Luray/Page Chamber: Rich Hostelley, Architect

In this episode, host Janet Michael talks with Luray/Page Chamber of Commerce President Gina Hilliard and her guest Rich Hostelley, a licensed architect with nearly 40 years of experience. Rich shares his fascinating journey from military service to becoming a globally licensed architect practicing in Virginia, California, the UK, and beyond. What You'll Learn in This Episode Rich's Path to Architecture – How a lumber company job and a perceptive professor launched a decades-long career in architecture What Architects Actually Do – It's far more than "drawing pretty pictures" — Rich explains budgets, management, codes, and leading an entire project team When Do You Need an Architect? – The difference between residential and commercial requirements, and what legally requires an architect's involvement Residential vs. Commercial Projects – Why residential clients often face a "shock factor" and how Rich navigates that Working Remotely – How Rich has been working with clients across the globe remotely for nearly 20 years — long before it was common Architectural Styles Defined – A deep dive into craftsman, Mediterranean, mid-century modern, and Victorian styles and where they actually originated (spoiler: mid-century modern came from Germany!) The Pre-Design Process – Site plans, property plats, setbacks, zoning, easements, and all the investigation that happens before a single line is drawn Value Engineering – What to do when the contractor's bid comes in over budget Construction Administration – Why Rich stays involved through the build, not just through the drawings A Real-World Example – Janet's dream backyard studio shed becomes an impromptu architecture consultation Projects Rich Is Currently Working On A 25,000 sq ft stable in California A 200 sq ft guest house in Washington, DC A fire-rebuild modern home in LA A bar/restaurant expansion in Mexico Connect with Rich Host Website: archrh.com Email: [email protected] Serves Northern Virginia, DC, Maryland, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and beyond Companies: Rich Hostelley Architecture LLC, Rich Hostelley Architecture PC, Studio Hive Architecture Chamber Events Mentioned (March 2025) March 24 – Ireland Trip Info Session via Zoom (11:30am–1pm) March 24 – Women in Business Mixology Class at Blue Shepherd Spirits (5:30–7pm) March 25 – Lunch & Learn: Accessing Capital for Startups with People Inc. (11:30am–1pm) March 26 – Business After Hours at Shen-Paco Industries – National Disabilities Awareness Month Chamber Contact: visitluraypage.com | [email protected] | (540) 743-3915