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Archive for 2009 to 2013

HOK Architecture Office News Archive 2013

30 Jan 2013
HOK Bolsters London Board by Appointing New Marketing Principal

HOK, one of the world’s leading architects, is strengthening its marketing function in London with the appointment of Robyn Gilmour as Senior Vice President, Marketing Principal.

Robyn will be responsible for developing, implementing and managing HOK’s business development and marketing strategy, proactively developing current and new client relationships. Robyn will also work closely with the company’s market and bid leaders to develop greater presence and visibility in the practice’s key market sectors across Europe and the Middle East. Her appointment will add momentum to a number of high-profile wins for the practice in recent months.

Robyn brings with her a breadth of experience. She joins HOK following almost seven years at engineering consultancy, Atkins, where she was responsible for strategic marketing and business development for Design and Engineering.

Robyn commented: “I am delighted to be joining the team at HOK. I believe that this is an extremely exciting juncture for the practice following such a broad range of recent wins, including the Palace of Westminster and King Khaled International Airport expansion. I am looking forward to working with the team to continue to grow our work in key markets and strengthen the profile of the practice at an international level.”

Welcoming her to the post, Richard Gammon, Senior Vice President, HOK commented “We are very pleased to appoint Robyn to the board. We have seen strong growth across our key markets in the last year and with Robyn’s proven track record in business development and strategic marketing, we believe that she will play a key role in continuing to grow our presence in Europe and the Middle East.”

HOK Strengthens London Consulting Practice with New Leadership Hire

In response to opportunities in Europe and the Middle East, global architecture and design firm HOK has hired Steve Henigan to lead its London consulting practice.

Henigan joins HOK from RLF, where he was a partner and head of consulting. He brings extensive experience helping private- and public-sector organisations rethink their physical environments to support key organizational goals. Prior to working with RLF, Henigan was a commercial manager with Verry Construction.

“I am delighted to join the HOK team and to collaborate with colleagues in London and our global consultancy practice.” Henigan said. “HOK’s consultancy team is doing fantastic work, and I look forward to building on this to bring value to new and existing clients.”

“Steve’s appointment complements HOK’s goal of providing excellent design and consultancy advice for our clients at all stages of the real estate and facility life cycle, from property procurement, design and construction to maintenance and re-use,” said Andrew Barraclough, director of architecture in HOK’s London office. “HOK’s consulting group works alongside clients to advise them throughout this process, helping them achieve greater success.”

HOK’s consulting work in London includes providing a migration study for the BBC W12, a feasibility study for BBC Northern Ireland, a design brief for BBC Worldwide and developing a real estate and workplace strategy for a global life sciences company’s facilities in Europe and the Middle East.

17 + 16 Dec 2013

HOK Architects Practice News

BBG-BBGM Joins HOK to Create One of the World’s Leading Hospitality Design Firms

Move expands HOK’s global hospitality expertise

16 December 2013 – NEW YORK and SHANGHAI – HOK, a global design, architecture, engineering and planning firm, announced today that architecture and interior design firm BBG-BBGM’s New York and Shanghai employees have joined the company.

BBG-BBGM’s primary business has been hospitality design, with a focus on luxury hotels and resorts. The addition of BBG-BBGM’s people to HOK’s practice in New York and Shanghai positions HOK among the world’s leading hospitality design firms.

“The addition of a premier hospitality design firm to our already strong hospitality group provides immediate benefits for HOK’s clients worldwide,” said Bill Hellmuth, AIA, HOK president. “We have tremendous mutual respect for each other and share a passion for exceptional design and project delivery. We each are committed to creating great spaces that respect their communities, delight guests and bring value to owners. This is an exciting time for HOK’s people and clients.”

Rosewood Abu Dhabi, an ultra-luxury five-star hotel ideally located on the waterfront of Sowwah Square in Abu Dhabi, UAE:

“HOK is a wonderful fit for us,” said Louis R. Hedgecock, AIA, LEED AP, a former managing partner at BBG-BBGM who has joined HOK as a principal in New York. “Coming to HOK, which has such a robust global infrastructure and highly collaborative culture, gives our people increased opportunities for professional growth and the ability to design significant projects all over the world. We expect a seamless transition.”

