Top statewide honor coincides with the opening of HOK’s new 14,000‑sq.-ft. Colony Square workplace, which has been designed for collaboration, wellness and community engagement.
HOK’s Atlanta studio has been recognized as the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Georgia 2025 Architecture Firm of the Year. This is the organization’s highest accolade for an architectural practice.
“This award belongs to every member of our team and to the visionary clients who challenge us to design places that uplift lives across Georgia and beyond,” said Chirag Mistry, AIA, LEED AP, senior principal and a firmwide director for HOK’s Science + Technology practice. “It demonstrates that purpose‑driven design and deep community engagement can go hand in hand.”
In early May, the 65‑person studio moved into a 14,000‑sq.-ft. workspace at Colony Square in Midtown Atlanta. Located just steps from the High Museum and Woodruff Arts Center, the new workspace places the firm at the cultural heart of the city. Designed around the theme of Georgia’s musical heritage and Atlanta’s historical figures, the studio balances enclosed focus rooms with flexible collaboration zones—including “the 404,” a central gathering space.
HOK’s Betsy Graham, Matt Breidenthal and Chirag Mistry (L-R)
Drawing on insights from Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces, a new workplace playbook by HOK Director of Thought Leadership for Interiors Kay Sargent, FASID, FIIDA, CID, LEED® AP, MCR.w, WELL AP, the team incorporated strategies such as circadian‑tuned lighting and zoning for sensory modulation to offer staff flexible options tailored to diverse cognitive and sensory needs.
“Every square foot was conceived to help people connect—whether they’re sketching side‑by‑side, joining a virtual pin‑up or building a model in our maker space,” said Betsy Graham, ASID, IIDA, director of Interiors for HOK in Atlanta. “And by embedding neuroinclusive design principles into the space, we’re supporting our team’s diverse needs while creating a living showcase of the strategies we recommend to clients.”
Founded locally in 1994, HOK’s Atlanta studio has completed more than 600 projects, earned 58 design awards and seen its work published in over 70 outlets. Signature projects include Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, the Grady Health System Correll Pavilion, the National Center for Civil & Human Rights, State Farm Arena, major expansions at Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Porsche Cars North America Headquarters and Emory University’s Health Sciences Research Building II.
HOK’s Ralph Raymond
The AIA Georgia jury noted the studio’s deep civic engagement. Through HOK Impact, employees volunteer thousands of hours with Habitat for Humanity, Trees Atlanta, local schools and other nonprofits. Staff mentors participate in programs such as Project Pipeline and ACE Mentor to nurture the next generation of designers.
“With our new home in Colony Square and an expanding project portfolio across the Southeast, our Atlanta studio is in a fantastic position to increase its impact on the region’s most complex and meaningful design challenges,” said Susan Klumpp Williams, AIA, LEED AP, HOK’s co-CEO. “We’re grateful to AIA Georgia for this prestigious recognition and proud of our Atlanta team’s dedication to design excellence and community service.”
Photos courtesy of Brian Reeves / Perfect Day Photos