HOK Workplace Quals 2025 by HOK

WORKPLACE

INTERIOR DESIGN QUALIFICATIONS

PREPARED BY HOK | 2025

WHO WE ARE

HOK is a global design, architecture, engineering and planning firm. Founded in 1955, the firm has grown into one of the world’s most respected and diverse design practices, recognized for creating innovative, high-performance buildings and spaces that enrich communities, advance sustainability and respond to the needs of people and the planet.

years in the industry

A/E Firm by Architectural Record Top 300 + Engineering NewsRecord Top 500 Design Firms

Fast Company most innovative architecture firm honoree

55+

million sq. ft. of workplace designed annually

120

#3 design awards 2023-2024 Most Admired Firm, Interior Design Magazine

GLOBAL NETWORK

With 27 offices working as a single integrated practice, HOK’s global network brings local insight and worldwide resources. Our team of visionary, human-centered designers blends science and art to create innovative, high-performance environments— actively delivering world-class solutions in 50+ countries.

EUROPE

London

NORTH AMERICA

Canada

Calgary | Ottawa | Toronto

United States

Houston | Kansas City | Los Angeles | Miami | New York

Philadelphia | Salt Lake City | San Francisco | Seattle

St. Louis | Tampa | Washington D.C.

MIDDLE EAST

Dubai

ASIA

Beijing | Hong Kong |

Shanghai | Mumbai

OUR ETHOS

HOK is a collective of future-forward thinkers and designers who are driven to face the critical challenges of our time. We are dedicated to improving people’s lives, serving our clients and healing the planet. Together, we cultivate a culture of design excellence at the confluence of art and science, blending the power of creative expression with a clear sense of purpose.

CULTURE OF EXCELLENCE

We champion a culture of excellence by integrating design innovation, technical rigor, interdisciplinary collaboration and thought leadership. Our commitment to design excellence reflects our belief that great design improves lives, inspires communities and sets new standards for the built environment.

IMPROVING PEOPLE’S LIVES

We design with empathy and purpose— creating spaces that promote health, equity and well-being. Whether through inclusive design, community engagement or human-centered solutions, we strive to positively impact the lives of those who experience our work.

HEALING THE PLANET

We embrace our responsibility to heal the planet through sustainable design practices that reduce environmental impact, enhance resilience and regenerate ecosystems. Every project is an opportunity to advance climate-conscious design and environmental stewardship.

SERVING OUR CLIENTS

We serve our clients by listening deeply, thinking holistically and delivering solutions that align with their goals and values. Our integrity, responsiveness and design excellence ensure that we build lasting partnerships and create enduring value.

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP + RESEARCH

HOK’s thought leadership reflects a legacy of research and design innovation. Through our integrated, practitioner-led Research Program, architects and designers conduct in-house research alongside project work, allowing discoveries to be rapidly applied to real-world challenges. Current initiatives focus on neuroinclusive design, sustainable material tracking and future-casting design are informed by evidence-based research, publications and industry engagement. By sponsoring roundtables, speaking at conferences and publishing articles and white papers, HOK regularly shares knowledge widely, advancing sustainability, equity and innovation while driving creative, interdisciplinary design solutions for our clients.

A few examples of recent white papers can be found at the following links:

HOK Forward 2025: The Evolution of Neuroinclusive Workplaces

A Call for Purpose-Driven Design to Redefine the Workplace

HOK Forward 2024: New Ways of Working

How Coworking & Shared Spaces Are Impacting Work: Navigating PostPandemic Opportunities

HOK’s Sustainable Material Tracking: A Journey Toward Healthier Space

How HOK Is Designing Its Offices to Support Hybrid Work, Collaboration and Culture

Beyond the Meeting Room: Designing Gathering Spaces That Catalyze Collaboration

Celebrating Culture and Brand in the Post-COVID-19 Workplace

Receiving 20+ industry awards for research, HOK has completed 21 initiatives and have 8 active initiatives.