“We’re excited about the prospect of continuing to create excellent hospitality experiences for clients all over the world,” said Julia Monk, AIA, IIDA, LEED AP, a founding partner of BBGM and a managing partner of BBG-BBGM who joins HOK in Shanghai. “The global hospitality market is growing quickly. Joining HOK expands our global reach to meet the market’s demand. The timing is perfect.”

Centara Grand Hotel Bangkok by BBG-BBGM:

“We are practicing in a truly global marketplace,” added Carl Galioto, FAIA, HOK’s New York managing principal. “Our goal is to be the leading expertise-based design practice in every market in which we operate. The combination of BBG-BBGM’s people with our hospitality design experts immediately positions HOK as a worldwide leader in hotel and resort design. Each client will benefit from our collective expertise, whether they are designing new properties or renovating and repositioning existing facilities.”

HOK’s expanded hospitality interior design group is led by Monk in Shanghai, Christina Hart, ASID, IIDA, LEED AP, in New York and Randa Tukan, IDC, LEED AP, in Toronto.

In addition to Hedgecock, Hart and Monk, BBG-BBGM partners who have joined HOK include Gregory Cranford, AIA, Marc Gross, AIA, LEED AP, and Marie-Paule Petitjean, AIA, LEED AP, all based in New York.
BBG-BBGM’s hospitality experience includes Suite 5000 at the Mandarin Oriental in New York; the Atlantis Sanya, the MGM Grand Sanya and the St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort & Spa in Hainan, China; The Peninsula Shanghai; the Rosewood Abu Dhabi Hotel and Residences in Abu Dhabi, UAE; the St. Regis Hotel and Residences Bangkok; the Smyth Hotel in New York; and the renovation of The New York Palace Hotel and the Waldorf-Astoria in New York.

HOK’s global portfolio of hospitality projects includes the Doha City Centre Hotels in Doha, Qatar; renovation and re-branding of Delta Hotels and Resorts across Canada; the Intercontinental Hua Hin Resort in Hua Hin, Thailand; the Four Seasons Shanghai in Shanghai, China; the Hyatt on the Bund in Shanghai; the Marriott Chicago River North Hotel in Chicago; the Marriott West India Quay in London; the Hilton Columbus Convention Center Hotel in Columbus, Ohio; and the New Songdo City Sheraton Incheon Hotel in Incheon, South Korea.

The New York and Shanghai offices of BBG-BBGM have joined HOK. The Washington, DC, office of BBG-BBGM will continue as BBGM.

HOK is a global design, architecture, engineering and planning firm. Through a network of 24 offices worldwide, HOK provides design excellence and innovation to create places that enrich people’s lives and help clients succeed. For four consecutive years, DesignIntelligence has ranked HOK as a leader in sustainable and high-performance design.

HOK News

Architecture News – latest additions to this page, arranged chronologically:

7 Jun 2013
BBC New Broadcasting House, London, UK
Design: exterior – Sheppard Robson / interior – HOK
BBC New Broadcasting House
HM The Queen officially opened the building: “the new state-of-the-art, multimedia broadcasting centre in the heart of London. This world-class facility is the iconic new home for the BBC’s network and global services in Television, Radio, News and Online”.

13 Mar 2013

HOK London office announces the appointment of Adrian Gainer, as Head of Science + Technology

HOK RECRUITS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY LEAD TO CAPITALISE ON GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES

HOK, one of the world’s leading science and technology facility architects, is strengthening its Science + Technology team in London with the appointment of Adrian Gainer as Head of Science + Technology.

Adrian will be responsible for driving growth in the UK and Europe and successfully delivering HOK’s current European projects. These include the UK’s leading biomedical research centre, The Francis Crick Institute, and the Ri.MED Biomedical Research and Biotechnology Center (BRBC) near Palermo, Sicily. He will work closely with the management team in London and HOK’s Global Science + Technology group, of which Adrian will be a member, to build HOK’s profile and reputation for thought leadership across Europe.

photograph Courtesy of HOK

Adrian brings with him a breadth of experience and innovative thinking, having specialised solely in the science and technology field for the past 22 years. Highly experienced in laboratory design in the UK, Europe and the United States, Adrian’s expertise in global best-practice and research led design offers clients a holistic and pragmatic view to support their wider business goals. He is particularly interested in adaptability, energy usage and creating effective and productive environments that inspire and facilitate scientific interaction and collaboration.

