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HOK (firm)

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HOK Group, Inc.
Company typePrivate
IndustryArchitecture, engineering, urban planning
Founded1955; 69 years ago (1955)
Founders
Headquarters
St. Louis, Missouri
,
United States
Number of locations
26 offices
Area served
International
Key people
  • Eli Hoisington
  • Susan Klumpp Williams (Co-CEOs)
  • Carl Galioto (President)
ServicesArchitecture, Consulting, Engineering, Experience Design, Interiors, Landscape Architecture, Lighting Design, On-Site Space Management, Planning + Urban Design, Sustainable Design
Number of employees
1,600[1]
Websitewww.hok.com
HOK founding partners George Hellmuth, Gyo Obata, and George Kassabaum (1956)
Priory Chapel at Saint Louis Abbey located in Creve Coeur a suburb of St. Louis
National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.
Tokyo Telecom Center in Tokyo
Passenger Terminal Amsterdam in Amsterdam
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia
Indianapolis International Airport Colonel H. Weir Cook Terminal in Indianapolis, Indiana
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida
World Trade Center in Chennai, India
Rogers Place arena in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

HOK, formerly Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum, is an American design, architecture, engineering, and urban planning firm. Founded in 1955, it is now registered as HOK Group, Inc.

History

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Founding

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HOK was established in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1955.[2] The firm is named for its three founding partners: George F. Hellmuth, Gyo Obata and George Kassabaum, all graduates of the School of Architecture at Washington University in St. Louis.[2]

The practice's first building designs were schools in St. Louis suburbs, and St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Florissant was the first independent school designed by the firm. Another prominent school they designed was the Saint Louis Priory School.[3]

Early years

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By the mid-1960s, the firm was winning commissions across the United States and began to open additional offices, starting with San Francisco in 1966 for the design of a library at Stanford University and Dallas in 1968 for the master planning and design of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.[4][5] Also in 1968, HOK launched its interior design practice. That year, HOK expanded into Washington, D.C., after winning the commission to design the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. In 1973, HOK established a presence in New York by acquiring Kahn & Jacobs, designers of many New York City skyscrapers. By the 1970s, the firm was operating internationally and in 1975 the firm was named as architect of the $3.5 billion King Saud University in Riyadh, at the time the single largest building project in the world.[6] In 1979, George Kassabaum was elected into the National Academy of Design as an Associate Academician.[7]

In 1983, HOK formed HOK Sport Venue Event, a subsidiary devoted entirely to designing sport stadiums, arenas, and convention centers, an architectural boom market at the time.[6] In January 2009, the Board of HOK Group, Inc. and managers of HOK Sports Facilities, LLC transferred ownership of HOK Sport to leaders of that practice. The company became an independent firm, and rebranded itself as Populous.[8]

Expansion and acquisitions

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HOK's first office outside the US opened in Hong Kong in 1984, and the second in London in 1987, a practice that would be expanded in 1995 by merging with the British architectural practice Cecil Denny Highton.[9][10]

The firm expanded into China in 2013, when it acquired the New York and Shanghai offices of hospitality design firm BBG-BBGM, creating one of the world's largest interior design firms,[11] although BBG-BBGM's office in Washington, D.C., continues to operate as BBGM. By 2007, international work represented more than 40% of HOK's annual revenue.[12]

As of June 2024, HOK operates 26 offices[13] across North America, Europe and Asia, including in Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai in China; Dubai in the Middle East;[14] Mumbai, India; and Toronto, Canada, where it established its first offices in 1997 with the acquisition of Urbana Architects.[15][16][17][18][19]

Other domestic acquisitions include Caudill Rowlett Scott based in Houston, Texas, in November 1994, adding offices in Houston and Atlanta.[20][21] The purchase of 360 Architecture in January 2015, a 200-person, Kansas City-based firm, gave the group capabilities in the design of stadiums, ballparks and arenas.[22] That acquisition enabled HOK to launch a new global Sports, Recreation, and Entertainment design practice after the breakaway of Populous, and to open new offices in Kansas City and Columbus, Ohio.[23] This return to the firm's tradition of stadium architecture was buoyed on May 15, 2015, when the firm announced a multi-year partnership with the United Soccer League (USL) in the US to lead a stadium development, design and standards initiative to help house all USL clubs in soccer-specific stadiums across North America by the end of the decade.[24]

