HMC Architects is thrilled to announce the addition of two highly accomplished professionals, Christina Mannion, and Eric Skiba, to its higher education practice. As part of an ongoing strategy to invest in one of California’s largest and most successful higher education practices and overall position in the state, Mannion and Skiba bring to HMC decades of experience, client relationships, and leadership.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Christina and Eric as valuable additions to our dedicated team,” said James Sink, AIA, LEED AP, DBIA, higher education practice leader. “Their combined experience and passion for educational design align seamlessly with HMC’s purpose to Design for Good and will be an undeniable asset to our clients and our thriving practice.”

Christina Mannion, Principal-in-Charge, Higher Education
Christina Mannion, RA, AIA, LEED, NCARB, will serve as principal-in-charge for HMC’s higher education practice, working out of the firm’s San Diego studio. Mannion’s career began with drafting custom homes on Lake Tahoe, which led her to San Diego to earn a master’s degree in architecture. Her diverse experience includes involvement in biotech projects, urban mixed-use multifamily housing, and client representation at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) for their Capital Program Management Department. Mannion’s impressive track record includes overcoming challenges in obtaining approvals for complex projects, such as the residential mixed-use housing at The Brand in Glendale, California and integrating regional transportation at UCSD.

Commenting on her motivation to join HMC, Mannion said, “I have followed HMC since encountering the firm on interview panels at UCSD. I knew HMC was synonymous with design excellence and was looking for a workplace with focus, strategic goals, and genuine care for its employees.”

In addition to serving clients and ensuring that HMC is even more responsive to their needs as they look to the future, Mannion will focus on business development and serving and expanding the firm’s higher education client base in Southern California.

Eric Skiba, Principal-in-Charge, Higher Education
Eric Skiba, AIA, LEED AP, Associate DBIA, will serve as principal-in-charge for HMC’s higher education practice, working out of the firm’s San Francisco studio. With 25 years in architecture, Skiba has led teams through all phases of the building design process, focusing on higher education projects, including recreation and wellness centers, laboratories, classrooms, and libraries. His roles have ranged from project architect to principal in charge, providing a holistic view of the profession.

Skiba’s pride lies in projects such as the University of California, Santa Cruz Coastal Biology Building, and the Sacramento State Recreation and Wellness Building, as well as his contribution to Chabot College’s Facilities Master Plan.
On joining HMC, Skiba stated, “Public work is difficult to do successfully. The fact that HMC has succeeded in this repeatedly speaks volumes about its vision, management, and overall leadership.”

Skiba will focus on business development and serving and expanding the firm’s higher education client base in Northern California. He aims to contribute to HMC’s growth by bringing his wide-ranging experience and providing valuable insights into the evolving role of architects, especially in multidisciplinary programs in higher education.

These appointments came when HMC was recently recognized as ENR California’s 2023 Design Firm of the Year, a testament to its commitment to excellence and innovation in the architectural industry. Additionally, HMC is actively engaged in monumental projects for esteemed academic institutions such as the University of California San Diego’s Ridge Walk North Learning and Living Neighborhood and Harbor-UCLA’s Medical Center Replacement Program.