ELEVATING HUMAN EXPERIENCE

Part of what draws us to design is our deep desire to effect positive change. With equity and inclusion at the forefront of global conversations, HOK is taking decisive action to embed these values into the built environment. HOK’s commitment to equity and inclusive design is both structured and proactive. HOK has developed an internal Designing for Equity Toolkit, grounded in five guiding principles. This toolkit embeds equitable design into every project milestone and has already been tested across notable projects—like AstraZeneca’s R&D center in Cambridge and NYCFC’s future stadium in Queens.

5

18

guiding principles member advisory group

Partnering with communities

Planning for inclusion

Equity of experience

Promoting health and wellbeing for all

Championing environmental justice

Advisory group actively pilots and leads HOK's Firmwide Equity Platform

Works in tandem with Diversity Advisory Council (DAC) focusing on internal initiatives like mentoring programs, career and opportunity surveys and partnerships with organizations like NOMA.

Recognition for its DEI leadership in major markets like Los Angeles, HOK was named DEI Company of the Year by the Los Angeles Business Journal in 2023.

SUSTAINABILITY

HOK is a proven leader in sustainable design, combining deep technical expertise, data-driven innovation and firmwide commitment to reduce environmental impact and advance human well-being. Two decades ago, when we wrote The HOK Guidebook to Sustainable Design, green design was an emerging field. Today, we have embedded sustainability into our culture, workflows and technical rigor, tracking the projected energy performance of every project and are committed to achieving a carbonneutral design portfolio by 2030. With a wide range of sustainability practices, tools and strategies in-house, our work is backed by proven results. HOK has more than 500 projects certified under global standards, including LEED, WELL, EDGE, Estidama, GSAS, BREEAM, Green Mark and Green Globes and hundreds more actively pursuing certification. At the forefront of circular design, regenerative systems and inclusive sustainability research, our Sustainable Material Tracking initiative—which evaluates embodied carbon, green chemistry and sustainable sourcing on all interior projects— enables healthier, lower-impact material selections across our portfolio.

6 sustainability practices strategies + tools

Operational Carbon

Embodied Carbon

Materials and Product

Transparency

HOK Net Zero Carbon Commitment

Building Systems

Life Cycle Cost Analysis

Water Cycle Tool

Carbon Tracking Tool

Energy Modeling

Existing Building Survey and Gap Analyses Daylight

Analyses + Modeling

We have won 10 AIA COTE awards for sustainable design excellence and ENR’s recent survey ranked HOK as the No. 1 green building architecture/ engineering firm.

Named Metropolis Planet Positive Awards Firm of the Year in 2025 in part because of its materials tracking and sustainability leadership, HOK's Material Tracking Initiative tracked 7,500 distinct materials across 140 projects (a 308% increase).

SERVING OUR CLIENTS

HOK is built to support our clients wherever they work— consistently, efficiently and at scale. For decades we have managed hundreds of Master Service Agreement (MSA) client relationships, where we operate as an extension of our clients’ real estate teams, delivering the same high-quality service whether a project is 1,500 sq. ft. or a global headquarters.

Our centralized account model provides a single point of contact and a core team that maintains standards, ensures consistency and coordinates regional HOK teams for on-theground delivery. This structure accelerates project launch, strengthens quality and ensures every location reflects the same brand, experience and operational expectations.

Through long-term partnerships, we help clients manage their entire portfolio—supporting them across regions, time zones and project types with seamless communication, reliable delivery and deep knowledge of their processes and goals. Our approach improves efficiency, reduces costs and ensures a unified experience across every project, everywhere.

We maintain over 100 global MSA accounts for many fortune 500 clients like AbbVie, Amazon, Bank of America, Chevron and more.

MULTI-SECTORED + INTER-DISCIPLINED

HOK is a truly interdisciplinary design firm, integrating interior design, architecture, engineering, planning and consulting under one roof. This breadth allows us to address complex challenges from every angle, delivering innovative, resilient and future-forward interior environments tailored to each client’s unique needs.

