A Practice in Sustainability Hummel Architects Hummel Architects was founded in Boise in 1896 as Tourtellotte and Hummel. As a multi-discipline firm, their focus has always been on public projects. They have been serving the Treasure Valley community and the state of Idaho for 129 years designing city, county and state buildings and schools from K-12 to higher education. Sustainability is at the core of every project they design, with a focus on the future, creating functional, technologically advanced and environmentally conscientious buildings. We recently had the opportunity to talk with Scott Straubhar, AIA, NCARB; Mandy Boam, NCIDQ, AIA, IIDA; and Rob Beusan, AIA, NCARB of Hummel Architects and learned more about the firm and its vision for the future of Idaho. How has Hummel Architects’ vision evolved over the years, and what are the firm’s primary goals for 2025 and beyond? Our vision has stayed steadfast over the years and will continue to in the years ahead. We strive to be client-focused while providing long-term value through the creation of functional and meaningful architecture. This mindset has allowed us to stay in business since 1896 and permits us to continually work with quality owners in both the public and private market sectors. We leverage our vision, history and corresponding expertise to secure work, which in turn allows us to hire, train and retain exceptional team members who enjoy the collaborative making of substantive buildings. Can you share any new initiatives or design philosophies the firm has adopted recently? We embrace technology and eagerly seek new ways to convey research, processes and design intent. All our software is subscription-based, so we always have the most current tech. We employ a full-time IT director to troubleshoot issues, which allows us to stay productive and consistent. If AI is the next wave in architecture, we will run headlong into the trend. As a profession and a company, we need to evolve. To not evolve is to be left behind. Hummel Architects wholeheartedly embraces diversity and equality. An inclusive mindset where everyone feels valued, essential and safe is the only way we will run our business. The diverse makeup of our team fosters ideas, varied opinions and experiences, which enhances the workplace and the architecture we collectively create. How does the firm incorporate sustainability and energy efficiency into its projects, particularly in the context of Idaho’s environmental landscape? Considering the context and environment throughout the design process is essential. We recognize the value of preserving Idaho’s landscape and aim to integrate our buildings into the surroundings, rather than disrupt them. The secret is out, Idaho is a great place to live, with incredible access to nature. Our buildings prioritize access to natural light, open views and biophilic design to create environments that promote well-being for the people who occupy them. We have multiple projects in design that will achieve LEED or Boise Green Building Code benchmarks, but for us, it is more than meeting certification standards. We work to create high-quality environments that foster more comfortable, more productive and healthier people while using less energy and resources. Our goal is to design buildings that not only operate efficiently today but also stand the test of time, maintaining their beauty and functionality for years to come. Ultimately, we strive to create buildings that leave a positive, lasting impact on the communities they serve. What are some recent projects that highlight Hummel Architects’ unique approach to architecture in Idaho? Each site has its own constraints and opportunities that are derived by evaluating the site and overlaying the characteristics of each project. Hummel Architects’ approach to architecture is grounded in creating designs that respond meaningfully to their context by Scott Straubhar, AIA, NCARB Mandy Boam, NCIDQ, AIA, IIDA Rob Beusan, AIA, NCARB 12 IDAHO ARCHITECTURE | 2025 | aiaidaho.com
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