Government News
30 March 2010
HOK Selected a 'Best AEC Firm to Work For' by Building Design + Construction Magazine
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.
"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.