Leadership

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In 2023, Eli Hoisington and Susan Klumpp Williams were appointed joint co-CEOs of HOK, the firm's youngest CEOs, and the first time it had appointed a woman.[25][26] They succeeded Bill Hellmuth, founder George Hellmuth’s nephew, who was president of the firm from 2004 to 2016 and CEO from 2016 until his passing in 2023.[27] Prior to Bill Hellmuth, Patrick MacLeamy served as HOK’s CEO from 2003 to 2016, and chairman since 2012.[28] MacLeamy succeeded HOK Chairman Bill Valentine when he retired after 50 years with the firm.[29]

Innovation and sustainable design

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In 1983, HOK introduced HOK Draw, computer-aided drafting software products that specialized in conceptual architectural design. In the early 2000s, HOK began using Building Information Modeling (BIM) to streamline the design and construction process.[30]

His team designed the Weather Prediction Center with a four-story waterfall to direct rainwater into bio-retention gardens; and a louvred sunlight system for a building used by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.[31][32]

HOK has worked with the Biomimicry Group, co-founded by Janine Benyus, since 2008, which directs designers to use natural models in solving problems such as precipitation capture.[33][34] In 2010 they collaborated with the energy and daylight consultancy, The Weidt Group, to complete Net Zero Court, a zero-emissions class A commercial office building in St. Louis.[35][36] Using an ocular roof design, their 2017 Mercedes-Benz Stadium became the first LEED Platinum certified sports stadium in the US.[37][38] Their design for the Boston Consulting Group HQ in Toronto in 2022, uses principles of wellness-informed architecture, to maximise natural light and encouraging standing, for which it won WELL Platinum Certification from WELL Building Standard accreditation body.[39]

HOK and Biomimicry 3.8 released the Genius of Biome report, a textbook for how to apply biomimicry design principles.[40] In 2014, ORO Editions published HOK Tall Buildings, a 300-page book exploring the design of the contemporary high-rise.[41]

Publications

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  • Mendler, Sandra; Odell, William (2000). The HOK Guidebook to Sustainable Design. New York Weinheim: Wiley. ISBN 9780471379065. OCLC 45059599.

