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Practice

Who We Are

We are Sinclair Hille

When architecture is at its best, it results in environments that uplift the spirit, through steadfast partnerships and a shared purpose — to make something beautiful. At Sinclair Hille Architects, we excel in creating remarkable places where life unfolds with every line and curve.

For more than four decades, Sinclair Hille has created enduring designs that elevate our communities. With comprehensive services in architecture and interior design services, we believe in a holistic approach to every project.

Our architecture is rooted in the human experience. That is why we curate exceptional ideals through engaged listening, profound understanding, and unwavering collaboration.

Together, we create spaces that are extraordinary.

Our Values

Care
Deeply

Care Deeply core value icon at Sinclair Hille Architects

We prioritize genuine consideration for others, our work, and the community through respect and thoughtfulness.

Listen
Intently

Listen Intently core value icon at Sinclair Hille Architects

We engage fully with our clients and ourselves, ensuring everyone is truly heard and understood.

Deliver
Skillfully

Deliver Skillfully core value icon at Sinclair Hille Architects

We meticulously address every element of our work through a dedication to exceeding expectations.

Our Services

Architectural Design

We design purposeful buildings that balance vision and function, delivering architecture that meets client needs with creativity and care.

Master Planning

We guide large-scale developments with strategies that align land use, infrastructure, and community needs for growth and sustainability.

Facilities Assessments

We evaluate building performance and provide clear recommendations to inform maintenance, renovation, or redevelopment planning.

Contract Documentation

We prepare detailed drawings and specifications that communicate design clearly, guiding contractors to deliver precise, quality work.

Interior Design

We create interiors that reflect identity and purpose, blending materials, color, and furnishings for spaces that feel cohesive and inviting.

Building Information Modeling (BIM)

We use advanced BIM tools to coordinate projects digitally, improving accuracy, efficiency, and issue detection from concept to construction.

Planning & Programming

We define project goals, analyze space use, and shape layouts to ensure clear requirements, efficient workflows, and alignment with your vision.

Site Analysis & Development

We assess site context—topography, access, and environment—to create solutions that optimize function and complement natural surroundings.

Construction Administration

We monitor construction progress, review work, and answer contractor questions to ensure designs are executed with accuracy and intent.

Interior Architecture

We integrate form and function to shape interiors that are beautiful, efficient, and responsive to client needs and user experience.

Space Planning

We integrate form and function to shape interiors that are beautiful, efficient, and responsive to client needs and the overall user experience.

Cost Estimating

We provide detailed cost analysis to support financial planning, ensuring budgets are realistic and decisions are well informed.

Our History

John Sinclair and Jim Hille, founders and principals emeriti of Sinclair Hille Architects

From Modest Beginnings to Haymarket Landmark

In 1981, Emeriti John Sinclair and Jim Hille established our practice, with the intention of offering clients a meticulous and human-centered approach to architecture. Later that year, we landed our first major project: designing a new church for the 1st Church of Christ Scientist congregation in Lincoln, Nebraska. Being chosen for this project was a significant achievement, as it served as a launching pad for the firm’s subsequent list of notable projects within the community.

By 1982, the firm had moved into its first real office space on the 10th floor of the Stuart building. There, we carved out space with a young engineer.

By 1984, the firm had reached another early milestone as the office moved into the newly renovated Candy Factory in Lincoln’s Historic Haymarket. This project was the first in a long line of historic renovations that built Sinclair Hille’s reputation.

Others followed, including former elementary and middle schools, utility plants, and warehouses throughout the Haymarket district.

By 1999, the studio had outgrown its office space, which was located in the old Grainger warehouse. We sought out another building to renovate for our use in the historic district. Unable to find the right building, they approached the owners of a gravel parking lot adjacent to the railroad tracks about developing a new building at the intersection of 7th and Q Streets. That same year, construction of our new office was underway and was completed in April 2000. The building was the first new structure built in the Haymarket in many decades, and it remains our home to this day.

Now, with extensive experience and public recognition, our work speaks for itself. We are honored to serve our clients and we’ll continue to make our community a beautiful place—one building at a time.

