“Designing for Impact, Leading with Vision”
Erik Kocher stands as a pillar in the architectural community, a visionary whose work has defined the intersection of purpose-driven design and institutional transformation for over four decades. As Partner and Design Principal at Hastings & Chivetta, a GHC | Orcutt Winslow Studio, Erik has forged a career rooted in excellence, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to enriching student life and community engagement through architecture. His life’s work revolves around a single unifying theme: using design to elevate human experience, particularly in the realms of higher education, athletics, and recreation.
A licensed architect in more than 30 states and a LEED Accredited Professional, Erik has visited over 530 college and university campuses across 49 states and has worked on approximately 250 of them nationwide. His command of design principles and facility planning has positioned him as a national expert in student-focused environments—from cutting-edge recreation centers to comprehensive campus master plans. With a unique ability to synthesize client goals with contextual integrity, Erik’s projects resonate with long-lasting utility and beauty.
Throughout his 46-year career, including more than three decades at Hastings & Chivetta, Erik has demonstrated that exceptional design emerges from deeply collaborative processes. He consistently engages faculty, administrators, students, trustees, and community stakeholders to capture their aspirations and bring their vision to life. As Design Principal, his oversight extends beyond creative direction; he shepherds projects through feasibility studies, schematic design, and construction administration, ensuring each element aligns with the broader mission of the institution.
A hallmark of Erik’s work is his focus on student recreation and wellness. From the George S. Eccles Student Life Center at the University of Utah to the Cary Street Gym at Virginia Commonwealth University, his portfolio includes dozens of award-winning facilities that have redefined student engagement and recruitment. His designs are not just buildings—they are catalysts for campus vitality and community health.
Erik’s leadership extends well beyond the drafting table. A seasoned public speaker, he has delivered more than 100 presentations at national conferences such as NIRSA, NACUBO, ACUI, SCUP, and Athletic Business. His sessions—often standing-room only—blend technical insight with relatable stories, addressing topics from sustainable facility design to renovation strategies for aging infrastructure. He has also authored thought leadership pieces in respected publications, amplifying the reach of his expertise.
Education is both Erik’s professional focus and personal passion. A graduate of Grinnell College with a degree in Mathematics, he earned his Master of Architecture from Washington University in St. Louis, where he remains actively involved as an advisory council member and scholarship benefactor. His civic engagement includes philanthropic support and mentorship within the architectural education community, notably through the Erik and Linda Kocher Graduate Scholarship at Washington University’s Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts.
With deep roots in both the architectural and academic spheres, Erik’s influence extends into advisory roles. He serves on the board of the Sam Fox School of Architecture, contributing strategic guidance rooted in decades of hands-on experience. His open-minded approach to new challenges, coupled with a willingness to adapt across sectors—from municipal design to international projects—underscores his versatility and forward-thinking mindset.
What makes Erik particularly compelling as a board candidate is his holistic understanding of operational dynamics, financial stewardship, and stakeholder alignment. Having led multi-million dollar projects from conception to completion, he brings not only design acumen but also business insight, budgeting fluency, and long-range strategic planning capabilities. This rare combination equips him to support board-level decisions with clarity and confidence.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Erik is an avid traveler, gardener, and lifelong learner. These personal passions reflect his curiosity and appreciation for diverse perspectives—qualities that enrich his leadership and design philosophies. Whether he’s navigating complex regulatory landscapes or planting a new species in his garden, Erik approaches every task with intention, precision, and humility.
Character:
Erik Kocher leads with authenticity and humility, valuing the power of collaboration and mutual respect in every project he undertakes. His ability to inspire trust and foster open communication has been a cornerstone of his enduring professional relationships.
Knowledge:
Erik’s encyclopedic knowledge of design, construction, and institutional planning is informed by more than four decades of practical experience and academic engagement. His deep understanding of architectural systems, combined with an awareness of emerging trends, makes him a reliable authority in the field.
Strategic:
From initial feasibility studies to long-term master planning, Erik has a demonstrated ability to align architectural initiatives with institutional goals. His strategic foresight has helped universities and municipalities realize transformative spaces that serve generations.
Communication:
An accomplished speaker and writer, Erik excels at translating complex design concepts into clear, compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. His communication style bridges the gap between technical rigor and visionary thinking, empowering clients and colleagues alike.
