Project Architect - Sports

Responsibilities

• Lead Iconic Sports Projects
• Advocate for and uphold the design intent of stadiums, arenas, training facilities, locker rooms, and other sports-related venues, ensuring seamless translation into comprehensive construction documentation.
• Ensure the project’s design intent is fully integrated into detailed documentation from concept through construction.
• Provide oversight of technical resolution, interdisciplinary coordination, and quality execution for assigned project components.
• Lead documentation strategy, including BIM standards, file structure, and software setup.
• Establish and uphold the project documentation strategy in alignment with firm standards, including BIM execution plans, file structure, and software workflows.
• Lead interdisciplinary coordination of drawings and specifications, collaborating closely with the Specification Writer and consultant team.
• Oversee technical review of reports, plans, estimates, and calculations to ensure compliance with QA/QC standards, codes, and contractual requirements.
• Direct document production across all project phases, defining sheet organization, data governance, and the level of BIM development required to support design intent and construction delivery.
• Maintain strong collaboration with Project Leadership and cross-disciplinary partners.
• Communicate with consultants, vendors, and contractors to ensure complete and accurate project requirements.
• Ensures that construction detail documentation conforms to quality assurance, quality control, and best practice standards.
• Lead and mentor junior staff, fostering professional development and contributing to firmwide lessons‑learned and best‑practice initiatives.

Client Interface + Business Development

• Build and sustain trusted relationships with client leadership and key stakeholders.
• Communicate regularly with clients to confirm requirements, scope, and specifications throughout all project phases.
• Lead progress reviews and deliver clear, effective presentations to convey project status, decisions, and recommendations.
• Participate in targeted business development efforts within the SRE market, collaborating with project and market leaders to pursue new opportunities and strengthen client relationships.

Teamwork & Coordination

• Work under the direction of the Principal in Charge and Technical Principal.
• Manage shared digital documentation with internal teams, consultants, and clients.
• Support development and coordination of working drawing sets.
• Meet with permitting agencies to secure approvals or variances.
• Prepare project communications, including reports, memos, and meeting minutes.
• Participate in site visits, field reviews, and contractor coordination, including review of schedules, shop drawings, and samples.
• Aid in product research, material evaluation, and specification setup.
• Contribute expertise to team discussions on design, technical issues, scheduling, and budgets.
• Produce 2D/3D drawings or models as needed.
• Integrate sustainable and high-performance design strategies into all phases of work.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture required - Master’s degree preferred.
• 10+ years of professional architectural design experience for Project Architect applicants, preferably on complex or large-scale Sports projects.
• 20+ years of professional architectural design experience for Senior Project Architect applicants, preferably on complex or large-scale Sports projects.
• Licensed Architect with current regional registration required.
• NCARB certification preferred.
• LEED accreditation or Green Associate preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Advanced knowledge of architectural design, building systems, construction methods, materials, and manufacturer suitability.
• Strong understanding of sustainability, integrated design, and LEED guidelines.
• Expertise in QA/QC processes and building code research and application.
• Advanced knowledge of construction administration, including contract administration, field coordination, and issue resolution.
• Proficiency in Revit required; AutoCAD preferred.
• Experience with 3D modeling tools (SketchUp, Rhino, Grasshopper) and Affinity suite preferred.
• A strong passion for sports, a commitment to technical leadership, and a collaborative approach to working with teams.

Pay

Compensation is based on experience, qualifications, education, and location. The reasonably expected ranges for these positions are $110,000-$120,000 (Project Architect) and $120,000-$150,000 (Senior Project Architect).

Schedule

Many of our roles require the use of specific software. Please refer to the Required and Preferred Software & Skills for details.

Benefits

• HOK offers a hybrid work environment, 10 paid holidays (including 2 floating holidays), and a minimum of 4 weeks of paid time off with a cash out option.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, free mental wellness resources, life and AD&D coverage, and short and long-term disability benefits.
• Fertility coverage and 4 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Matching contributions to our 401(K) plan which includes a well-rounded investment menu as well as free guidance on retirement planning.
• Continued learning is promoted through financial support and study prep for licensure exams, CEU credit opportunities, mentorship programs, and paid professional memberships.