Dowdell, previously marketing principal in the firm’s Chicago office, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this newly created position.
Kimberly Dowdell, AIA, NOMAC, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, has been appointed as HOK’s director of strategic relationships. Working closely with the firm’s regional and market leaders, she will lead HOK’s efforts to develop strategic relationships across its global offices.
“This is a new position at HOK, but it fits Kimberly’s unique talents perfectly,” said Riccardo Mascia, managing principal in Chicago and a member of the firm’s executive committee. “In addition to being an accomplished architect, relationship builder and leader in several professional organizations, she has worked with a city government agency, as a developer and as a university lecturer. We’re thrilled with Kimberly’s ability to strengthen and expand our relationships with clients, partners and stakeholders across our market sectors.”
Dowdell co-chairs HOK’s Diversity Advisory Council and helped found HOK Impact, the firm’s social responsibility arm. She also leads HOK Tapestry, an online portal and program for diverse firms seeking to collaborate with HOK. She is the 2023 first vice president of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the 2024 president-elect. She previously was president of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) and is a current member of the National Organization of Minority Architects Council (NOMAC).
“I’m honored to take on this new position at HOK,” said Dowdell. “I look forward to building stronger relationships with our clients and partners, while helping to shape a more sustainable future for our profession. I’m committed to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in everything we do.”
Dowdell will be based in HOK’s Chicago office but will have responsibilities in all the firm’s offices worldwide. She holds a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Architecture from Cornell University, where she also serves as a trustee.