11

9 market sectors service areas

Aviation + Transportation

Civic + Justice

Corporate + Commercial

Government

Healthcare

Higher Education

Lifestyle

Mixed-Use

Renovation + Refurbishment

Science + Technology

Sports + Rec + Entertainment

Architecture

Landscape Architecture

Lighting Design

Experience Design

Interiors

Planning + Urban Design

Sustainable Design

Engineering

Consulting

ENHANCED DESIGN SERVICES

Beyond our core architectural expertise, we provide in-house services in Engineering, Experience Design, Landscape Design, Lighting Design, Stylization, Workplace Consulting and Enhanced Visualization. This integrated model allows us to seamlessly align design intent with technical precision, human experience and organizational strategy. By embedding these enhanced services directly within our studio, HOK ensures cohesive, innovative and highly tailored environments that inspire, perform and endure. More information on these specialities can be found on the following pages.

expanded services

Engineering

Experience Design

Landscape Design

Lighting Design

Stylization

Workplace Consulting

ENGINEERING

Ranked as the #1 green building firm by Engineering News Record, HOK’s engineering teams bring deep experience in complex project types—from corporate workplaces and aviation terminals to science + technology facilities, stadiums and healthcare environments. Our solutions are rooted in technical excellence, data-driven analysis and a commitment to innovation, delivering systems that perform on day one and evolve with our clients’ needs. Our engineers collaborate closely with HOK’s planners, architects and consultants to create coordinated, efficient and resilient environments that elevate occupant comfort, reduce operational costs and meet ambitious sustainability goals.

SERVICES

structural engineering MEP engineering

Structural engineering design

Façade engineering

Foundation design

Seismic design

Long-span + special structures

Technical planning + conceptual studies

Existing building assessments

Renovation + retrofit design

Structural modeling + analysis

Blast + vibration analysis

Air distribution systems

Central utility plants

Heating, ventilation + air conditioning

Mission critical systems + clean rooms

Sanitary systems

Water retention + reuse

Fire alarm + smoke detection

Climate + micro-climate analysis

Energy modeling + analysis

Life cycle analysis

EXPERIENCE DESIGN

Our expertise goes beyond shaping physical spaces—we specialize in seamlessly integrating diverse media platforms that maximize user engagement, enhance spatial flow and leave a memorable impact. Our team of 20 designers create dynamic, immersive experiences that strengthen our clients’ brand identity and foster meaningful connections. The practice draws on proprietary tools, sustainability and wellness standards, and a deep understanding of human behavior to deliver environments that inspire, delight and foster lasting connections between people and place.

SERVICES

Identity + logo design

Brand applications

Media integration

Change management

Naming and positioning

Visualization brand design digital experience

Interactive content

Immersive environment

Content design

VR and AR

Experiential graphics

Public art

Sponsorship

Donor recognition

Exhibits

Identification + numbering placemaking wayfinding

Design + standards

Assessments

ADA + life safety

Master plan strategies

LANDSCAPE DESIGN

HOK’s landscape designers work hand-in-hand with architects, planners, engineers and environmental specialists to create resilient, high-performance outdoor environments that enrich communities, support ecological health and elevate the human experience. Our approach emphasizes regenerative design, long-term maintenance strategies and the creation of adaptable, future-ready landscapes that enrich both people and place. Working across scales—from urban districts and campus environments to workplace terraces, plazas and restorative landscapes— our designers blend design excellence, environmental stewardship and technical expertise. Our core capabilities include:

Master Planning & Urban Design

Large-scale frameworks that integrate mobility, open space, infrastructure and sustainability to shape vibrant, connected communities.

Sustainable & Resilient Design

Nature-based solutions, green infrastructure, stormwater management, climate adaptation strategies and biodiversity-driven design.

Campus & Workplace Environments

Outdoor spaces that elevate employee well-being, extend collaboration areas outdoors and reflect organizational culture.

Site Planning & Landscape Design

Context-driven landscapes that balance functionality, beauty and longterm performance, from corporate campuses to civic spaces.

