Hecker Architects, PS recently moved into its new office space in East Bremerton. Located just off the Manette Bridge owner and principal architect Jeffrey Hecker is excited to be part of Manette’s rebirth. “We look forward to being a positive catalyst for the revitalization of the neighborhood.” Hecker Architects is a firm of local people who are passionate about good design and the creation of inspiring places.

In 1991 Hecker started the firm out of his home and has fostered an enthusiasm for creative, client-oriented design solutions. “For us, the best design is a creative realization of a client’s needs and dreams integrated within its surroundings.” For the last couple of years Hecker and his employees have worked in a completely renovated two-story office space, formerly a coppersmith shop perched on pilings over the Port Washington Narrows. With a growing staff and a need for more space, Hecker Architects purchased a building on Harkins Street and proceeded with designing a complete renovation of the building. The result is a carefully designed workspace that better reflects the way that staff works together as a team and as individuals.

“Having the opportunity to design an office space around the way we work was truly satisfying and it has improved our productivity,” reported Hecker. “Also, having gone through the entire process from design through construction, I think, makes us better architects and allows us to identify with the real-world concerns of our clients.” The new office provides more workspace, facilitates efficient team interaction, includes room for continued growth, and showcases creative design solutions.

More than just a new office, Hecker Architects’ new headquarters is a showroom of the design skill of its architectural team. One design feature that exemplifies their attention to detail is a molded fixture they designed to accent a tube skylight installed in the entry lobby. “The standard trim ring for a tube skylight didn’t say much,” says Hecker, “so we designed a more substantial trim piece that stands out and gives a more dramatic feel to the space.” This trim detail also provided an opportunity to integrate an elegant pendant light with the skylight into simple cohesive focal point.
With a staff of 5 people, Hecker Architects is a growing firm that continues to stay very busy providing excellent designs for design-conscious clients, on both commercial and residential projects. Past commercial projects include the Fairgrounds Center, The La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries in Bremerton and Tacoma, and the Express Carwash in Bremerton and Silverdale.

Current commercial projects include a new upscale DragonFish restaurant in downtown Bremerton, a major renovation of the West Hills Honda interior and exterior sales areas, and the redesign of Heartland Toyota’s central atrium space. “Working on car dealerships is extremely challenging,” said Hecker, “since you have to take a large commercial space and figure out how to make it warm and personable to the customer while maintaining the manufacturer’s guidelines for showrooms. All in a way that allows the business to remain open and active.” Like the recently completed Toyota Scion showroom, designed by Hecker Architects, the renovated Honda dealership will be a one-of-a-kind showroom experience.

Hecker Architects also has years of expertise in residential architecture specializing in shoreline and stream property design. One project in Manchester involved the construction of three buildings and the restoration of Duncan Creek into a vibrant, healthy salmon stream. In order to complete the project, Hecker had to assemble a multi-disciplinary design and construction team that worked closely with the State Department of Fish and Wildlife and regulatory agencies in Kitsap County to realize the clients dreams. “A few months after the completion of the project the client called to report salmon swimming in the stream. At that point I knew we had really achieved something very special,” noted Hecker.

With each project, Hecker Architects’ success continues to grow. Hecker attributes the growth of his firm to the success of past projects and the wonderful recommendations that his clients give him. Of course, an increase in projects means an increase in staff.

“I will soon be hiring some additional architects,” Hecker mentioned. He estimates that he will need to hire three to five more new people by this time next year. Despite the challenges, Hecker Architects is poised to take full advantage of Bremerton’s continuing “renaissance. With a wide range of commercial, mixed-use and residential projects in process, and given the blossoming potential of Bremerton and Kitsap County, Hecker is confident of continued growth and success for his firm and the community as a whole.

Hecker Architects PS
2009 Harkins Street
Bremerton, WA 98310
Tel: 360.479.5459
Web: www.heckerarchitects.com