A Partnership for the Ages

In 1958, just two years after joining his parents’ business, Chairman Emeritus Russell Hitt worked on a project for the prestigious law firm Arnold & Porter, now Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP. This important project led to a relationship that has gone on to span generations and decades.

Over the next 40 years, HITT performed many projects for the firm. In 2014, HITT delivered their largest office build-out to date. Collaborating with the newly minted HYL Architecture, we delivered 380,000 square feet of high-end interiors in a brand new building in downtown Washington, DC.

From designers to contractors, the success of the large-scale fit-out hinged on shared goals of all the stakeholders. HITT team members came together with the base building contractor on the space to sign an agreement pledging to “achieve the highest quality while maintaining a respectful, communicative, and professional relationship in support of meeting or exceeding each project’s schedule commitment and our shared client’s goals and expectations.”

That agreement paved the way for open communication, intelligent problem solving, and mutual respect between all those working on the space and surrounding building.

“With this many parties involved in such a large, complex project, everyone wanted to win. We had to work together to be able to successfully deliver for our shared client,” explained Senior Vice President Peter Thaler, who oversaw our Law Firms sector at the time.

At project completion, we came away with more than just a contented client. The experience endeared us to HYL Architecture, and we formed a deep relationship with the talented design firm. From constructing HYL’s office space, collaborating on other law firm projects, and even volunteering together for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, our history with Arnold & Porter gave rise to another enduring partnership.

Our company is built on relationships and opportunities just like these. We form deep bonds with clients, design teams, and industry peers, and those partnerships are critical to our success.