Designer
"Travel and experiences shape our perception and create a new and unique vantage in our way of seeing."
Hilary Backman
Senior Associate, Senior Designer, Studio Leader — San DiegoWith over 25 years of experience, Hil has designed a range of successful projects in California and abroad. He has been fortunate to design many building types including Residential, Retail, Mixed Use, Senior Living, Hotels, Higher Education, and Creative Offices. Hil has also designed large scale planning projects from Eco-Tourism to Urban Planning.
At SGPA, Hil blends effective communication skills and a flexible approach to design while working with clients, consultants, and colleagues to create special places that resonate with end users. He is also involved with the architectural and planning communities with associations such as ICSC, NIAOP, ULI, and BIA.
Hil’s deep passion and wonder of our built environment inspired him to pursue a career in architecture and design. He enjoys bringing life to the projects, or in other words “taking it from dream to reality.” He enjoys the collaborative process of working with clients as he believes it always deepens and enriches the work. Hil draws his inspiration from past and current architectural masters defining design with mass, texture, light, time and space.
Credentials
- M.Arch, Dalhousie, Nova Scotia, CA
- B. Environmental Design Studies in Architecture, Dalhousie, Nova Scotia, CA
- B.F.A. Painting and Drawing, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, CA
"I most enjoy working on projects that combine great urban design with inspired architecture. I believe these types of projects can have the greatest positive impact on people's health, happiness, and quality of life."
Glenn A. Wood
Principal, Director of Design & Planning, Studio Leader — San FranciscoWith over 20 years of professional experience, Glenn specializes in the design of mixed-use urban environments that allow people to live more active, fulfilling, and healthy lifestyles while reducing their environmental footprint.
As a Residential | Mixed-use Studio Leader, Glenn has led the design effort on numerous projects that integrate residential, commercial, and civic uses into walkable and sustainable neighborhoods. His role includes leading the design direction of the San Francisco office, developing strong client relationships, and mentoring future firm leadership.
In each project, Glenn strives to develop a common vision that synthesizes the unique cultural, economic, and planning goals of the local community with the aspirations of the client to create livable and lasting new places.
Credentials
- Registered Architect, California
- B.Arch, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
- LEED Accredited Professional