Adrian Gainer commented: “I am delighted to be joining the team at HOK. I am convinced that the evolution of science and technology facilities is on the verge of a dramatic shift and I believe HOK is very well placed to lead the way. Too often design in this sector is restricted by practicalities. What I believe HOK has demonstrated through projects such as The Francis Crick Institute and Ri.MED, is the potential for innovative yet practical designs that will foster collaboration and knowledge sharing between disciplines, creating untold benefits for the scientific community. I am really excited to have the opportunity to further this work.”

Andrew Barraclough, Director of Performance, HOK London, commented: “With renewed public funding for science facilities in Europe and a real appetite from within the sector to reassess the role of workplace design in supporting successful scientific research, this is a really exciting time for our Science + Technology team here in London and we’re delighted Adrian has been able to join us. Adrian has proven track record of delivering complex, research led design and he will play a key role in growing our presence in the UK and European market.”

HOK Ranks 8th in World Architecture 100 Survey
HOK 8th ranking : World Architecture 100 Survey – 29 Jan 2013
HOK has been ranked the world’s eighth largest architecture practice in the World Architecture 100 (WA100) survey.

HOK Architecture Office News Archive 2012

6 Dec 2012

Emporis Skyscraper Award

#4 Great American Tower, Cincinnati, USA
Points: 16
Height: 665.00 ft
Floors: 41
Location: Cincinnati

photograph © Sam Fentress, Courtesy of HOK
Great American Building – a Emporis Skyscraper Award winner

HOK Practice News

19 Sep 2012

HOK Adds West Coast Leaders in San Francisco and Los Angeles

Russ Drinker and Stan Chiu Join HOK on the West Coast

SAN FRANCISO – HOK announced today that Russ Drinker, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, has joined its leadership team in San Francisco as senior vice president and management principal and that Stan Chiu, AIA, LEED AP, has joined HOK in Los Angeles as senior vice president and management principal.

HOK’s San Francisco Leadership Team
Left to right: Russ Drinker (management principal), Paul Woolford (design principal), Lynn Filar (technical principal) and Rob Tibbetts (marketing principal):

image : Nicolo Sertorio

HOK’s Los Angeles Management Team
Left to right: Alicia Wachtel (healthcare director), Stan Chiu (management principal), Ernest Cirangle (design principal), David Hollister (technical principal) and Elaine Kanelos (marketing principal):

image : Westside Studio

Drinker and Chiu will partner with the existing management committees in each office and develop strategies for increased collaboration among HOK’s offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Seattle.

“Russ and Stan are proven design and management leaders in the architectural profession,” said HOK Chief Operating Officer Tom Robson, AIA, LEED AP BD+C. “This is a major commitment to strengthening HOK’s already thriving West Coast practice.”

Drinker brings 34 years of experience in the architectural profession. Most recently, he was based in San Francisco while serving as regional director of Perkins+Will’s practice in Southeast Asia. In addition to leading the Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE) Green Mark Platinum project for the National Research Foundation in Singapore and a 32 million-square-foot new campus project for Princess Noura University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, he has participated in projects on six University of California campuses and completed several projects at Stanford University. Drinker was named one of the “101 Leaders in Sustainable City Making and Theory” by Dr. Steffen Lehmann in The Principles of Green Urbanism. He holds a Master of Architecture degree from Columbia University in New York City and a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley.

Stan Chiu – Management principal in HOK’s Los Angeles office:

image : Westside Studio

Chiu has more than 20 years of experience in the architectural profession. Prior to joining HOK, he was the leader of RTKL’s Los Angeles office and director of the healthcare group. He has also led several significant higher education projects in Southern California. Chiu has held key roles in the design of award-winning projects including the Samsung Global Health Initiative in Seoul, Korea; the Mayo Clinic Gonda Building in Rochester, Minn.; Sutter Health’s hospital prototype in California; the Oregon Health and Science University Peter O. Kohler Pavilion in Portland, Ore.; and the California Prison Receivership Hospital Prototype in Sacramento, Calif. He is a leader in applying lean design principles to project design and management. He has written and lectured extensively on lean project delivery for the AIA, Lean Construction Institute and several other organizations. Chiu earned a Master of Architecture degree from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wesleyan University in Middletown, Conn.

