The Asia Pacific hospitality leader and Los Angeles technical principal have been recognized for their contributions to the profession of architecture and society.
J Lee Rofkind, FAIA, LEED AP, and David Frey, FAIA, LEED AP, BD+C have been elevated to the prestigious College of Fellows by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) 2022 Jury of Fellows.
The fellowship program was developed to elevate architects who have achieved a standard of excellence in the profession and made a significant contribution to architecture and society on a national level.
Rofkind is HOK’s regional leader of Hospitality in the Asia Pacific region. Based in Hong Kong, she has more than three decades of experience in hotel design and operations, architecture, interior design, art, lighting and landscape design. Her global portfolio includes work with several leading hospitality brands.
Rofkind was a founding member and past president of the Hong Kong Chapter of the AIA. Since 1997, she has advanced the Chapter through service, mentorship, advocacy and community involvement—all of which helped cement the Institute’s presence in Hong Kong. Her accomplishments include campaigning for the establishment of a permanent home for the Chapter in a heritage building in the center of Hong Kong. Rofkind subsequently directed the design of the new premises and provided project management. She has significantly expanded awareness of American architects working overseas and the contributions they are making to the built environment.
Frey leads the technical direction and development of projects designed in HOK’s Los Angeles studio. Over the past three decades, he has provided technical leadership and innovative project delivery methods on many significant projects in California and worldwide. Frey has special expertise in the design of high-performance building facades.
As a member of HOK’s global Technical Board, he helps ensure the advancement and implementation of design standards and QA/QC compliance in all the firm’s projects. Most recently, Frey has developed HOK’s Project Quality Management System, which integrates design and construction management tools and shares them with the entire project team, including owner and contractor. He also enjoys serving as mentor to other HOK professionals.