Our Story
For over three and a half decades, Hornbeck Architects has operated as a boutique architectural firm in Southeastern Michigan. The firm has completed a vast array of projects, from quaint front porch additions to grand custom homes, cultural centers, renowned local country clubs, and a new professional office building on the historic Woodward Avenue.
Founded in 1988 by Lawrence Hornbeck in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, the firm began as Lawrence C. Hornbeck & Associates. Lawrence brought two decades of experience from the esteemed Anderson-Reinke and Associates in Farmington Hills and Alexander Bogaerts & Associates in Bloomfield Hills, where he led single-family residential design.
In 1998, on our 10th anniversary, the firm moved to larger offices in Troy, and Lawrence's son, Christopher Hornbeck, jointed the firm. Under his father's mentorship, Christopher quickly became integral to the firm's success. In 2007, during the economic recession, Christopher expanded his architectural and business experience at URS Corporation, a consistently ranked top design firm, as Project Manager / Project Architect for a diverse array of project types.
The firm celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2013, coinciding with Christopher's return to work alongside his father and ascend to principal. Rebranded as Hornbeck Architects, the firm continued its tradition of excellence. In 2023, we marked our 35th anniversary, moved our offices back to Bloomfield Hills, commemorating a legacy of architectural excellence and client satisfaction.
Our People
Christopher Hornbeck, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP
President / Architect
Professional:
Chris is a Registered Architect with experience in all areas of architectural practice. His extensive professional background encompasses hundreds of custom new homes, home additions and renovations. While at other firms, Chris worked on a distinctive array of projects, including those in air transportation, healthcare, education, water treatment, retail, and professional office sectors.
Chris holds degrees from Lawrence Technological University's College of Engineering and College of Architecture and Design, earning an Associate of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1999, a Bachelor of Architecture in 2003 (summa cum laude), and a Master of Architecture in 2005. He gained his architectural registration in 2008 and is licensed in Michigan.
He is actively engaged in both his profession and community, having taught architecture and construction at Baker College for over five years, authored articles for Rochester Suburban Lifestyles, and served on the Board of Directors for the Boulder Ridge Condominium Association.
Highlights:
- Former architectural design and structural analysis professor
- Lead architect on multi-disciplinary projects valued over 60 million
- Completed several LEED-certified facilities
- Ex-Project Manager/Architect at the top-ranked Design Firm by ENR
- Developed national construction and branding programs for clients
- Highlighted in the Community Lifestyles newspaper
- Graduate of a university recognized as one of "America's Best Architectural Schools" by Architectural Record
Personal:
Chris resides in Oakland Township with his wife, Jessica, and their two younger children, while their eldest child lives in Rochester. The family's connection to Oakland Township dates back to 1944 when Chris's great-grandparents acquired land to establish a fruit farm. In 2019, Chris and Jessica purchased the family estate, where they have meticulously renovated and enlarged the home and reestablished a garden, orchard, and vineyard.
Lawrence Hornbeck, BA
Architectural Design
Lawrence, with nearly half a century of architectural experience, is now semi-retired, offering design direction and peer reviews. His career commenced in 1966 at the renowned Anderson-Reinke and Associates in Farmington Hills, concurrent with his studies at Lawrence Technological University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Architecture. He credits his profound knowledge to the mentorship of Elmer Reinke and Gordon Anderson during those years.
Following a 20-year tenure at Anderson-Reinke, Lawrence led the single-family residential division at the prominent Detroit-area firm, Alexander Bogaerts & Associates in Bloomfield Hills. In 1988, he established his own practice, Lawrence C. Hornbeck and Associates.
Highlights:
- Creator of multiple Blue Ribbon-winning homes in the BIA Parade of Homes
- Featured in 'Style' and 'Better Homes and Gardens' magazines
- Past leader of residential design at a leading Detroit architectural firm
- Highlighted in the 'Community Lifestyles' newspaper
- Earned accolades for outstanding construction documents from top industry partners
- His alma mater is listed among "America's Best Architectural Schools" by Architectural Record.