Russ Drinker – Management principal in HOK’s San Francisco office:

image : Nicolo Sertorio

Drinker joins HOK’s San Francisco management committee members, Paul Woolford, AIA, LEED AP, design principal; Lynn Filar, AIA, LEED AP, technical principal; and Rob Tibbetts, marketing principal, in leading the San Francisco and Seattle practices.

In Los Angeles, Chiu joins management committee members Ernest Cirangle, AIA, LEED AP, design principal; David Hollister, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, technical principal; Elaine Kanelos, LEED GA, marketing principal; and Alicia Wachtel, LEED AP, healthcare director.

Current projects being led by HOK’s San Francisco office include the San Francisco Public Safety Building, Kaiser Redwood City Hospital, the University of California Davis Veterinary Medicine Research Facility, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Pacific Regional Center in Hawaii, and the New Doha International Airport in Qatar.

Current projects for HOK in Los Angeles include the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC), the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Advanced Health Sciences Pavilion in Los Angeles, the Scripps Memorial Hospital Prebys Cardiovascular Institute in La Jolla, Calif., the East County Detention Center in Indio, Calif., and the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Sky Train Automated People Mover.

5 + 3 Jul 2012

HOK Named Executive Architect for Medical Center Campus Renewal in St. Louis by BJC HealthCare

Project will increase private rooms, consolidate services and improve way-finding at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis Children’s Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine

ST. LOUIS – HOK has been named executive architect on the long-term project to renew the medical center campus on Kingshighway Boulevard, which encompasses Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis Children’s Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine.

Existing Kingshighway Campus in St. Louis:

image from HOK, architects

HOK, a global design and planning firm with an extensive healthcare project portfolio, has earned a reputation for designing healthcare facilities, including several previous projects at the medical center that support superior patient outcomes. “HOK brings a strong understanding of the legacy of care on this campus,” said Robert Cannon, BJC group president responsible for design and construction. “As a St. Louis-based company, HOK also appreciates the significance to the community of a project of this magnitude.”

“We are putting together a premier team that can understand and further our goals of quality patient care, teaching and medical research at our academic medical center,” said Richard Liekweg, Barnes-Jewish Hospital president. “Our hospitals have a rich history of providing the finest medical care possible and with this project we want to create an environment and experience for our patients that match that excellent care.”

“HOK is honored to have been selected by these distinguished institutions,” said Rebecca Nolan, AIA, managing principal of HOK in St. Louis. “This project represents one of the most significant building programs in the region. It will generate hundreds of new jobs and stimulate millions of dollars in economic growth.”

Chuck Siconolfi, AIA, ACHA, HOK’s director healthcare planning and design, envisions a future in which scientific, technological and operational advances will continuously improve patient outcomes and quality of experience. “BJC’s project is an opportunity to use these advances to redefine the highest delivery of care standards in the nation,” he said.

“This is a unique opportunity to create environments that will transform the delivery of care while also enhancing the bond between BJC and the community it serves,” said Bill Hellmuth, AIA, HOK’s president and design director on the project. To further enhance this community connection, BJC is committed to ensuring the design of the project is sensitive to the medical center’s heritage and that the project creates opportunities for minority and women owned businesses.

BJC’s selection committee cited HOK’s experience designing some of the world’s most transformative healthcare facilities. These projects include the Barnes-Jewish Center for Advanced Medicine in St. Louis; the LA County + USC Medical Center and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Advanced Health Sciences Pavilion in Los Angeles; St. Bartholomew’s and The Royal London Hospitals in London; Kaiserslautern Military Community Medical Center in Germany; University Medical Center of Princeton in Plainsboro, New Jersey; and the expansion of the Ohio State University Medical Center campus in Columbus, Ohio.

The long-term vision is to transform the medical center campus through renovation and new construction. The first phase will concentrate on the north campus and includes an expansion of St. Louis Children’s Hospital with enlarged diagnostics and treatment spaces and conversion of semi-private rooms to private rooms.

“Demand for pediatric services continues to grow and we are genuinely committed to doing what’s right for kids,” said Lee Fetter, president, St. Louis Children’s Hospital. “This renewal promises a significant impact on the way care is delivered for our patients and families for years to come.”

The unique needs of a teaching and research campus will also be addressed in the renewal project. Additional space for university faculty practice clinics, community physician practices, diagnostic spaces and expanded clinical care at the Siteman Cancer Center and other surgical programs are included in the renovations.

