Team

Clark has practiced in the Wilmington since graduating from North Carolina State University School of Design 1986. Between 1986 and 1991 he interned in the offices of Ligon B. Flynn, Architects, in Wilmington, and John W. Thompson, Architects, in Southport. During this time Clark gained experience in complex design projects ranging from commercial re-habilitations to custom resort residential. He also developed business skills needed to venture into private practice. In 1991 Clark began his private practice under the name J. Clark Hipp, Architect, PC. From the beginning Clark has focused on commercial and institutional projects. In 2001 Clark added a business partner, Rick Best, and renamed the firm HIPP + BEST Architects, PC. Clark has continued to focus on commercial and institutional projects. In 2007 he moved the practice to a newly rehabilitated structure at 228 N. Front St, an award winning project his firm designed. Recently the firm changed its name to Hipp Architecture & Development, PC. Clark’s project experience covers a broad range of commercial projects. Working for various developers he has designed large multi-tenant retail facilities to multi-tenant speculative office structures. He has also completed specialized designs for end users including a compounding pharmacy, real estate offices, as well as offices for the local Federal Bureau of Investigation. Over the years, Clark has also provided design services for the State of North Carolina. This includes small interior renovations at UNC Wilmington, major dormitory rehabilitations at UNC Pembroke and new physical plant facility structures at both Universities. Along with these efforts, Clark has worked for many churches in and around Wilmington.

Clark is married and a father of two children. He has lived in downtown Wilmington since moving here in 1986. He is an active member in the community, serving on various boards and committees dedicated to improving the surrounding community. He is also an active outdoorsman, taking advantage of Wilmington’s surrounding water resources and year round climate. Clark is firmly rooted in the community and intends to remain so for many years to come.

Josh joined Hipp Architecture in 2018 as project architect. He founded CMA Design, PLLC in April 2009 with 27 years of experience in interior and exterior architectural design. In addition to management responsibilities, Mr. McGee was actively involved in all phases of business including project management and construction administration. Primary project experience included medical, dental, commercial and public, retail, financial institutions, interior renovations, college/university projects and large homes. He is a prior corporate member of and active in the American Institutes of Architects, Certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, and prior president of the Glenfinnan homeowner’s association. He received several design awards earlier in his career. He was senior editor for Architectural Graphic Standards, 12th Edition, which is utilized by architects and universities throughout the United States.

Arnold Funez was born in Honduras C.A. and is a graduate of San Pedro Sula University with a bachelor’s degree in Architecture. He has experience in Residential, Commercial and numerous religious projects, Managing Design Development and also Construction Administration. In Honduras he was a licensed Architect by the end of 2010 and practiced until he moved to United States in 2013.

Since being in the States, he started working in the construction industry in and around Wilmington, North Carolina. To gain more experience in the construction field, he moved to Atlanta, GA and was a Cad drafter technician (shop drawings) to steel manufacturing structures by 2015. In an attempt to be closer to family, he moved back to North Carolina as an instrument and cad drafter surveyor in 2016-2017.

Realizing Architecture was his passion, he took a position as an intern Architect at Hipp Architecture development in Wilmington NC. He is working his way to gaining more knowledge of Code requirements, architectural design, construction evaluation, architectural drafting management.

Arnold is currently in the process of obtaining a certification from NCARB with record #:826305, through the foreign architect path to get a reciprocal license valid in the State of North Carolina.

A Raleigh, NC native transplanted to Wilmington, NC in 2000. Nicole Raynor has worn many hats over the years. She has experience in Real Estate and Property Management along with years of Office Management, Customer Service and Marketing experience. She is married with 2 beautiful children and enjoys the beach and spending time with her family.

As Office Manager, Nicole supervises the day to day operations of the office. Her responsibilities include general oversight of office administration and management of business accounts.