Parks, Plazas & Public Realm

Inclusive, memorable destinations that enhance social connection, support recreation and strengthen community identity.

Health, Wellness & Therapeutic

Evidence-based environments that promote healing, mindfulness and mental well-being.

LIGHTING DESIGN

Light does more than illuminate—it has a significant impact on our health, our mood and our experience of a space. Whether bold or subtle, lighting is an integral part of design, capable of bringing greater clarity and resonance to the environments we inhabit.

HOK’s lighting group consists of six full-time dedicated lighting designers collaborate with project teams to create unified lighting solutions, reinforcing a project’s design aesthetic with reduced energy consumption and maintenance targets.

SERVICES

lighting expertise

Architectural Lighting Design

Circadian Lighting Consulting + Design

Custom Light Fixture Design

Daylight Consulting + Design

Lighting Master Planning

Site + Landscape Lighting Design

STYLIZATION

Stylization plays a crucial role in creating meaningful connections between people and the spaces they inhabit. It influences emotions, productivity, social connections and mental wellbeing. Design elements can evoke awe, spark curiosity, admiration and socialization. These captivate individuals, encouraging exploration and interaction. Design elements can also facilitate flow, help individuals slow down, focus and reflect. These promote a sense of calm, enhancing productivity and well-being.

Stylization involves curating elements such as artwork, plants, objects, textures and more, to breathe life into a space. At HOK, the aim is to infuse personality without overwhelming the sensory experience. Artwork reinforces the overall aesthetic and adds visual interest. Objects and artifacts connect to local culture and history, fostering a sense of place and identity. Natural elements like foliage, textiles and wood bring nature to the human environment with a sense of tranquility and biophilia. Experiential design creates a positive and engaging atmosphere. Visual harmony, symmetry and balance are essential for all categories

HOK published an article in Work Design Magazine titled “Stylization: The Overlooked Design Strategy That Complements Hybrid Work.” This article delves deeper into the subject and provides insights into the benefits and implementation of stylization in the context of the evolving work landscape.

OBJECTS + ARTIFACTS

WORKPLACE CONSULTING

Practicing across industries—from technology to professional services to healthcare— HOK’s workplace consultants bring innovative strategies for the ever-changing workplace environment. Our team of ten seasoned strategists delivers integrated consulting services that elevate performance, strengthen culture and align the built environment with business goals.

We specialize in three core areas. Workplace Strategy to help organizations use space as a strategic asset—supporting new ways of working, improving operational effectiveness, fostering cultural and behavioral shifts, and enhancing the overall employee experience. Change Management to minimize disruption, accelerate adoption and maintain productivity throughout transitions, ensuring employees feel informed, supported and engaged. Facility Strategy to translate business drivers into clear, data-driven facility programs that optimize space, integrate amenities and create environments that empower people and reflect organizational values. Together, these services provide a holistic, future-ready approach that enables clients to adapt with confidence and unlock the full potential of their people and workplaces.

workplace strategy change management SERVICES

Workplace Strategy

Interactive Visioning Programming + Strategy

Workplace Experience Evaluation

Vision + Messaging Gap Analysis

Change Strategies

Change Program + Roadmap

facility strategy

Utilization + Occupancy Targets

Utilization Audit + Analysis

Workplace Metrics + Efficiencies

DESIGN DRIVERS

The modern workplace is evolving at an unprecedented pace, shaped by the convergence of technology, workforce expectations and organizational priorities. Today’s firms are rethinking how space can enhance efficiency, support hybrid work models and attract the next generation of talent.

This section highlights the key design drivers that are shaping the future of workplaces. From the strategic placement of individual work points to the creation of dynamic gather spaces, from fostering a strong sense of community and culture to providing thoughtfully designed amenities, these drivers guide environments that are functional, engaging and adaptable. Optimization and flexibility ensure spaces can evolve with changing needs, while accessibility and neuroinclusion make workplaces welcoming to all. Health and wellness are prioritized through daylight, air quality and movement-friendly design, and integrated tools and technology create seamless, connected experiences.