“Our medical campus is an international destination for academic medicine and a national referral center,” said James Crane, M.D., associate vice chancellor for clinical affairs, Washington University School of Medicine. “This project represents an exciting opportunity for us to collaborate on an infrastructure that supports better coordination of patient care and ongoing fulfillment of our teaching and research mission.”

The campus renewal will extend over the next 10 years. In addition to the phase one transition of the north side of the campus, the south end of the campus will undergo renovation and construction with a focus on increased critical care capabilities and additional private inpatient rooms, along with development of programs in medical and surgical services.

Both phases of the project will incorporate significant improvements to parking, traffic flow and way-finding for patients.

Barnes-Jewish Hospital and St. Louis Children’s Hospital are members of BJC HealthCare, one of the largest nonprofit health care organizations in the United States. Both hospitals are affiliated with Washington University School of Medicine.

HOK is a global architectural firm that provides planning and design solutions for high performance, sustainable buildings and communities. Through its collaborative network of 25 offices worldwide, the firm delivers design excellence and innovation to clients globally. Founded in 1955, HOK’s expertise includes architecture, engineering, interiors, strategic facility planning, consulting, lighting, graphics, and construction services. DesignIntelligence ranked HOK as the No. 1 role model for sustainable and high performance design.

10 May 2012

Carl Galioto Elected to HOK’s Global Executive Committee

NEW YORK – Carl Galioto FAIA, managing principal of HOK’s New York office, has been elected to the architectural firm’s global Executive Committee. Galioto joins CEO Patrick MacLeamy, Vice Chairman Clark Davis, President Bill Hellmuth, Chief Operating Officer Tom Robson and Asia Pacific Management Principal Riccardo Mascia in leading the firm’s strategic vision.

Carl Galioto FAIA:

image from HOK, architects

Carl joined HOK in 2009 as a senior principal and the managing principal of HOK in New York. He serves on HOK’s Board of Directors, chairs the firm’s Project Delivery Board and leads HOK’s buildingSMART virtual design and construction initiative.

Galioto will continue to oversee the day-to-day management of HOK’s thriving New York practice, which serves corporate, commercial, healthcare, aviation, and public and institutional clients. “Carl’s election to the Executive Committee is recognition of HOK’s expanding presence in and an increased commitment to the New York marketplace, as well as to our continued focus on excellence in the execution of our design work,” said MacLeamy.

With more than 30 years of management and project delivery experience, Carl possesses industry-leading expertise in the design and implementation of large, complex projects in New York City and around the world.

Galioto is active in civic and professional activities in New York and is currently serving on the Boards of the New York Building Congress, Partnership for New York City, Regional Plan Association and the ACE Mentor program.

HOK in New York’s projects include LG Electronics’ North American headquarters in New Jersey, Canon USA’s headquarters in New York, Chancery of Singapore to the United Nations in New York, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Harlem Hospital Center in New York and University Medical Center at Princeton in New Jersey.

HOK is a global architectural firm that provides planning and design solutions for high performance, sustainable buildings and communities. Through its collaborative network of 25 offices worldwide, the firm delivers design excellence and innovation to clients globally. Founded in 1955, HOK’s expertise includes architecture, engineering, interiors, strategic facility planning, consulting, lighting, graphics and construction services. DesignIntelligence ranked HOK as the No. 1 role model for sustainable and high performance design.

May 9, 2012
HOK Appoints Nancy Hamilton as Director of Engineering Services

Former Arup Leader is National Expert in High-Performance, Integrated Building Design

CHICAGO – Nancy Hamilton, S.E., P.E., has joined HOK, a global design firm, as Director of Engineering Services. Based in Chicago, she leads HOK’s firm-wide mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) and structural engineering group. She comes to HOK with 24 years in leadership roles at industry leader Arup.

“Engineering services are a very important part of what we offer our clients,” said HOK President Bill Hellmuth, AIA. “Nancy’s arrival allows us to continue expanding our engineering practice in order to deliver the maximum benefit to our clients with buildings that exhibit design excellence.”

image from HOK, architects

Hamilton is a national expert in creating high-performance, integrated building engineering design solutions. She has been the building engineering leader and lead structural engineer on dozens of complex, high-profile projects, including aviation and transportation facilities, office towers, healthcare buildings, laboratories, museums, stadiums and schools.

