HIPP Design + Consulting Company Profile

Background

Overview

HIPP Design + Consulting, formerly known as Hipp Engineering & Consulting, is a professional engineering and architecture firm headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina. Established in 2001 by J. Budd Hipp Jr., the company specializes in providing design and consulting services to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food, cosmetic, and semiconductor industries. Their expertise encompasses process engineering, facility design, project management, and workforce solutions.

Mission and Vision

Mission: To faithfully serve clients, community, and employees through design excellence, responsive service, and trustworthy relationships.

Vision: To enrich lives and enhance the future through leadership in design project delivery, serving the world’s premier life science, healthcare, and technology companies.

Industry Significance

HIPP Design + Consulting has established itself as a significant player in the engineering and architecture sector, particularly within the life sciences and technology industries. The firm's commitment to innovation and quality has led to recognition through various industry awards and accolades.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

HIPP Design + Consulting aims to deliver innovative and efficient engineering solutions tailored to the specific needs of its clients, ensuring high-quality outcomes and fostering long-term relationships.

Areas of Specialization

Process Engineering: Designing and optimizing manufacturing processes to enhance efficiency and compliance.

Facility Design: Creating state-of-the-art facilities for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and semiconductor industries.

Project Management: Overseeing projects from inception to completion, ensuring alignment with client objectives.

Workforce Solutions: Providing staffing and workforce expertise to support clients' evolving needs.

Key Technologies Utilized

The company employs advanced technologies such as 6D Building Information Modeling (BIM), virtual reality, and sustainability engineering practices to deliver innovative solutions.

Primary Markets Targeted

HIPP Design + Consulting primarily serves the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food, cosmetic, and semiconductor industries, focusing on clients requiring specialized facilities and processes.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Specific details regarding HIPP Design + Consulting's funding history, total funds raised, and recent funding rounds are not publicly disclosed. The company has achieved significant growth through organic expansion and strategic partnerships.

Notable Investors

Information about individual investors or venture capital involvement is not publicly available.

Utilization of Capital

The company has utilized its resources to expand its service offerings, enhance technological capabilities, and grow its workforce to meet the increasing demands of its clients.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

HIPP Design + Consulting focuses on large-scale projects in the life sciences sector, including the design of North Carolina’s largest life science facility as of 2024, with project values reaching up to $4.2 billion.

Stages of Development

The company is involved in various stages of project development, from initial design and planning to construction and operational support.

Target Conditions

Projects are primarily targeted at enhancing manufacturing capabilities and compliance within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and semiconductor industries.

Anticipated Milestones

HIPP Design + Consulting continues to lead large-scale, impactful life sciences projects, with ongoing developments and expansions in its project portfolio.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

The company utilizes proprietary technologies such as 6D Building Information Modeling (BIM) and virtual reality to enhance design accuracy and project visualization.

Significant Scientific Methods

HIPP Design + Consulting employs advanced process engineering techniques, sustainability engineering practices, and project management methodologies to deliver efficient and compliant solutions.

Leadership Team

Executive Profiles

J. Budd Hipp Jr., PE – CEO + Founder

A native of Charlotte, NC, Budd graduated from North Carolina State University’s Mechanical Engineering program in 1984. He began his career with General Electric and later transitioned into consulting, specializing in HVAC systems and project management for clean industries. In 2001, he founded HIPP Design + Consulting, which has since grown into a multi-office, national firm serving various industries. Budd is professionally licensed in NC, GA, SC, VA, and TX, and actively contributes to the industry as a member of organizations including ISPE, ASHRAE, ASME, NFPA, ACEC, and NCHEA.

Allan Acker, PE – President

Allan has been with HIPP Design + Consulting since 2006, serving as Project Director focusing on project management and project controls. He holds a Master's and Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering from North Carolina State University and a Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Allan is a member of ISPE and holds a professional engineering license in North Carolina.

Leadership Changes

Recent Appointments

In July 2024, Allan Acker, PE, was appointed President of HIPP Design + Consulting, succeeding founder J. Budd Hipp Jr., who transitioned to the role of CEO.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The engineering and architecture consulting market is characterized by rapid technological advancements and increasing demand for specialized facilities in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and semiconductor manufacturing. Companies are focusing on innovation, efficiency, and compliance to meet client needs.

Competitor Analysis

Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.

Founded in 1967, Kimley-Horn is a planning, surveying, engineering, and design consulting firm headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina. With approximately 9,000 employees as of 2025, the firm offers a wide range of services across various sectors.

Altair Engineering Inc.

Established in 1985, Altair Engineering is a multinational information technology company providing software and cloud solutions for simulation, IoT, high-performance computing, data analytics, and AI. The company was acquired by Siemens in 2025.

Buro Happold Limited

Founded in 1976, Buro Happold is a British professional services firm offering engineering consultancy, design, planning, project management, and consulting services for buildings, infrastructure, and the environment.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

HIPP Design + Consulting has established partnerships with major clients, including Merck, GSK, Novo Nordisk, Biogen, Syngenta, and Novozymes, to deliver large-scale, impactful life sciences projects.

Operational Insights

HIPP Design + Consulting differentiates itself through its commitment to innovation, quality, and client satisfaction, fostering long-term relationships and repeat business.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

The company continues to expand its service offerings and technological capabilities to meet the evolving needs of its clients, positioning itself for sustained growth and success in the engineering and architecture consulting market.