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Bill Hinkamp: Designing and Building a Career

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

OAKLAND — Even while studying architecture in college, Bill Hinkamp never lost his love for construction. Later, he would merge his dual interests into a single professional venture. “I’ve always been involved in construction and I continued to be attracted to the industry during my time at UC Berkeley,” he affirms. “Since I was studying architecture, I increasingly began to see construction as a design/build discipline, which would inform my later career.”

Following college graduation, Bill went to work for an architectural firm, but it wasn’t long before he found himself involved in construction once again. “A couple of years into my stint as an architect, I got an opportunity to work as a quality control inspector on a project at the Presidio in San Francisco,” he remembers. “I worked with the general contractor on that project for about a year, and I enjoyed it so much that I quit my job at the architectural firm and went to work for the construction company. A few years later, in 1981, I started my own design/build firm.”

Today, as owner of Rockridge Builders, Bill says his favorite thing about his job is its inherent variety. “I really enjoy getting to work on all different kinds of projects. When I started this business, my philosophy was that we’d never say no to a project, no matter how difficult or unusual it might be. Decades later, that has given us a wide breadth of knowledge and experience, which I really appreciate.”

A resident of Orinda (where he lives with his wife, Louise), Bill spends his time outside of work on a variety of pastimes. “My wife and I enjoy the Bay Area and all it has to offer,” he says. “In particular, we like exploring San Francisco and Oakland, checking out different venues and restaurants, and going to Oakland A’s games.” Bill and Louise also like visiting their four grown children. “Our kids are spread out all over the place, from Los Angeles to North Carolina, so we do a lot of traveling to see them. Occasionally, we’re able to get everyone together under one roof, usually for a holiday.”

Bill says attention to detail has been key to Rockridge Builders’ ongoing success. “We’re all about the details and making sure everything is done just right. Quality control and the care that goes into it makes all the difference in a project’s outcome, and if you can instill that care and attention to detail into each member of your team, you’ll have a winning formula.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Bill says he’d see the world. “I’d probably travel more. I’ve been to Europe a couple of times, as well as Mexico and Hawaii, but there’s still so much more left to see.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?
A: Sometimes both, but mostly I’m an early bird—I usually start my day before 6am.

Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?
A: El Charro Mexican Dining in Lafayette.

Q: What’s your favorite TV show?
A: “Blue Bloods.”

Q: What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?
A: A 3-speed “English Racer” bicycle. It was a Christmas gift when I was 10 years old and I still remember the thrill of receiving it.

Q: What’s your favorite snack?
A: Bruschetta.