“A seamless integration of architecture and engineering ensures the greatest return on investment for building owners,” said Hamilton. “HOK’s focus on building performance and use of Building Information Modeling tools and Integrated Project Delivery methods puts the interests of our clients first.”

“An expanded and integrated engineering practice – including structural, MEP, building enclosures and energy modeling – aligns with HOK’s core values of great design, sustainable solutions and the use of our buildingSMART tools to achieve those results,” said Carl Galioto, FAIA, Managing Principal of HOK’s New York office and leader of the firm’s buildingSMART initiative.

Current HOK engineering projects include JFK International Airport Terminal 4, Concourse A and B, in New York; Salt Lake City International Airport Terminal Redevelopment in Salt Lake City, Utah; Penang Sentral, a mixed-use transportation hub, in Penang, Malaysia; and New Doha International Airport in Doha, Qatar.

HOK is a global architectural firm that provides planning and design solutions for sustainable, high-performance buildings and communities. Through its collaborative network of 25 offices worldwide, the firm delivers design excellence and innovation to clients globally. Founded in 1955, HOK’s expertise includes architecture, engineering, interiors, strategic facility planning, consulting, lighting, graphics and construction services. DesignIntelligence ranked HOK as the No. 1 role model for sustainable and high performance design and Engineering News-Record named HOK a leading U.S.-based architecture-engineering firm.

HOK Architecture Practice News Archive 2011

17 Sep 2011

HOK Expands Aviation + Transportation Team

HOK, one of the world’s leading aviation and transportation facility architects, is further strengthening its Aviation + Transportation team to manage current projects and pursue new opportunities in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India.

With numerous notable project wins in hand, HOK London has appointed Richard Gammon as a Director of Aviation + Transportation and he will join the HOK global Aviation + Transportation Leadership team. Richard will be based in London and will sit on the firm’s London Board of Directors.

Richard brings with him a breadth of experience and innovative thinking which will complement HOK’s presence in the aviation and transportation market. He will join the global Aviation + Transportation team at the end of July with a brief to drive expansion and support the development of HOK’s expertise in this important sector.

Richard Gammon commented: “I am delighted to be joining HOK in such a significant role and, in particular, to be joining such a talented and innovative team. I am convinced that the evolution of transport facilities, especially airports, is on the verge of a dramatic shift in approach and I believe that HOK is very well placed to lead the way and make a positive contribution to this very exciting time.”

Success in HOK’s London office has been built on a number significant project wins in the UK, Europe and India which is due to the commitment, expertise and energy of both Nicola Morton and Anthony Leslie. As a result we are delighted to announce the promotion of Nicola Morton to Sector Leader of Aviation –London – and the promotion of Anthony Leslie to Sector Leader of Transportation-London. Nicola Morton will focus on continued expansion of HOK’s influence across existing and new aviation projects both in the UK and the EMEA region, while Anthony Leslie will concentrate on transportation initiatives and targeting new projects in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India.

Robert Firth, Director for Practice Building in London, commented: “We are very excited about Richard’s appointment and the powerful team this will now create with Nicola and Anthony. HOK is making a real difference in the global development of airport and transportation facilities. Our BIM and sustainable design leadership gives us a real advantage, and clients are continuing to realise the benefits we bring to this vital sector globally.”

Nicola Molton said: “I am delighted to be part of this exciting initiative and believe that it will create incredible synergies across HOK London’s work in both the aviation and transportation sectors.”

Anthony Leslie said: “Transportation drives the way mankind creates community, both for work and leisure. To have the opportunity to be involved in that process around the world is extremely exciting.”

17 Jan 2011

HOK invites Robert Firth to join London Leadership Team

Global architectural practice HOK is pleased to announce that Robert Firth is joining the London office of HOK, where he will lead efforts to grow the practice by expanding existing and new markets and sectors, both in the UK and abroad.

photo : Steve Hall / HOK

Robert has proved his ability in strategic planning and growth as Head of Architecture for Capita Architecture, and in the last year with Austin-Smith Lord, where he initiated far-reaching changes to the organisation’s practice structure. His experience in strategic planning and development complements HOK’s plan to strengthen and expand its position in the UK, Europe and the Middle East despite potentially difficult market conditions in the near future.

