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Paul Halajian Architects
Empowering a Visionary Leader to Build a People-First Firm
Industry: Architecture
Challenge: Paul Halajian set out to build a people-first architecture firm but faced early challenges with HR, compliance, and building infrastructure to support growth without sacrificing culture. He needed a trusted partner to handle the operational side so he could stay focused on his vision.
Results: With SinglePoint, Paul’s team grew from one employee to 22, all while maintaining strong retention through a culture that employees genuinely value. SinglePoint provided leadership development, ongoing HR strategy, and support through sensitive conversations, becoming a trusted advisor and integral part of the firm’s leadership. Today, Paul leads with clarity and confidence, knowing SinglePoint is supporting the people side of the business.
A Dream Fueled by Culture and Creativity
When Paul Halajian set out to build his architecture firm in Fresno, CA, he wasn’t just starting a business — he was building a legacy. As a founder, father, and visionary, Paul wanted to create more than beautiful buildings. He wanted to create a workplace where creativity thrives, employees feel cared for, and people genuinely love coming to work.
But launching a new firm came with demands, especially around compliance, benefits, and HR infrastructure. Paul knew he needed a partner who could help him build a foundation strong enough to support both his business and his people.
Why SinglePoint?
What drew Paul to SinglePoint wasn’t just the comprehensive HR support or benefits offerings — it was trust. He recognized a sense of alignment. He wasn’t just looking for a vendor. He was looking for a partner.
And that’s exactly what he found.
“There were no hesitations,” shared Monica, President of SinglePoint, who brought Paul into the SinglePoint family. “He knew this was the right fit — someone who could take the HR side off his plate so he could focus on the business.”
"I don't have to worry about payroll. I don't have to worry about HR issues. That's been a huge stress reliever — it allows me to focus on architecture, profitability, and the growth of our firm." -Paul Halajian, President and Principal Architect
Laying the Foundation — Together
From day one, SinglePoint worked closely with Paul to develop a benefits package, employee handbook, and everything needed to launch smoothly. Over time, the relationship only deepened.
Today, SinglePoint isn’t just handling the basics — they’re part of PHA’s leadership strategy. They offer real-time guidance and support to Paul and Carolyn, as they make decisions that impact culture, growth, and employee well-being.
As Patty, Paul’s dedicated HR Business Partner at SinglePoint, puts it: “They lean in. We talk weekly. We strategize how to maintain that family feel even as they scale.”
"We trust them implicitly. It doesn't mean we don't ask questions or challenge anything. But I believe that the advice they give us is accurate and in the best interest of our organization, their organization, and keeping us in compliance.” -Carolyn Halajian, Executive Director of Finance and Administration
The Results Speak Volumes
- Growth: From just 1 employee in 2010 to 22 today — more than doubling headcount in the last decade alone.
- Retention: Employees stay because the workplace culture is uniquely fulfilling. It’s an extraordinary place to grow and learn, and those who have worked in other firms recognize how special this is.
- Leadership Development: SinglePoint has helped implement 1:1s, trained leaders on managing without micromanaging, and supported off-site workshops to define roles and optimize performance.
- Peace of Mind: Paul can do what he loves — lead with vision — and he trusts SinglePoint to support his goals.
One of the most significant impacts is navigating difficult conversations. When Paul and Carolyn have needed to approach sensitive discussions, Patty and Monica have walked beside them each step of the way.
“Our deep understanding of the culture, values, mission, and goals, positions us to contribute value in meaningful ways," Patty says. "Not every client brings us into their circle of trust in this way, but when they do, we have the blessing to be a trusted advisor on a whole different level.”
"They support and understand our culture. … They're very good at helping us be compliant without squelching our creativity." - Carolyn Halajian, Executive Director of Finance and Administration
A Partnership Built on People
At its heart, this is a story about partnership. About how a business grows when it chooses to truly let SinglePoint in. Paul Halajian Architects didn’t just hire an HR team. They embraced a partner who chooses to see the people behind the business.
Monica said: "Paul had a dream. And with SinglePoint taking care of the day-to-day HR needs, he is living that dream.”
“I can advance not only the profitability of the firm, but the image and the stature of the firm… if I focus on what we do and rely on SinglePoint to fill in the gaps.”