Firm
James Hricko has led a practice focused on architecture, planning, and interior design in Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, and beyond. We are fortunate to have assembled some of the most creative individuals in structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering. This has enabled us to develop a process and approach that directly responds to our clients’ unique aesthetic and practical needs.
We believe that architecture must be both poetic and pragmatic. We do not impose a style or agenda. Instead, we listen attentively and guide our clients to a place where art and function converge. There are essential qualities that we believe thoughtful architecture embodies: strong integration with nature, careful consideration of light, sun, wind, and views, respect for context, appropriate use of materials, and a design that considers budget realities without sacrificing attention to detail. Inspiring architecture is created at the intersection of these elements.
People
James Hricko
James earned a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Notre Dame and continued his studies at the Catholic University of America in City and Regional Planning. After obtaining his architectural license from the Commonwealth of Virginia, he worked with various firms as an architect and planner in Washington, D.C., Virginia, and the Department of the Navy before founding his own firm. He established James Hricko Architect LLC (JHA) to provide inspiring architecture for his clients.
James served as the Chairperson of both the Planning Commission and the Architectural Review Board for the historic town of Clifton, Virginia, where he wrote and illustrated the town’s “Architectural and Planning Guidelines.”
James was involved with Fauquier Habitat for Humanity for many years, serving on the Board of Directors for six years, including three years as president. His pro bono work for Habitat includes designing the Sterling Court seven-duplex community, which provides homes for fourteen families.
His professional memberships include the American Institute of Architects—National, AIA Northern Virginia, and the International Code Council.
Kevin Pearson
Kevin and Jim have been collaborating on projects since the early 1990s. Kevin joined our team in the fall of 2018 after working with an engineering firm for sixteen years. He attended Northern Virginia Community College, earning his Associate’s Degree in Architecture before becoming an instructor for their Computer-Aided Drafting Program. As our lead CAD Technician and Project Coordinator, Kevin develops projects from initial inception through design development and construction documents, while also coordinating those currently under construction.
Joya Hricko
Joya earned a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from Indiana University and a Master’s in Education from the University of Mary Washington. She has taught ESOL in public schools and serves as our business administrator, website manager, and project photographer.
Testimonials
Fauquier Habitat for Humanity
We have had the pleasure of working with Jim Hricko as our principal architect for almost 20 years. In the world of construction, that should speak volumes to the confidence and comfort we have with Jim’s work. However, let me highlight how Fauquier Habitat’s most recent work serves as our strongest recommendation for others to use Jim for their architectural services.
In 2019 we took on a major multi-year project that required broad collaboration with our funding partners, the Town of Warrenton, and our Board of Directors. Jim was an essential part of the early planning process—providing historical due diligence to best understand the historical architectural features of the neighborhood we were working in, developing a broad set of architectural design standards to inform our work (and the work of others who may develop in the neighborhood), and successfully presenting a clear vision—along with schematics—to our partners.
The next step was translating these standards into a blueprint that worked for families in 2020 while drawing from those historic influences. The designs are what we refer to as Habitat 2.0 affordable housing—better build features, higher quality materials, and highly functional living space.
Jim’s always listening to our needs, revising plans to address changing construction demands, providing feedback to improve our work, and turning his work around to us when we need it. And for us, all that is enhanced by Jim’s strong belief in our mission.
Darryl Neher
Chief Executive Office, Fauquier Habitat for Humanity
PATH Foundation
It is my pleasure to recommend Jim Hricko as a partner for a design and construction project. I worked with Jim on the design and build of our 20,000 square foot offices the summer of June 2017 to June 2018. I enjoyed my time working with Jim and came to know him as an invaluable member of our team. Jim is honest and dependable. He kept our project moving along on time and on budget. Additionally, his creative designs and details culminated in a stunning design for our offices. He was readily available for meetings and partnered well with the team.
Elizabeth B. Henrickson
COO, PATH Foundation