Selected projects

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References

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  1. ^ "HOK buys US firm 360 Architecture". 20 August 2014.
  2. ^ a b Olsen, Carlene (11 March 2022). "HOK Cofounder Gyo Obata Dies at 99". Interior Design. Retrieved 2024-02-27.
  3. ^ a b "Lee F. Mindel Tours the St. Louis Priory Chapel". Architectural Digest. 2014-01-31. Retrieved 2022-04-04.
  4. ^ "Stanford University Architectural Collection". oac.cdlib.org. Retrieved 2024-02-27.
  5. ^ Bell, Ervin J., ed. (1968). "ARCHITECT OR DESIGNER" (PDF). The Architectural Index – via US Modernist.
  6. ^ a b "Anatomy of a Giant: HOK". Building Design + Construction. 11 August 2010. Retrieved 2021-04-22.
  7. ^ "Complete List of National Academicians from 1826 to the present" (PDF). National Academy of Design. p. 30.
  8. ^ Chu, Jeff (2009-04-01). "The Biggest-and Newest-Name in Sports Stadiums: Populous". Fast Company. Retrieved 2021-04-22.
  9. ^ Kassabaum, Hellmuth, Obata & (2009). HOK. Images Publishing. pp. 6–8. ISBN 978-1-86470-318-4.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  10. ^ Booth, Emily, ed. (2005-03-10). "Founding partner of Cecil Denny Highton dies". The Architects’ Journal. Retrieved 2024-05-21.
  11. ^ Nalewicki, Jennifer (January 20, 2014). "BBG-BBGM Joins HOK to Form Global Hospitality Leader". Interior Design Magazine. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved January 26, 2014.
  12. ^ Staff (June 23, 2008) "Uncertain Economy Pushes Design Firms To Diversify Their Portfolios" Engineering News-Record
  13. ^ Lau, Wanda. "Return to office: How it started and how it's going | The American Institute of Architects". www.aia.org. Retrieved 2024-06-07.
  14. ^ Byrne, Holly, ed. (2015-05-13). "HOK appoints new Dubai managing principal - Commercial Interior Design". Commercial Interior Design. Retrieved 2024-05-21.
  15. ^ "The Green Urban Office". Metropolis. 2007-01-01. Retrieved 2021-04-22.
  16. ^ "HOK's Asia Practice Celebrates its 35th Anniversary « PRC Magazine (Pacific Rim Construction)". Retrieved 2024-05-21.
  17. ^ Kassabaum, Hellmuth, Obata & (2009). HOK. Images Publishing. p. 10. ISBN 978-1-86470-318-4.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  18. ^ Newspaper, Architect's (2015-12-08). "HOK Toronto Office". The Architect’s Newspaper. Retrieved 2024-05-21.
  19. ^ MacLeamy, Patrick (2020-03-17). Designing a World-Class Architecture Firm: The People, Stories, and Strategies Behind HOK. John Wiley & Sons. ISBN 978-1-119-68543-2.
  20. ^ Callahan, Marjorie (2012). "Off-site facilities relevancy" (PDF). Offsite: 154–155.
  21. ^ Smith, Cara (29 August 2018). "How HOK grew its architecture practice in Houston". www.bizjournals.com. Retrieved 2024-05-21.
  22. ^ Aa, As (2015-01-18). "HOK acquired 360 Architecture and the New Stadium Atlanta – aasarchitecture". Retrieved 2024-05-21.
  23. ^ "HOK completes acquisition of 360 Architecture". PanStadia & Arena Management. January 14, 2015. Archived from the original on January 1, 2020. Retrieved January 15, 2015.
  24. ^ "HOK and USL launch stadium development initiative". Stadia. Retrieved May 15, 2015.
  25. ^ "Executive Moves". Crain's New York Business. Crain Communications Inc. Retrieved 21 November 2023.
  26. ^ Timpano, Andrea. "HOK Appoints Co-CEOs". ARCHITECT. Retrieved 21 November 2023.
  27. ^ Hill, John (12 April 2023). "Bill Hellmuth, 1953-2023". World Architects.
  28. ^ "Bill Hellmuth named HOK's new CEO". Building Design + Construction. BDC Network. 20 April 2016. Retrieved 21 November 2023.
  29. ^ MacLeamy, Patrick (2020-03-13). Designing a World-Class Architecture Firm: The People, Stories, and Strategies Behind HOK. John Wiley & Sons. pp. 239–240. ISBN 978-1-119-68545-6.
  30. ^ Staff (January 30, 2007) "BIM at HOK", AEC Magazine January 30, 2007.
  31. ^ Rosenwald, Michael S. (14 April 2023). "Bill Hellmuth, pioneer in sustainable architecture who led HOK, dies at 69". The Washington Post.
  32. ^ "Tribute: Bill Hellmuth (1953–2023) | Architectural Record". www.architecturalrecord.com. Retrieved 2024-05-29.
