Our Story
For more than three and a half decades, Hornbeck Architects has turned aspirations into remarkable spaces, enhancing lifestyles across Michigan. From inviting front porch additions to grand custom homes, cultural centers, and esteemed country clubs, our work reflects a commitment to timeless design, precision, and personalized service.
Founded in 1988 by Lawrence Hornbeck in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, the firm began as Lawrence C. Hornbeck & Associates. Drawing on decades of experience at renowned firms like Anderson-Reinke and Associates and Alexander Bogaerts & Associates, Lawrence brought his expertise in architectural design to the forefront.
A pivotal moment came in 1998, when we moved to larger offices in Troy, marking our 10th anniversary and welcoming Christopher Hornbeck to the firm. Under his father’s mentorship, Christopher quickly became integral in all areas of the business. In 2007, amid an economic recession, Christopher advanced his expertise at URS Corporation (now AECOM)—leading projects as a Project Manager and Project Architect—expanding his skill set while honing his business acumen.
By our 25th anniversary in 2013, Christopher returned to the firm, reaffirming the vision that had guided us from the start. Energized by the opportunity to work with his father once again, he played a key role in shaping the next chapter of Hornbeck Architects, ensuring that our tradition of design excellence, thoughtful functionality, and precision in execution remained at the heart of our work.
In 2023, celebrating our 35th anniversary, we proudly returned our offices to Bloomfield Hills—paying tribute to our roots while embracing the future. As we look ahead, our commitment remains steadfast: to shape homes that are not just well-built, but deeply personal, timeless, and crafted with care.
Your home should be a reflection of your aspirations. Let’s craft something extraordinary together.
Our People
Christopher Hornbeck, RA
President / Architect
Chris is a Registered Architect with extensive experience across all areas of architectural practice. He has led the design and execution of hundreds of custom new homes, home additions, and renovations, as well as projects in air transportation, healthcare, education, water treatment, retail, and professional office sectors.
He earned multiple degrees from Lawrence Technological University, completing an Associate of Science in Mechanical Engineering (1999), a Bachelor of Architecture, summa cum laude (2003), and a Master of Architecture (2005). Chris obtained his architectural registration in 2008 and is licensed in Michigan.
In addition to his professional practice, Chris has contributed to the field through education, industry leadership, and community involvement. He taught architecture and structural analysis at Baker College for over five years, authored articles for Rochester Suburban Lifestyles, served on a Board of Directors, assisted in the development of the Architectural Registration Exam (ARE), and maintains active memberships in the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Southeastern Michigan.
Chris and his wife, Jessica, live in Oakland Township with their two younger children, while their eldest resides in Rochester. His family’s roots in Oakland Township date back to 1944 when his great-grandparents purchased property to establish a fruit farm. In 2019, Chris and Jessica purchased the family estate, restoring and expanding the home while reestablishing a garden, orchard, and vineyard.
Lawrence Hornbeck, BA
Architectural Design
Lawrence, with nearly half a century of architectural experience, is now semi-retired, offering design direction and peer reviews. His career commenced in 1966 at the renowned Anderson-Reinke and Associates in Farmington Hills, concurrent with his studies at Lawrence Technological University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Architecture. He credits his profound knowledge to the mentorship of Elmer Reinke and Gordon Anderson during those years.
Following a 20-year tenure at Anderson-Reinke, Lawrence led the single-family residential division at the prominent Detroit-area firm, Alexander Bogaerts & Associates in Bloomfield Hills. In 1988, he established his own practice, Lawrence C. Hornbeck and Associates.
Throughout his career, Lawrence has designed multiple Blue Ribbon-winning homes featured in the BIA Parade of Homes. His work has been featured in 'Style' and 'Better Homes and Gardens' magazines, and he has been highlighted in the 'Community Lifestyles' newspaper. Lawrence has earned accolades for his outstanding construction documents from top industry partners. His leadership in residential design while at leading Detroit architectural firms has been widely recognized, and his alma mater, Lawrence Technological University, is listed among 'America's Best Architectural Schools'.