With recent major wins in the aviation, healthcare, hospitality and education sectors, HOK’s diversity and innovative approach continue to be strengths of the practice. HOK London’s current geographic reach is confirmed by landmark projects in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, India and Central Asia.

Robert Firth commented, “I am delighted to join HOK in such an important role for their London practice. The London office undertakes a vast range of high quality projects ranging across continents. I am very enthusiastic about being part of such an innovative global practice which is at the forefront of BIM integration and client strategies. I feel HOK have been too modest about their achievements, which frequently involve ingenious solutions to very complicated projects.”

Larry Malcic, Director of Design, said, “Rob Firth comes to HOK at an excellent time for the practice. We have maintained a strong and diverse practice over the last two years of global economic turmoil, and now we want to grow and expand in 2011. Rob’s experience, talent, energy and imagination make him an ideal colleague and fellow director as we create and fulfil our future plans”.

HOK Architecture Practice News Archive 2010

HOK Selected a ‘Best AEC Firm to Work For’ by Building Design + Construction Magazine

Mar 30, 2010

Firm is the only architectural practice to be honored in U.S. industry publication’s 2010 awards program.

Building Design + Construction magazine has selected global architectural firm HOK as one of the Best AEC firms to work for in 2010. HOK is the only architectural practice to earn the honor, which recognizes the firm’s commitment to its people, projects and communities.

HOK in London:

image : HOK

“Earning this third-party industry recognition is a testament to each of our employees,” says HOK Chief Talent Officer Susan Mitchell-Ketzes. “During a period of tremendous challenge and change in our profession and world, our people are consistently going the extra mile to serve our clients and to shape the firm’s future.”

In recognition of the award, HOK is featured in BD+C’s March 2010 issue in a three-page profile titled “Giant Firm, Big Heart.” The article features HOK’s leadership and commitment to sustainability, professional and career development, community outreach, technology and entrepreneurialism. It also highlights a few of the firm’s unique benefits, including the Socially Responsible Fund option in its 401(k) savings plan, adoption and domestic partner benefits, paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, talent sharing and wellness programs.

From the article: “As a global firm, HOK takes pride in helping the communities it serves around the world. Two years ago, the firm issued a challenge to each of its offices to complete a service activity that involved every employee in that office. HOK staff devoted thousands of hours to renovating schools, upgrading urban parks, helping to preserve a historic site, and rebuilding an orphanage. In 2009, the American Society of Interior Designers honored the firm and its employees with its “Design for Humanity Award” for their collective pro bono community efforts.”

“…HOK is also investing in technology. Its Advanced Collaboration Rooms, which incorporate Cisco’s TelePresence and Thunder’s virtual whiteboard system, enabled more than 200 experts from six offices to successfully complete the design of the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia.

“Several big wins attest to the firm’s continued strength: being named design architect for the $130 million LEED Platinum modernizations of the Byron G. Rogers federal office building in Denver (funded through the stimulus program); earning a role on the design-build team for the $435 million U.S. Coast Guard headquarters in Southeast Washington, D.C.; and transforming the Old San Francisco Mint (1874) into a mixed use center.”

Other firms earning recognition by the magazine include JBA Consulting Engineers, Designers Consultants & Associates, and Walbridge.

HOK is a global architectural firm that specializes in planning, design and delivery solutions for buildings and communities. Through its collaborative network of 23 offices worldwide, the firm serves diverse clients within the corporate, commercial, public and institutional markets. HOK is committed to developing resources and expertise to help lead the world toward sustainable communities and building environments. Founded in 1955, the firm’s expertise includes architecture, engineering, interiors, planning, lighting, graphics, facilities planning and assessment, and construction services.

HOK Architecture Practice News Archive 2009

7 Jul 2009

HOK TOPS ANNUAL RANKING OF GREEN DESIGN FIRMS

Architectural design firm emerges as #1 practice on 2009 ENR survey of ‘Top 100 Green Design Firms.’

For the second consecutive year, HOK ranks as the greenest design firm on the planet. A new survey published in the July 6, 2009, issue of Engineering News-Record (ENR) magazine ranked the global architectural design practice as the firm engaged in the most sustainable work.

The survey is based on revenue for design services generated in 2008 from projects actively seeking certification from major third-party environmental standards or ratings organizations, such as the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® certification system.