Awards

Where Vision Meets Recognition

LEED Platinum Certified

Morrissey Office Building, Omaha, Nebraska

LEED Gold Certified

Sandhills Binary Building, Lincoln, Nebraska

LEED Silver Certified

McCook Readiness Center, McCook, Nebraska

LEED Silver Certified

Park University Copley Quad Student Residence Hall, Parkville, Missouri

AIA Merit Award, Excellence in Design Architecture, AIA Nebraska

Borland Center for Music and Theatre - Concordia University, Nebraska

AIA People’s Choice Award, AIA Nebraska

Innovation Commons Canopy - Nebraska Innovation Campus

AIA People’s Choice Award, AIA Nebraska

Sandhills Publishing Cyber Center

AIA Architecture Citation, AIA Nebraska

UNL June and Paul Schorr III Center for Computer Science and Engineering

Architectural Honor Award, AIA Nebraska

Sinclair Hille Architects Office

Architectural Honor Award for Distinguished Accomplishment in Design Excellence, AIA Nebraska

Gerald R. Ford Conservation Center

Enersen Urban Design Award

NeighborWorks Antelope Creek Village

Enersen Urban Design Award

Mayor’s Arts Awards, Harris Overpass Redesign

Enersen Urban Design Award

Lincoln Mayor’s Art Award, Sinclair Hille Architects Office

Urban Design Award, City of Lincoln

Grainger Building Historic Renovation

Urban Design Award, City of Lincoln

Hardy Housing Development

Urban Design Award, City of Lincoln

Center Oaks and Fair Oaks Housing Projects

Mayor’s Urban Design Award, Lincoln Mayor’s Art Awards

Grainger Building Historic Renovation

Urban Design Award, City of Lincoln

Three Pines Court Housing Development

Preservation Association of Lincoln Best Integration of Old and New Construction

Recreation & Wellness Center-East Campus UNL

Preservation Association of Lincoln Commercial / Institutional Rehabilitation Award

UNL Prem S. Paul Research Center at Whittier School

Preservation Association of Lincoln City Center Award

Harris Overpass Redesign

Preservation Association of Lincoln Renovation Award

Prescott Elementary School

Preservation Association of Lincoln Integration of Old and New Award

Haymarket Parking Garage

Preservation Association of Lincoln Integration of Old and New Award

UNL College of Business Administration – Addition and Remodel

Preservation Association of Lincoln Integration of Old and New Award

Charles Trust Senior Housing

National Trust for Historic Preservation: National Preservation Honor Award

WaterPark Condominium Project

Award of Excellence for Use of Concrete, American Concrete Institute Nebraska Chapter

The Larson Building

Lincoln and Lancaster County Environmental Leadership Award—Government

UNL Whittier Research Center Renovation

Business Property Award, NeighborWorks® Lincoln

Lighthouse

Top Family Entertainment Center of the World Award, International Association for Amusement Parks and Attractions

The Amazing Pizza Machine—Omaha, Nebraska

Paragon Award—Best Garden Apartment, National Apartment Association

Alexis at Perry Pointe Multi-Family Housing

Award of Excellence—New Project Design, National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Official (NAHRO) Agency

Summer Hill Apartments

Honorable Mention—International Parking Awards Competition, The International Parking Institute

Haymarket Parking Garage

NeighborWorks Antelope Creek Village Governor’s Community Development Week Award

NeighborWorks Antelope Creek Village

Award of Excellence for the use of Concrete in the State of Nebraska, Nebraska Chapter American Concrete Institute

Memorial Stadium – West Expansion, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Honor Award for Innovative Excellence in Masonry, Nebraska Masonry Institute

Ashland Water Treatment Plant

Honor Award for Innovative Excellence in Masonry, Nebraska Masonry Institute

G.R. Ford Conservation Center

Builders Award, Downtown Lincoln Association

Grainger Building Historic Renovation

Builder’s Award, Downtown Lincoln Association

Center Oaks Housing Project

Community Improvement Recognition Award

Grainger Building Historic Renovation

Gold Fork Award

Dormie Club, West End, N.C.

Lincoln and Lancaster County Environmental Leadership Award—Government

UNL Whittier Research Center Renovation

Lincoln and Lancaster County Environmental Leadership Award—Non-Profit Organization

Nebraska State Education Association Building Renovation

Significant Public Development Award

Hudl International Headquarters

Significant Residential Development Award

The Schwarz - Luxury Condominiums

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