, Entertainment Venues, Landscape, Restaurants, Sustainable, Telecommunication Structures, Federal Buildings, and Educational Facilities.  She works closely with some of WHA’s valued clients such as: Standard Pacific, Richmond American Homes, Related Companies of California, City Ventures, Dal Properties, FCB Homes, Lewis Operating Corporation, and The Mattey Group—to name a few.    

Click here to learn more about Kim Hankins and her early experience, type of work/projects, clients, and how her passion for architecture began.    

Kim’s early career began as Cad Operator & Systems Designer, responsible for the production of drawings, quality control, and meeting project schedules for an audio and security systems company.  Moving her way through the ranks, she gained experience in Architecture with a variety of project types and was promoted to Job Captain / Project Manager.  As a strategic career choice, Kim joined WHA in 2000.  Her progression during 11 years at WHA has earned her positions of Senior Designer and Senior Project Architect.  Her responsibilities include managing projects from conceptual design to the constructed building.  This includes hands-on management of the city approval process, production drawings, client and consultant coordination, and scheduling and budget constraints.  Her work experience qualified her to take the licensing exams and after many years of study she obtained her architectural license in 2008.  Kim continues to conquer challenges and re-think the possibilities of the architectural profession.    

“I enjoy taking part in the powerful impact that the built environment provides to improve peoples’ lives.  My love of architecture began as a young child growing up in Lake Forest, CA. I lived in a townhouse but had dreams of living in a beautiful single family home with a white picket fence.  Early on I’d lie on the floor and browse the real-estate papers for homes in my families price range. Later, the idea of taking part in a career that provides homes for people impassioned me. Throughout my 18 years in Architecture I’ve loved seeing visions of plans and elevations come to fruition. I enjoy the challenge of creating in a technical environment, the code, the art, and the collaboration with others that the profession of Architecture provides.  It’s a deep honor to be considered a role model for aspiring female African American Architects.”
Kim Hankins, AIA, LEED    

Further information regarding the Directory of African American Architects can be found at:  http://blackarch.uc.edu/    

Kim’s contributions have been instrumental in the successful completion of several WHA projects, below are two examples of recent projects. 

Brighton at Victoria Arbors by Richmond American Homes 

Castillian at Blackstone by Standard Pacific