About the Firm

The Hepner Difference

At Hepner Architects, we’ve been in the business of designing top-quality, architectural spaces and interiors since 1995. But our real business is people. Our long-lasting client relationships mean much more to us than design awards and recognition. We aim to understand each client’s individual project goals in detail, designing customized solutions that stand the test of time. You will find our team readily at your service even after your project’s completion. When our clients succeed, we succeed. Over ninety percent of our business comes from repeat clients who return to us because of our commitment to providing exceptional, personalized professional service. By partnering with our firm, our clients gain a design team they can trust to turn their greatest project challenges into their greatest successes.

“Over ninety percent of our business comes from repeat clients who return to us because of our commitment to providing exceptional, personalized professional service.”

Our People

As a Founding Partner and Managing Principal of Hepner Architects, Peter serves as the firm's Design Director.  In 2000, Peter was the recipient of the American Institute of Architects, AIA Tampa Bay Medal of Honor, the Chapter's highest award.    

Peter Hepner, AIA
Principal

With over forty years of professional service, Jerry provides senior project management and design leadership.  In his role as a Senior Project Architect, Jerry also manages all aspects of the firm's various quality control initiatives.

Jerry Miller, AIA
Principal

As a Senior Project Architect, John ensures the firm's proficiency with all aspects of code analysis, life safety coordination, estimating and project scheduling.  John  provides the firm with a unique expertise in architectural acoustics and he has received numerous awards recognizing design excellence.

John Kidwell, AIA, LEED AP
Principal

Since joining the firm in 2004, Jennifer provides senior project management and design leadership.  Jennifer oversees the firm's marketing efforts and is responsible to ensure that the firm remains on the cutting edge of sustainable design.

Jennifer Painter, AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Principal

As a Senior Project Designer, Debra provides the firm with exceptional leadership in all aspects of the design process.  Debra's professional experience includes a variety of projects that require programing, space planning, interiors and architectural lighting design.

Debra Hepner
Senior Project Designer

As a Project Architect, Thuy provides design oversight on the projects she is assigned to.  In this role Thuy also stays involved in the firm's projects through construction to ensure that the initial design concepts continue to be maintained and advanced.

Thuy Furbish, AIA, LEED AP
Project Architect

As a Project Architect, Jen is involved with the design and production on all the projects she is assigned to.  Jen oversees the company's continuing education program and ensures that the firm remains knowledgeable about all the available products in our industry.

Jennifer Kozlovsky, AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Project Architect

As a Project Manager, Justin manages the production and design process on the projects he is assigned to.  He has also been involved with a variety of the firm's projects that require expertise with sustainability and net zero concepts.

Justin Crosby
Project Manager

As a Project Manager, Lynn stays involved with the production of the projects he is assigned to all the way from schematic design through construction administration.  Lynn also oversees the management of the firm's computer systems and software programs.

Lynn Pachano
Project Manager

As a Project Manager, Cesar manages the production and design process on the projects he is assigned to.  In addition, Cesar oversees the firm's three dimensional modeling and visualization initiatives.

Cesar Lopez
Project Manager

As a Project Manager, Santiago provides design and production leadership on a variety of the firm's most challenging projects that include laboratory design and active learning environments.  He also has developed and continues to advance the firm's videography initiatives.

Santiago Chang, JR.
Project Manager

As a Project Manager, Tommy provides support with design and production on the projects he is assigned to.  Tommy also has a unique skill that enables the firm to offer our clients model building services.

Tommy Keung
Project Designer

As the firm's Office Manager, Kathy oversees all the operational and financial aspects of the firm.  Kathy's many years of  experience with bookkeeping procedures and her proficiency with the most current software enables the firm to operate in a highly efficient manner.

Kathy Hindman
Office Manager

Community Involvement

We believe in giving back, which is why we encourage our team members to invest their time supporting the Tampa Bay community. We approach volunteer service with the same rigor, passion, and commitment as our profession. Our firm’s principals have served in a variety of leadership roles for the Tampa Museum of Art Board of Trustees, Gasparilla Festival of the Arts Board of Directors, and state and local chapters of the American Institute of Architects. Additionally, we seek to inspire young design talent by participating in educational teach-ins, programs, and mentorships. AIA Tampa Bay and AIA Florida have recognized us as “Firm of the Year” because of our commitment to design excellence, our profession, and contributions to our community.

“AIA Tampa Bay and AIA Florida have recognized us as “Firm of the Year” because of our commitment to design excellence, our profession, and contributions to our community.”

Awards

FLORIDA/CARIBBEAN REGION, AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS
Holmes Hepner & Associates Architects: Firm of the Year
Holmes Hepner & Associates Architects: Millennium Award
Rast Residence Unbuilt Honor Award
Triplett Herander Residence: Award for Excellence

AIA TAMPA BAY, AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS
Jessie P. Miller Elementary School: Merit Award
SSFCU Information Technology Building: Merit Award
SSFCU Call Center: Merit Award
Bowers-Whitley Career Center: Honor Award
Holmes Hepner & Associates Architects: Firm of the Year

AIA TAMPA BAY, AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS
John S. Kidwell: Eduardo Garcia Award
Joe E. Newsome High School: H. Dean Rowe, FAIA Award
Pizzo Elementary School: Merit Award
Peter M. Hepner: Medal of Honor
Braulio Alonso High School: Honor Award