Drawing from benchmarking data, our own research and industry best practices, this section provides actionable insights into how forward-thinking design can deliver spaces that balance performance, well-being and lasting impact.

KEY DESIGN DRIVERS

HYBRID WORK

TOOLS + TECHNOLOGY AMENITIES

OPTIMIZATION + ADAPTABILITY

GATHER SPACES WORK POINTS

WELLNESS, INCLUSION + EQUITY

ATTRACTION + RETENTION

HEALTH + WELLNESS

HYBRID WORK

Organizations across government, law and professional services sectors are still trying to reshape the office in the wake of the pandemic.

Organizations that are finding success are embracing the notion that “one size, or solution, misfits all” and aligning their approach with the core business missions and the needs of their workforce. Companies are starting to realize that hybrid is more of an operational mode then simply a workplace solution. That has many companies reassessing where, and when, people work. The drivers behind each organization’s strategy should be based on:

1. Employee work style and functional requirements of the job.

2. What our jobs and clients require and what drives value.

3. What colleagues need from each other.

4. Employee preferences related to their personal circumstances.

If companies don’t put in the hard work to make the hybrid office effective, it could be the worst of both—where people commute in to sit on Zoom calls all day or lock themselves in a room to escape their surroundings and focus on work.

To be successful going forward organizations need to reassess the purpose of place, their overall portfolio strategy and develop new management policies and training to better support today’s variety of work solutions.

The room and furniture shape and configuration can accommodate wider screen ratio for optimal camera angles to better view virtual participants and/of participants within the space.

Right-sized huddle rooms to accommodate team collaboration.

Standing height or height adjustable conference tables.

Writable surfaces for tactile, handson ideation.

Table size and shape to accommodate video conferencing.

Seating variety for overflow.

OPTIMIZATION + ADAPTABILITY

Organizations are increasingly optimizing their workplaces by embracing flexible and adaptable workspaces that can easily adjust to changing work styles, team sizes and technology requirements. To achieve real estate optimization, a commitment to data mining, goal setting and visioning is necessary to find the best solutions.

Current trends and workplace solutions emphasize the reduction in square footage of individual private offices in favor of creating more collaborative and meeting areas. This shift is facilitated through the implementation of modular planning, enabling ongoing adaptation in response to evolving needs. Workspaces can be effortlessly reconfigured to accommodate additional space, different types of workstations

or emerging technologies. This approach stands in contrast to traditional office design, which often neglected factors like flexibility, scalability and adaptability when creating workspaces.

Flexible and modular workspaces empower organizations to maximize their resources and utilize space efficiently, all while minimizing costs and disruptions. They offer the inherent adaptability required to accommodate fluctuations in business activity and support staff numbers. With the ability to perform lighttouch renovations and furniture reconfigurations, planning blocks can be rearranged to align with changing requirements.

WORK POINTS

Incorporating a variety of space types and settings that cater to different work styles and preferences is crucial in creating a productive and inclusive environment. Where privacy, focus and acoustic comfort is prioritized, the following elements can enhance work settings:

Highly complex spaces: Provide designated areas where individuals can focus and concentrate on complex tasks. These spaces should be acoustically sound and allow for access to daylight, creating a comfortable and stimulating work environment.

Private offices with alternative work points: Offer private offices that can be adapted to individual needs. Additionally, include alternative work points such as semi-enclosed and open office options that cater to different work styles and collaboration requirements.

Optimized private offices: Design private offices that are optimized for heads-down work while remaining flexible enough to accommodate small group meetings of 2-4 people. This can be achieved by offering a kit of parts with curated options for furniture and layout, allowing individuals to customize their workspace based on their specific needs.

Effective closed storage options: While the trend may be to reduce storage space, it is important to provide sufficient storage solutions to maintain a clean and professional appearance, particularly during hybrid meetings. Closed storage cabinets or compartments can help keep items out of sight and maintain an organized workspace.

