Our Team

Director of Architecture - Mid-Atlantic

Aaron Margolis, AIA

Aaron joins HLR Architects with over two decades of architectural expertise and a proven track record of leading diverse projects across commercial, municipal, and multifamily residential sectors. As Director of Architecture for the Virginia office, he will focus on maintaining the firm’s commitment to design excellence while expanding its capabilities in sustainable design and technological innovation. His approach combines strategic thinking with practical execution, ensuring projects consistently meet both design aspirations and financial objectives.

In his leadership role, Aaron oversees design and operations, emphasizing collaboration and client satisfaction. His expertise in construction methods, regulatory compliance, and project optimization throughout his career has resulted in significant cost savings and enhanced efficiency across numerous projects. He brings demonstrated success in streamlining processes, fostering team development, and maintaining strong relationships with clients, contractors, and consultants.

Originally from Massachusetts, Aaron holds a Master of Architecture degree from Boston Architectural College and a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering Technology from the University of Hartford. He is a registered architect in DC, Virginia, and Massachusetts, and a LEED Accredited Professional. His work has been recognized by industry leaders, including a recent listing in Marquis Who’s Who in America for Architecture & Building Design Professionals.

Senior Project Manager

Christopher Beck

Chris brings more than 30 years of building experience and knowledge, many of those years with HLR, going back nearly to when the firm first opened its doors. His professional journey includes several years working in building forensics, where he became an expert on how buildings “go together” successfully. He applies that knowledge to our design projects with practical and detailed solutions to construction challenges. In addition, Chris leads the team on many of our largest projects by coordinating and organizing the production both in-house and with our consultants.

Chris works closely with the firm’s Principal on building design and establishing our drawing content standards, and mentors the rest of the team in producing top-quality construction drawings and specifications that execute the vision for each project.

Project Manager / Designer

Cinthia Suarez

Cinthia is a Virginia based designer and has been practicing in the United States for over 10 years. She is originally from Bolivia and earned her Bachelor of Architecture from the Universidad Privada Boliviana-Cochabamba. She is a licensed Architect in Bolivia and is in the process of attaining a license in Virginia.

Cinthia’s impressive background includes assisting with or managing large residential projects, residential additions and renovations, medical and dental offices, corporate offices, commercial and retail spaces, banks, industrial projects, and religious and community spaces. She has designed and managed projects from initial programming through construction, developing space layouts, code compliance review, material selections, and full construction documents.

Her expertise allows her to coordinate with consultants and contractors, consult with clients, and manage submittals and construction contract administration. She is also proficient in 3D rendering software (VectorWorks, AutoCAD, Revit, and Sketchup) and works with the Principal to visualize our buildings for our clients.

Cinthia works closely with the firm’s Principal and Senior Project Manager on architectural and interior design and is an integral part of the HLR team.

Retired

John J. Recny, RA

After more than four decades of architectural excellence and 25 years with HLR Architects, Principal John J. Recny, RA, NCARB, has announced his retirement, effective February 14th, 2025. His leadership has left an indelible mark on religious and educational architecture throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

John joined HLR in 1998, bringing his passion for religious architecture that aligned perfectly with the firm’s growing expertise in faith-based projects. His dedication and vision led to his partnership in 2008, and by 2013, he became namesake to the firm as Helbing Lipp Recny Architects. Following the retirement of founding partners Tom Helbing and David Lipp, John assumed the role of sole principal in 2016, successfully guiding the firm while maintaining its foundational principles of ethical practice, practicality, and common sense.

Under John’s leadership, HLR maintained its intentionally boutique size to ensure hands-on principal involvement in every project while expanding its portfolio across educational, institutional, commercial, medical, and faith communities. This approach has resulted in countless successful projects throughout Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC.