Brian Riopelle, AIA, NCARB joined Hummel Architects in 2016 and is a licensed Architect in Idaho, Oregon, and Iowa. He specializes in providing dynamic leadership and exceptional project management for our public and private institutional clients in healthcare and higher education. Brian also plays a key role in managing the company’s staffing resources, ensuring optimal allocation and development of talent to support project success. His recent projects include multiple initiatives for the Idaho Division of Public Works, Idaho State University, and Boise State University, highlighting his dedication to innovative design and client satisfaction.

You were born, raised, and educated in New England, so what brought you to Idaho?

Several years after meeting on campus at Norwich University, my wife Aurora and I decided to move from Vermont to the West, seeking a place that could support both our career goals and our love for the outdoors. Idaho stood out to us as a place with great potential for professional growth, an excellent quality of life, and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Boise, with its small-town charm and big-city amenities, has been consistently recognized as one of the best places to live, most recently ranking second on U.S. News & World Report’s list. Since settling in Boise, we’ve welcomed two daughters and have fully embraced all the adventures Idaho has to offer.

Many of your projects are for public agencies. Why do you like working for those clients?

At Hummel, we create projects that enhance the communities where we live and engage. Working in the public sector allows us to be responsible stewards of public resources. These projects often come with challenges, whether it’s budget limitations, tight schedules, or the need for enduring, high-quality designs that will serve clients for years to come. My passion lies in applying our creative problem-solving skills to find innovative design solutions that not only meet but often exceed our client’s expectations. From designing cutting-edge research facilities that help universities attract top talent to small renovations that enable Idaho’s agencies to better serve their communities, I take great pride in delivering exceptional designs for our public sector clients and enjoy finding opportunities through each’s project constraints. 

In addition to its history, Hummel is known for cultivating talent through a culture of collaboration. How do you see your role in Leadership in forwarding this initiative?

Hummel’s success is rooted in our ability to build teams that effectively support our clients. As part of the Leadership group, one of my key responsibilities is overseeing the management of staffing across all our projects. I’ve enjoyed getting to know each team member and helping them work toward their professional development goals. I take pride in finding ways to align our staff’s growth with our clients’ needs. This might involve giving team members the chance to work on diverse projects across various sizes and market sectors or focusing on specific projects that advance their skills. With a shared commitment to design excellence, we foster a culture where everyone feels empowered to succeed. 

Hummel has been in business for 128 years, is it intimidating to lead a firm with a long-lasting legacy?

Looking through our historic archive of plans and photos, it’s remarkable to see how many iconic buildings Hummel has contributed to over its 128-year history. I am mindful of the significance of joining only the fifth generation of leaders at Hummel. Our legacy provides a strong foundation, but our continued success lies in our ability to deliver innovative designs. Hummel has long been known for its commitment to high-quality design, and I feel a deep responsibility to uphold that legacy by fostering a culture of design excellence. Since joining the firm, I’ve been thrilled to witness our increasing diversity, bringing together talent from across the U.S. and around the world, with varied educational backgrounds and perspectives. This diversity continues to spark fresh, innovative ideas that shape our designs and drive our continued success.

I tell prospective clients and team members to join us as we build on a legacy of design excellence and drive innovation through diverse perspectives. Together, we can continue shaping iconic, high-quality projects that leave a lasting impact on our communities and beyond.