Paul Hirzel is an award-winning American architect and professor based in Pullman, Washington, with a long history of private practice and teaching. He has gained regional, national, and international recognition for his work in residential design, landscape design, and interior design. Known for his site-specific and thoughtful approach, Hirzel creates houses that are deeply connected to their natural surroundings, often in challenging environments, as exemplified by his "River Place" project built on a flood plain in Idaho. He emphasizes honest construction and innovative solutions that respond to climate and context. In addition to his practice, Hirzel is a Professor at Washington State University and a published author.