Mar 16, 2026

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: rich@hostelleyarchitect.com
• 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 | events@luraypage.com | (540) 743-3915