Hollis Rumpeltes Architects (HRA) holds to the motto “Blood, Sweat, and Cheers”—a belief that hard work and commitment to detail will lead to happy clients. As a design/ build firm with innovation in their DNA, Hollis Rumpeltes understands that collaboration is key to any successful project. Daniel Hollis and JJ Rumpeltes have contributed to work published in Architectural Digest, Global Architecture, Princeton Architectural Press, and Dwell. HRA practices in Idaho, Montana, and Hawaii. The partners at HRA live and work in ideal locations. “We are fortunate to live in mountain towns and a beach paradise and enjoy all that these environments have to offer. We want to collaborate with clients in order to help them create the perfect dwelling to enjoy all that there is to love about these places.”
What services do you offer?
HRA is a full-service architectural firm, with experience in residential, civic, commercial, industrial and mixed-use projects. We have extensive experience in all attributes of sustainable design/ build, utilizing best practice management solutions for all our projects.
What geographic area(s) do you serve?
We offer services anywhere in the country and internationally. We’re currently focused on working in Idaho, Montana, and Hawaii.
What is your architectural and educational background?
JJ: Bachelors of Architecture and Fine Arts from the University of Idaho, Masters of Architecture from UCLA, and extended studies at the University of Castiglione Fiorentino in Italy.
Daniel: Bachelors and Masters of Architecture from the University of Newcastle NSW in Australia and further studies at Clemson University in South Carolina.
We both worked with acclaimed firms in Idaho, Aspen, Seattle, Austin, Los Angeles, Sydney, and Hawaii before making the decision to start our own office in Sun Valley.
Do you have any special certifications or specialties?
We are LEED Accredited and AIA/ NCARB Certified
How do you see architecture changing in the next five to ten years?
We see the use of emerging technologies like Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Virtual Simulations used in conjunction with daily architecture practices as vital.
In essence, these advancements make it possible to build a design virtually before actual construction begins. This helps to avoid potential real- world conflicts. It allows the client to be a more active participants by being integrated in the design process.
What project(s) are you most excited about right now?
We are currently working on a sustainable, progressive, mixed-use building for downtown Whitefish. We are also working on an innovative new home on Whitefish Lake. Additionally, we have an interesting tenant improvement at the Cape at Mauna Lani on the Big Island of Hawaii
Describe your process—how do you work with clients, contractors, and interior designers?
We see each project as unique, therefore we use an individualized approach for each project and client. For us, architecture is a series of solutions to achieve a cohesive dwelling, project, or space suitable to the client and to the site. Our role is to help mediate this process and ensure that the contribution of each discipline involved is working toward this common goal.
What project(s) are you the most proud of?
Recently we collaborated on a state-of-the art all- glass residence in Hawaii that won the AIA Honorary Unbuilt Award for sustainability and innovative use of materials. We are also very proud of the LEED Platinum certification awarded to a house we designed in northwest Montana.
Do you have favorite materials or architectural details to use or a style you prefer or are known for?
Our favorite materials are ones that are intrinsic to the locale and that are responsive to the design solution at hand. We strive to use materials that create the least environmental impact while still enhancing the design and furthering a successful building solution and appropriate aesthetic for the location.
What places in the world do you find most inspirational and why?
All the locations that we are currently doing work in—Idaho, Montana, and Hawaii. We are pursuing work there so we can take advantage of the diverse history, terrain, vernacular, and climates that they have to offer.