Soundproof, closed door spaces with glass fronts: Create soundproof, closed door spaces that ensure privacy while still allowing access to daylight through glass fronts. This design approach balances the need for confidentiality with the benefits of natural light, creating a comfortable and visually appealing work environment.

By incorporating these elements into the workplace design, organizations can provide an environment that supports the primary activities of analyzing, writing and corresponding while accommodating the diverse needs and preferences of their employees.

Inclusion of plants and greenery helps to divide spaces and provide sight lines to natural materials.

A variety of workspaces support different work behaviors and postures. Room type variety considers size, scale, quantity, level of openness. Optimized for acoustical privacy with sound absorptive material.

Work wall with ample storage, acoustic surfaces and dual monitors. Optimized background view for frequent video conferencing within office suites.

A variety of room types to support various work behaviors and use cases that support teams need. Meeting rooms that support a variety of postures, infield and outfield.

GATHER SPACES

Being able to meet, collaborate and socialize inperson with colleagues is a major allure of the office. Organizations need to be mindful of creating the right density in the workplace to ensure a certain level of energy, vibrancy and collaboration. Informal social spaces within the office help generate buzz by bringing people together to spur collaboration and define corporate culture.

To ensure that meeting spaces effectively serve their purpose, incorporating research, behavioral science, creativity and intention can greatly enhance their functionality. Consideration of factors such as posture, mood, props, adjacencies and modularity can contribute to shaping these spaces to meet specific objectives.

Flexible spaces, such as multipurpose and training facilities, should be adaptable to accommodate the changing needs of the business. This involves considering technology integration, furniture selection and mechanical considerations to create spaces that can be easily modified and reconfigured.

A variety of meeting spaces in different sizes, scales and locations is necessary to support the specific needs of different teams. This can include traditional, hybrid and innovative meeting spaces that are tailored to different team requirements.

Overall, meeting spaces should be designed to suit the needs of clients and employees alike. They should prioritize comfort, be well-equipped with appropriate technology and amenities and foster an environment conducive to discussions and meetings.

By bringing research, behavioral science, creativity and intention into the design process, organizations can create meeting spaces that are functional that enhance the overall experience and contribute to the success of the workplace.

Flexible boundaries to divide gather space from adjacent spaces.

Semi-enclosed huddle spaces for teams to connect, huddle and make a play.

Writable surfaces that flank monitors for video conferencing.

Seating posture variety: a mixture of conference soft seating with perch/ standing settings to cater to creative and big picture thinking.

Areas for respite that have heads-down settings for deep focus work.

Access to references and tools close at hand. An opportunity for stylization to filter through in display areas which help soften the space.

Flexible room typologies for various configurations.

Movable furniture, writable surfaces and technology to support team collaboration.

Configurable space for virtual hearing rooms.

Welcome zones with graphics, wayfinding and signage provide placemaking and opportunities for brand messaging.

AMENITIES

Today’s workspaces are providing employees with amenities for work and/or play. Organizations recognize the importance of amenity spaces for fostering employee health, well-being and culture. These spaces not only contribute to building social connections among employees but also play a role in attracting and retaining top talent. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on creating clientfocused spaces that offer a variety of amenities for hosting events, entertaining and private dining.

Some common types of amenity spaces that are being incorporated in workplaces include:

Large-scale cafés: Café areas—that double as allhands meeting spaces—offer employees a central gathering point to touchdown on a daily basis.

Entertainment spaces: Flexible café spaces can be transformed into event spaces to host clients and networking events. Rooftop gardens and outdoor terraces provide a place to work and socialize outside the office.

Client zones and multipurpose spaces: These areas are specifically designed to cater to client meetings, board meetings and other events.

Fuel stations on practice floors: Providing access to healthy food and drink options within the office promotes employee well-being and helps them maintain a balanced lifestyle.

Fitness centers: Having on-site fitness centers helps people unwind, focus throughout the day and prioritize physical activity and overall wellness.