  33. ^ HOK, Paul Woolford (2014-02-07). "Biomimicry for an Innovative Built Environment". Wired. ISSN 1059-1028. Retrieved 2024-05-29.
  34. ^ Merchant, Brian (September 22, 2009) "HOK and Biomimicry Guild Forge Alliance for Bio-Inspired Design Excellence" Archived 2011-10-25 at the Wayback Machine TreeHugger
  35. ^ Bertoldi, Paolo; Trenev, Gueorgui (2013). "Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Energy Efficiency in Commercial Buildings IEECB'12" (PDF). International Conference on Energy Efficiency in Commercial Buildings. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union: 59. ISBN 978-92-79-28222-5 – via JRC Publications Repository.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  36. ^ Valentine, Bill (October 2010) "Net Zero: Two global design firms issue a call to action and lead by example" Archived 2016-03-04 at the Wayback Machine, Contract
  37. ^ Sam, Lubell (2017-10-13). "Driving force: HOK pioneers the return of innovative stadium design in Atlanta". wallpaper.com. Retrieved 2024-05-29.
  38. ^ Leardi, Lindsey (2017-11-23). "HOK's Mercedes-Benz Stadium Will Be the First LEED Platinum-Certified Pro Sports Stadium in the US". ArchDaily. Retrieved 2024-05-29.
  39. ^ updated, Ellie Stathaki last (2022-10-22). "Toronto office by HOK is designed as a post-covid workspace". wallpaper.com. Retrieved 2024-05-21.
  40. ^ Badore, Margaret (June 20, 2013) "Genius of Biome Report: A Biomimicry Primer", TreeHugger
  41. ^ Staff (May 1, 2014) "HOK Tall Buildings",ORO Editions
  42. ^ "UNION STATION, CENTRE GIVE ST. LOUIS A SHOT IN THE ARCH". Chicago Tribune. 15 September 1985. Retrieved 2022-04-04.
  43. ^ cmorris (2016-08-15). "Independence Temple | Zahner — Innovation and Collaboration to Achieve the Incredible". Retrieved 2022-04-04.
  44. ^ "Gallery of Trading "Should" for "Could": Opening up Debate on the Obama Library Design - 2". ArchDaily. Retrieved 2022-04-04.
  45. ^ a b c "Who are the architects?". barcaacademy.fcbarcelona.com. Retrieved 2022-04-04.
  46. ^ "Logan Airport Becomes Home to World's First LEED-Certified Terminal". Facilitiesnet. Retrieved 2022-04-04.
  47. ^ "HOK Sport". www.architectmagazine.com. Retrieved 2022-04-04.
  48. ^ "HOK Completes Acquisition of 360 Architecture". www.businesswire.com. 2015-01-13. Retrieved 2022-04-04.
  49. ^ team, Code8. "Carnival House". HILSON MORAN. Retrieved 2022-04-04.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  50. ^ "Metlife Stadium". www.architectmagazine.com. Retrieved 2022-04-04.
  51. ^ "The Dalí Museum / HOK". ArchDaily. 2011-01-13. Retrieved 2022-04-04.
  52. ^ "Keangnam Hanoi Landmark Tower - The Skyscraper Center". www.skyscrapercenter.com. Retrieved 2022-04-04.
  53. ^ "Baku Flame Towers / HOK". ArchDaily. 2014-08-21. Retrieved 2022-04-04.
  54. ^ "BBC New Broadcasting House / HOK & MacCormac Jamieson Prichard + Sheppard Robson". ArchDaily. 2013-06-25. Retrieved 2022-04-04.
  55. ^ "Porsche North America Experience Center and Headquarters / HOK". ArchDaily. 2016-05-23. Retrieved 2022-04-04.
  56. ^ Brown, Steve (November 6, 2013). "Perot Buys Downtown Dallas Corner, Hints at Grand Plans". Dallas Morning News.
  57. ^ "LaGuardia Airport's new Terminal B officially opens in New York City". ABC7 New York. 2020-06-13. Retrieved 2024-03-13.
  58. ^ "The Chicago Athenaeum". www.chi-athenaeum.org. Retrieved 2024-05-21.
  59. ^ "hok.com: Orlando Magic and AdventHealth Open New Training Center and Clinic". hok.com. HOK. August 31, 2023. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
  60. ^ "St. Louis' new soccer stadium feels like part of the city". Fast Company. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
  61. ^ "Toronto office by HOK is designed as a post-covid workspace". Wallpaper*. 22 October 2022. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
  62. ^ "HOK and ERRE Reveal Design of New Arena in Valencia, Spain". HOK. November 8, 2019. Retrieved 2024-02-11.
  63. ^ "NYCFC Selects Hok and Turner Construction Company to Design and Build New York City's First-Ever Soccer-Specific Stadium". New York City FC. April 14, 2023. Retrieved April 29, 2023.
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