HofArc: A simple story of small beginnings
From Apple to Google, American businesses tend to have humble beginnings. Many enormous companies started in tiny garages. HofArc’s story begins with its founder, Matthew Hofmann, at age 6. He and his Dad (Wally) designed and built a six-story tree house in the backyard of their Eastern High Sierra home. Twenty-five years later they’re back together renovating vintage Airstream trailers.
Today, HofArc (short for Hofmann Architecture) is a growing architectural firm that has earned a reputation worldwide for uniquely-beautiful and highly-functional Airstream designs.
Since opening in 2011, HofArc’s crew of designers and craftspeople have designed and rebuilt more than 60 custom Airstreams, some valued at more than $150,000 for clients around the world.
There are other Airstream renovators, from RV mechanics to cabinet makers, but HofArc is unique because they are a licensed Architectural firm, with experience designing and building homes and commercial buildings.
“For the past two decades Matthew’s been hooked on progressive, small space design,” said his partner and father Wally. “From tree houses, to brick and mortar buildings, to Airstreams.” He earned his Architectural degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. He studied a year in Florence, Italy and is also fluent in Italian. His alma mater’s motto is Learn by doing. In 2006, at age 26, Matthew became licensed to practice Architecture in California.
“Architecture is the perpetual exercise in making things better,” said Matthew. “I’m drawn to learning new techniques and making our client’s dreams a reality. Whether it’s a tree house, a commercial space, or an Airstream, it’s the creative process that captures my attention.”
Matthew designed and built his first Airstream for himself as a home office. “I realized that living in an Airstream was an ideal way to reduce my overhead and simplify my life as I ventured out on my own,” he explained. “So, I parked my renovated Airstream on a piece of ocean view property above Santa Barbara, overlooking the Pacific. I lived and worked in my Airstream for the next year. It was a hands-on discovery that has changed my life.”
The desire to live a simpler lifestyle motivated him to create the HofArc Airstream renovation firm. “I couldn’t see myself sitting behind a computer every day, so I stepped out in faith and starting doing for others what I had done for myself – a home that offers freedom, adventure and comfort in a mobile space.
“The view was stunning and the living was simple,” he added. “Doing what I love, with people I love, in a place I love – it’s a dream come true.”
HofArc has designed and built a popular Airstream hotel in Santa Barbara. The “AutoCamp” has five fully-renovated vintage Airstreams available for nightly rentals. Check out www.AutoCamp.com for reservations and details.