Jean Canfield Government of Canada building in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island:

photo : Tom Arban / HOK

HOK generated $197.54 million, or 26 percent of total revenue, from sustainable projects in 2008.
In the magazine’s individual rankings by sector, HOK ranked first in the “Education” sector; second in the “Commercial Offices” sector; second in the “Sports, Entertainment & Civic” sector; and third in the “Government Offices” sector.

As a group, the Top 100 firms generated $2.85 billion in design revenue in 2008 from projects registered with, and actively seeking certification from, third-party ratings groups. This marked a 63.9% increase over $1.74 billion in revenue from 2007 for the group.

Despite the economic downturn that has slowed global construction, HOK’s green expertise and impact have continued to increase. “While the business has shifted dramatically in the past year, sustainable design continues to resonate among clients across all sectors and regions,” says HOK Sustainable Design Director Mary Ann Lazarus. “We are continuing to broaden our expertise to help clients solve their environmental, economic and social challenges through traditional and non-traditional strategies. And through our exclusive alliance with the Biomimicry Guild, we are applying nature’s innovations to the planning and design of buildings, communities and cities worldwide.”

A pioneer in the green building movement since the early 1990s, HOK’s sustainable design expertise has led to 43 LEED certified projects, six BREEAM rated projects and more than 100 others actively pursuing certification. The firm has played a significant role in applying sustainable design strategies to emerging geographic regions, building types and sectors. In addition, HOK principals authored one of the industry’s most respected texts, “The HOK Guidebook to Sustainable Design,” published by John Wiley & Sons.

23 Apr 2009

HOK CHIEF TALENT OFFICER SUSAN MITCHELL-KETZES JOINS FIRM’S GLOBAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Ten Employees Elected to HOK Inc. Board of Directors.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – HOK Chief Talent Officer Susan Mitchell-Ketzes has been elected to the firm’s global Executive Committee by HOK employee shareholders, announced CEO Patrick MacLeamy at the annual HOK shareholders’ meeting, April 14 in Washington, D.C. She joins MacLeamy, Chairman Bill Valentine, Vice Chairman Clark Davis, President Bill Hellmuth, HOK Houston Management Principal Tom Robson and Chief Financial Officer Bob Pratzel in leading the firm’s strategic vision.

image : HOK

Based in Atlanta, Mitchell-Ketzes is responsible for the success and development of HOK’s people globally. Her priorities include developing the current and next generation of HOK leaders to ensure the firm’s design thinkers lead the professions in innovation, diversity and operational excellence.

“My role is about finding, nurturing, growing and guiding people,” she says. “HOK is all about leaders, and we believe that leaders happen at every level in our firm – regardless of tenure, age, location or skill set.”
Mitchell-Ketzes joined HOK in 1996; prior to assuming her current role in 2008, she was a Director of Global Workplace Solutions with HOK Advance Strategies. In this position, she served FORTUNE 100 and 500 businesses and other top organizations through her expertise in vision setting, alternative work solutions, communication, training strategies and change management.

“Susan brings the inspiring leadership, strategic vision, passion for people and capacity for bold action that HOK needs for our next stage of growth,” MacLeamy says. “Her commitment to diversity in all aspects of life and leadership is central to developing the leaders who will propel HOK into the future.”
View a video of Susan discussing leadership and developing people at HOK.

New Board Members
The HOK Group Board of Directors also elected 10 HOK employees to the HOK Inc. Board of Directors for a one-year term: Sabine Bartzke, Director, Corporate Accounts Practice (New York); James Berry, Management Principal, HOK London; Robert Chicas, Director, Aviation + Transportation (New York); Lisa Green, General Counsel (St. Louis); Susan Klumpp, Operations Director, HOK Washington, D.C; Rebecca Nolan, Managing Principal, HOK St. Louis; Tom Polucci, Director of Interiors, HOK Chicago; Bob Pratzel, Chief Financial Officer (St. Louis); Leigh Stringer, Practice Leader, HOK Advance Strategies (Washington, D.C); and Ken Young, Chief Information Officer (San Francisco). They join 18 other directors who have been re-elected to the HOK, Inc. Board of Directors for an additional one-year term.

“Our newest Board members are diverse, visionary leaders who have demonstrated their expertise and innovation in design, marketing and operations,” says MacLeamy. “They are well equipped to help direct HOK’s future, and I believe the entire firm will benefit from their unique perspectives.”