Graduate of Architecture Program

Welcome

Rooted in creativity, collaboration, and community impact, our Graduate Architecture Program trains emerging professionals to design environments that enhance people’s lives—just like HDJ’s guiding principle.

Meet our Graduate of Architecture Leadership Team

Meet Brian Hoehn, AIA, NCARB, Tiffany Ackerman, AIAKyle Vanklompenberg, AIA, and Nicole Caldwell, AIA  — licensed architects at Hooker DeJong who are leading the next generation of architects through their commitment, expertise, and passion for design excellence.

What We Offer

  • Comprehensive Curriculum
    Cover critical phases: schematic design, digital modeling (BIM/Revit), technical documentation, and construction administration—mirroring real-world architectural practice.
 
  • Professional Licensure Track
    Structured support to pursue licensure (NCARB/AIA), paralleling the path of HDJ’s graduates.
 
  • Hybrid Studio Experience
    Enjoy a modern, hybrid model—mixing on-campus studios with flexible remote collaboration—echoing HDJ’s distributed workforce.

Join the Grad Arch Team

Application Requirements:
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s in Architecture 
  • Portfolio showcasing design skills and technical proficiency
  • Statement of purpose explaining design aspirations and licensure plans
  • Resume and two recommendation letters
Grad Architects at HDJ

Sectors

Aerial view of a group of affordable housing apartment buildings, called Grand View Place, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Affordable Housing

HDJ knows affordable housing. Whether your financing comes from LIHTC, HUD 221d(4), USDA RA, HOME, CDBG, TIF, AHP, or any other product, we keep your project within budget with our streamlined process. Our architecture expertise includes adaptive reuse, low- mid- and high-rise apartments, new construction, RAD, and more.

White apartment building with nine black balconies in view.

Market Rate Multifamily

Our philosophy behind market-rate properties is to balance resident experience with long-term operational needs. Our architecture expertise encompasses new construction, adaptive reuse, renovation, capital expenditure, and additions.

Grand River Bank, a brown brick two-story building under an overcast sky.

Commercial Retail

Our architecture expertise in commercial retail includes new store construction, core and shell design, existing building renovations, tenant improvements and remodels, entitlement planning and design support, and prototype management.

Side exterior view of Provision senior living building with front landscape

Senior Living

We aspire to design living spaces that offer the best residential care for seniors. Our senior living architecture expertise includes immersion in care trends, operational strategies, industry metrics, financial models, and more.

HDJ Cassapolis Healthcare Exterior building entrance.

Healthcare

HDJ’s architecture expertise in the healthcare field spans several decades, with project types including pediatric, geriatric, OB/GYN, dental, pharmacy, laboratory spaces, and more. We strive to design spaces that provide a world-class experience for all types of patients.

Grand Valley State University aerial view of water resource building located on mini peninsula

Government & Education

Our experience in government and educational architecture spans more than 80 years, with project types including public safety stations, healthcare facilities, courthouses, airport facilities, civic buildings, libraries, and more.

Architecture Case Studies

Homewood Suites, Holland Michigan

Homewood Suites | Holland, MI

Nestled in the heart of scenic Holland, Michigan, the newly opened Homewood Suites by Hilton represents the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and modern design. Whether catering to business travelers or families on an extended stay, this 123-room, four-story hotel delivers a home-away-from-home experience that sets a new standard in hospitality.

View Project »
TEN21 Exterior Building Rendering

TEN21 | Muskegon, MI

Downtown Muskegon is undergoing an impressive transformation, and the General Capital Group has played a crucial role. Community reinvestment, redevelopment, and revitalization are vital to this change. The heart of Muskegon’s Lakeshore has seen a growing community come alive with history, art, performance venues, and culture. This growth has created the need for more affordable living options. TEN21 Apartments is the General Capital+HDJ team’s latest endeavor and an exceptional example of this growth and transformation.

View Project »
HDJ Commercial Retail Sprouts Grocery Store

Sprouts Farmers Market

It’s no secret that one of the keys to good health is eating well. Yet often buying fresh, organic foods comes at a high price, one that not everyone can afford. In many cases, improving health by eating healthy foods is easier said than done. Naturally, it becomes a socioeconomic issue, leaving those with lower income less options and freedom to choose the healthy foods they put on their plate. As a result, the health status discrepancy grows, as does an unfair disadvantage.

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Street view of apartment building named Osborn Commons during evening hours in downtown Sue Ste Marie, Michigan

Osborn Commons with Woda Cooper + HDJ

While HDJ certainly doesn’t chase or design for awards and honors, we have to admit that it is nice to be recognized for our impactful contribution to improving lives. One recent project that is indicative of our portfolio was selected for honors through a pair of programs. Osborn Commons, located in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, is a prime example of the positive impact affordable housing and community development can have on a neighborhood and city.

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Homewood Suites | Holland, MI

Nestled in the heart of scenic Holland, Michigan, the newly opened Homewood Suites by Hilton represents the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and modern design. Whether catering to business travelers or families on an extended stay, this 123-room, four-story hotel delivers a home-away-from-home experience that sets a new standard in hospitality.

TEN21 | Muskegon, MI

Downtown Muskegon is undergoing an impressive transformation, and the General Capital Group has played a crucial role. Community reinvestment, redevelopment, and revitalization are vital to this change. The heart of Muskegon’s Lakeshore has seen a growing community come alive with history, art, performance venues, and culture. This growth has created the need for more affordable living options. TEN21 Apartments is the General Capital+HDJ team’s latest endeavor and an exceptional example of this growth and transformation.

Sprouts Farmers Market

It’s no secret that one of the keys to good health is eating well. Yet often buying fresh, organic foods comes at a high price, one that not everyone can afford. In many cases, improving health by eating healthy foods is easier said than done. Naturally, it becomes a socioeconomic issue, leaving those with lower income less options and freedom to choose the healthy foods they put on their plate. As a result, the health status discrepancy grows, as does an unfair disadvantage.

Nationwide Architecture Services

The HDJ team of commercial architects supports projects nationwide, through both offices and distributed workforce locations. Team up with our architects for projects throughout the United States. Contact us at any one of our offices, including:

Atlanta, GA

Chicago, IL

Cleveland, OH

Detroit, MI

Grand Rapids, MI

Los Angeles, CA

Muskegon, MI

Phoenix, AZ

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