HOK opened its Boston studio in May 2023 under the leadership of Tom Grimble, senior regional practice leader, and Marianne Weiss, director of design for Interiors. In this interview, they share their love for the city’s rich history and commitment to enhancing the built environment.
Since opening in May 2023, what have been the most significant milestones and projects for HOK’s Boston office?
Marianne: We’ve engaged in numerous cross-office collaborations. These include AstraZeneca’s Research & Development facility in Kendall Square, Etihad Park for the New York City Football Club and a tenant fit-out for GSK. We’ve also secured new workplace consulting projects with Takeda and look forward to deepening our partnership with them.
Tom: We met our goal of building out the initial team within the first year, and now we are focused on business development, building networks with local consultants and clients. We’ve made great headway over the past year.
You have both lived and worked in Boston for more than 20 years. How has the city transformed over that time?
Marianne: Boston has always been a leader in creating urban spaces, like the country’s first public botanical garden, the Boston Public Garden. Twenty years ago, Boston’s Big Dig project moved the elevated freeway underground, which led to the creation of the greenway connecting Boston’s Emerald Necklace—1,100 acres of parks designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.
Tom: Boston has become a developer-led city with active growth areas like the Seaport district which is re-energizing that part of the city and Kendall Square, which is known as the most innovative square mile on the planet. It is near both MIT and Harvard, so many life science and tech companies want to access that talent pool.
Science and technology companies have a strong presence in Boston. How are you addressing this market’s needs?
Tom: I often joke that the four largest industries in Boston are life sciences, higher education, healthcare and the people who design and build those projects.
There are many small biotech startups that began in Kendall Square and Cambridge that have since been acquired by larger companies. We recently designed the fit-out of two buildings for Sanofi in Cambridge to consolidate their regional offices. By the time it was complete, Sanofi had already acquired enough companies to fill both buildings.
Marianne: The innovation emerging from Boston is amazing. It’s a forward-thinking market for healthcare, life sciences, pharmaceuticals, technology, cybersecurity and higher education. Boston is built on innovation.
How are laboratory and office spaces evolving for science and technology companies?
Tom: The traditional 60/40 mix of lab to office space has shifted to 50/50 due to automation and administrative needs. Machines can process data while researchers work in the office. This is transforming the nature of that office space.
Marianne: It also depends on each organization’s needs. Many are experimenting with sensor technology to determine how much people are using certain spaces. Companies see the value in right-sizing their real estate footprint.
AstraZeneca’s New R&D Site in Kendall Square
How are you designing AstraZeneca’s new R&D facility?
Marianne: It’s a hospitality-driven approach. While the 15-story building shares common design elements, each floor has a distinct character. The Charles River was the anchoring concept for our interior design, which incorporates elements like river pebbles, water patterns, the interplay of light and sky, and seasonal changes.
Boston is a city rich in history and culture. How do contemporary design and preservation intersect in your projects?
Tom: Boston has become a more progressive city, with innovative high-density buildings enhancing the historic context. The historic significance of specific buildings is felt more keenly because they’re surrounded by modern buildings. Boston is finding an effective balance.
Marianne: From an interior design perspective, we evaluate what to preserve and what to remove from a building. Beyond sustainability, we engage clients in discussions about what gives a space its character, working together to celebrate its distinctive features.
AstraZeneca’s New R&D Site in Kendall Square
What emerging trends are influencing your work in the Boston market?
Tom: Hospitality is impacting our work across the board with commercial, science and tech, higher education and healthcare projects. Landlords are incorporating amenity spaces to differentiate themselves and attract tenants.
Marianne: There is a flight to quality—clients are looking for buildings with better locations, parking and amenities. They are doubling down on hospitality within the space. That’s especially prevalent in law firms and financial services firms, but everyone is doing it in different degrees.
What kind of studio culture are you building in Boston?
Marianne: We have a startup vibe. Some of our interior designers describe it as a boutique atmosphere while leveraging HOK’s global expertise.
Tom: Yes, we have a startup, roll-up-your-sleeves feel. We create an environment in which the culture can build itself and each person adds to the melting pot. We also provide an environment where collaboration can happen and where transparency is key. That’s what we owe our people.
The Boston Studio at an archery event
Outside of work, what is your favorite weekend activity in Boston?
Marianne: As a yoga teacher, I practice a lot of yoga. We all need that reset and balance to be our best. One of my yoga teachers said to me, “How can you fill anybody else’s cup if your cup is empty?” Taking time to fill my own design cup supports my own personal wellness and helps me engage and collaborate with others.
Tom: I am a mountain biker—it’s what I spend most of my time outside doing. My love of mountain biking and all things food take me to Vermont frequently, too.