HOK has appointed Hoang Nguyen as regional leader of Aviation + Transportation in Los Angeles and David Pugh as Technology sector practice leader in San Francisco.
These additions strengthen HOK’s leadership in three fast-growing practice areas.
Hoang Nguyen, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, brings 18 years of experience leading complex aviation, rail, cultural and mixed-use projects around the world.
“Hoang’s global experience and design leadership will advance the solutions we deliver for our clients,” said Matt Needham, director of HOK’s Aviation + Transportation practice.
His portfolio includes the Brightline West high-speed rail stations, the LA Union Station master plan, Sacramento Valley Station, Melbourne Airport’s International Arrivals and Baggage Halls, Hamad International Airport City’s master plan and Auckland Airport’s International Arrivals Hall.
“I’m driven by complex design problems that improve connectivity and the traveler experience,” said Nguyen. “I look forward to working with my HOK colleagues to shape meaningful aviation and transportation projects that connect people and places.”
David Pugh, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, joins HOK in a newly developed role, leading HOK’s Science + Technology group in technology sectors like robotics, AI, quantum sciences, computing and semiconductor R&D.
“I enjoy building relationships across the entire science and technology ecosystem—researchers, lab managers, corporate executives and academic leaders—to understand what they really need from their spaces,” said Pugh. “I’m thrilled to join HOK and help clients push the boundaries of what’s possible.”
A licensed architect in more than 40 states, he has more than 20 years of experience creating high-performance environments that support scientific discovery for clients in the public and private sectors. He translates complex technical requirements into functional, flexible spaces that foster collaboration and accelerate research outcomes. With additional design experience in almost every other sector, he brings insights from these completed projects to his current and future clients.
“David’s deep expertise in advanced research environments and emerging technologies positions HOK to deliver even greater value to our science and technology clients,” said Leslie Ashor, director for HOK’s Science + Technology practice. “His leadership will strengthen our ability to design spaces that accelerate innovation.”