Based in San Francisco, Emily Lawson leads project teams for HOK’s Civic + Justice practice, bringing extensive expertise in the design of public sector offices, embassies, courthouses and public safety buildings.

With more than 30 years of experience, Emily excels in managing complex design and construction projects with diverse contributors and stakeholders. Beyond civic and justice spaces, Emily has delivered a host of successful commercial, hospitality, mixed-use, residential, healthcare and master planning projects.

A champion for design and aspiring designers, she has led AIA tours of San Francisco, advocated for women architects in Namibia (where she managed the design of an embassy) and served as a guest critic for the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Emily’s commitment to the next generation of designers also includes participating in NOMA’s portfolio reviews, mentoring students through the SPARK program and volunteering with LEAP Sandcastle, a student sandcastle competition that supports Bay Area arts education programs.