Project Architect - Sports

HOK marked its 70th anniversary in 2025, and we continue to be a collective of future-forward thinkers and designers committed to tackling the critical challenges of our time. Our mission is simple yet powerful: improve lives, serve our clients, and heal the planet. At HOK, design excellence thrives at the intersection of art and science-where creativity meets purpose.

HOK New York is seeking a Project Architect and Senior Project Architect for its dynamic Sports, Recreation, and Entertainment practice.

At HOK, we design places where people gather, compete, train, and celebrate - from professional and collegiate sports venues to recreation centers and entertainment destinations. Our Sports + Recreation + Entertainment (SRE) group is seeking a licensed Project Architect with demonstrated experience in sports-focused projects to join our New York City studio. In this role, you will partner closely with the Project Manager and Project Designer to lead the technical delivery of high-profile projects, from early design through construction. You will play a key role in shaping projects that are documented, coordinated, and built, while mentoring teams and contributing to a culture of excellence. Together with other teams, you will help continue to expand and grow the practice responsible for designing some of the most innovative sports venues around the world.

Responsibilities

Lead Iconic Sports Projects

• Advocate for and uphold the design intent of stadiums, arenas, training facilities, locker rooms, and other sports-related venues, ensuring seamless translation into comprehensive construction documentation.
• Ensure the project's design intent is fully integrated into detailed documentation from concept through construction.
• Provide oversight of technical resolution, interdisciplinary coordination, and quality execution for assigned project components.
• Lead documentation strategy, including BIM standards, file structure, and software setup.
• Establish and uphold the project documentation strategy in alignment with firm standards, including BIM execution plans, file structure, and software workflows.
• Lead interdisciplinary coordination of drawings and specifications, collaborating closely with the Specification Writer and consultant team.
• Oversee technical review of reports, plans, estimates, and calculations to ensure compliance with QA/QC standards, codes, and contractual requirements.
• Direct document production across all project phases, defining sheet organization, data governance, and the level of BIM development required to support design intent and construction delivery.
• Maintain strong collaboration with Project Leadership and cross-disciplinary partners.
• Communicate with consultants, vendors, and contractors to ensure complete and accurate project requirements.
• Ensures that construction detail documentation conforms to quality assurance, quality control, and best practice standards.
• Lead and mentor junior staff, fostering professional development and contributing to firmwide lessonslearned and bestpractice initiatives.

Client Interface + Business Development

• Build and sustain trusted relationships with client leadership and key stakeholders.
• Communicate regularly with clients to confirm requirements, scope, and specifications throughout all project phases.
• Lead progress reviews and deliver clear, effective presentations to convey project status, decisions, and recommendations.
• Participate in targeted business development efforts within the SRE market, collaborating with project and market leaders to pursue new opportunities and strengthen client relationships.

Teamwork & Coordination

• Work under the direction of the Principal in Charge and Technical Principal.
• Manage shared digital documentation with internal teams, consultants, and clients.
• Support development and coordination of working drawing sets.
• Meet with permitting agencies to secure approvals or variances.
• Prepare project communications, including reports, memos, and meeting minutes.
• Participate in site visits, field reviews, and contractor coordination, including review of schedules, shop drawings, and samples.
• Assist with product research, material evaluation, and specification setup.
• Contribute expertise to team discussions on design, technical issues, scheduling, and budgets.
• Produce 2D/3D drawings or models as needed.
• Integrate sustainable and high-performance design strategies into all phases of work.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in architecture required - Master's degree preferred.
• 10+ years of professional architectural design experience for Project Architect applicants, preferably on complex or large-scale Sports projects.
• 20+ years of professional architectural design experience for Senior Project Architect applicants, preferably on complex or large-scale Sports projects.
• Licensed Architect with current regional registration required.
• NCARB certification preferred.
• LEED accreditation or Green Associate preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Advanced knowledge of architectural design, building systems, construction methods, materials, and manufacturer suitability.
• Strong understanding of sustainability, integrated design, and LEED guidelines.
• Expertise in QA/QC processes and building code research and application.
• Advanced knowledge of construction administration, including contract administration, field coordination, and issue resolution.
• Proficiency in Revit required; AutoCAD preferred.
• Experience with 3D modeling tools (SketchUp, Rhino, Grasshopper) and Affinity suite preferred.
• A strong passion for sports, a commitment to technical leadership, and a collaborative approach to working with teams.

You will collaborate with a team of designers and technical experts shaping world-class venues-places that define cities, elevate fan experience, and support athletes and communities. At HOK, we value curiosity, accountability, mentorship, and design excellence. If you are ready to help create places where unforgettable moments happen, we would love to hear from you.

Compensation is based on experience, qualifications, education, and location. The reasonably expected ranges for these positions are $110,000-$120,000 (Project Architect) and $120,000-$150,000 (Senior Project Architect). Other compensation may include a discretionary bonus. #LI-WK1

Many of our roles require the use of specific software. Please refer to the Required and Preferred Software & Skills for details.

HOK invests in its people and communities, supporting both personal and professional growth through every stage of life. At HOK you'll have a hybrid work environment, 10 paid holidays (including 2 floating holidays) and a minimum of 4 weeks of paid time off with a cash out option. HOK offers comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, free mental wellness resources, life and AD&D coverage and short and long-term disability benefits. HOK supports your growing family by offering 4 weeks of paid parental leave and fertility coverage. HOK helps to fund your future financial needs with matching contributions to our 401(K) plan which includes a well-rounded investment menu as well as free guidance on retirement planning.

Wherever you are in your career, HOK provides opportunities to learn, develop and utilize your skills. Continued learning is promoted through financial support and study prep for licensure exams, CEU credit opportunities, mentorship programs, and paid professional memberships. To learn more about designing your career with HOK, explore our current job openings.

HOK is an EOE, including disability/vets.