About Us
Founded in 2016 by the dynamic husband and wife team Heidi and Brad Lightner, HLA embodies a passion for design, as well as an unwavering commitment to excellence. Set in the vibrant city of Chicago, the firm's story began upon meeting over two decades ago: always rooted in a shared vision, and nurtured over years of friendship and collaboration.
After honing their craft at esteemed, award-winning firms across Chicago, Heidi and Brad's shared aspiration to create a firm grounded in innovation, quality, and timeless design led to the establishment of HLA Architecture. At HLA, every project begins with meaningful client dialogues and handcrafted sketches, reflecting a commitment to personalized attention and thoughtful design solutions.
Team
Principal, Co-Founder
Licensed Architect: Illinois, Michigan
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: M. Arch
Ball State University: B.S. Arch
Heidi Lightner AIA
Principal, Co-Founder
Licensed Architect: Illinois
Washington University in St. Louis: M. Arch
Ball State University: B.S. Arch
Brad Lightner AIA, LEEP AP
Senior Associate
Licensed Architect: Illinois
Iowa State University: B. Arch, Minor in Digital Media
Lindsey Koza
Architect
Licensed Architect: Illinois
Syracuse University: B. Arch, Minor in Arch History
Alex Robbins
Designer
Washington University in St. Louis: M. Arch
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: B.A.
Rudy Mendoza
Culture
Central to HLA's ethos is a belief in the power of collaboration and continuous learning. Heidi and Brad foster an environment where creativity thrives, boundaries are pushed, new technologies are embraced, and conventional norms are always challenged. Their dedication to mentorship and professional development extends beyond just the confines of the firm, as they stay engaged with local institutions and organizations, embodying the principles of lifelong learning and innovation.