Technology resources: Equipping the office with advanced technology resources such as high-speed Internet, state-of-the-art computer systems and video conferencing equipment improves productivity and facilitates efficient communication both internally and externally.

By incorporating well-designed amenity spaces, organizations can create environments that support employee well-being, foster a sense of community and provide a positive experience for both employees and clients.

Regularly planned fuel stations for access to water. Compliance with WELL standards requires access to potable water every 90 feet within a floor plan

Accessible design embedded into all spaces.

The inclusion of fitness centers, showers, lockers and change room amenities promotes active and healthy lifestyles.

TOOLS + TECHNOLOGY

Enabling the workplace of the future involves leveraging technology to provide employees with options, choice and control over their environment. This includes implementing tools that bridge the experiences of different settings and utilizing smart technologies that have the potential to transform how we work and interact.

Emerging technologies like Microsoft Teams rooms and high performance tech rooms offer exciting possibilities for creating virtual participation experiences that were previously unimaginable. These technologies can enable remote collaboration, immersive virtual meetings and virtual simulations that enhance the way professionals interact.

Artificial intelligence is another technology with immense opportunities—and challenges—for businesses. AI has the potential to profoundly reshape workplace environments and position savvy companies with a distinct competitive advantage.

Where we go from there is still up for debate, but McKinsey has estimated that 49% of the activities people are paid to do could be automated. Technology is evolving rapidly and those that aren’t actively addressing the changing needs and opportunities are likely to find themselves at a competitive disadvantage.

Thoughtful implementation of software and technology can contribute to the growth of organizations by improving efficiency, collaboration and client experiences. However, it is important to note that while technology can enhance the workplace, it should be implemented in a way that aligns with the unique needs and practices of the organization. Balancing the benefits of technology with the privacy, security and ethical considerations inherent to the organization is crucial for successful implementation and adoption.

WELLNESS, INCLUSION + EQUITY

The office is becoming healthier and more inclusive than ever as organizations realize that today’s workplace must accommodate people’s physical and mental health needs. Ways organizations are fostering health and well-being in the workplace include:

Nourishing food and beverage: A breakroom vending machine dispersing shelf-stable snacks doesn’t cut it anymore. People want the option of fresh fruit, filtered water and other wholesome food choices.

Neurodiverse work choices: An estimated 1520% of people are neurodivergent. Providing employees with work settings that meet a variety of sensory needs—from busy hyposensitive spaces to quiet hypersensitive spaces—ensures that both neurodivergent and neurotypical employers get the most out of the office.

Nature and biophilia: Nature is a proven stressreducer, and organizations are looking at more ways to bring the outdoors in. This includes relocating private offices away from the perimeter of building (so more employees have access to natural light and views) and incorporating biophilic design (elements of nature such as plants and organic building and finish materials like wood and stone) into the office.

Wellness rooms in multiple forms: To help balance people’s work/life needs, organizations are adding wellness spaces to the office. Beyond exercise rooms, these spaces can include private areas for meditation rooms, prayer and new mothers.

Social spaces: The number of people reporting feelings of loneliness spiked during the pandemic and remains above historic averages. By infusing elements of hospitality and social spaces into the office, organizations can create more welcoming environments that support connections and a sense of belonging to help address the “loneliness epidemic” and help rebuild social capital among teams.

Sustainability: Many jurisdictions and cities are toughening their climate standards and beginning to tax buildings that don’t meet the new carbon emissions requirements. Yet given the current depressed state of commercial real estate, this can be as challenge. Organizations with the resources are taking sustainability to the next level by considering the impact of the office on both the health of the planet and the health of employees. As such, many are looking to develop more comprehensive strategies that go beyond sustainability by embracing circularity and regeneration.

Multi-faith prayer rooms that vary in size and scale. Shown here are gendered prayer rooms with ablution and sacred space.

Areas for respite that include biophilic elements like plants and greenery along with visual and audio privacy.

Acoustically sound materials and soft materials palette.

ATTRACTION + RETENTION

Workplace design plays a crucial role in attracting and retaining talent. There are many design considerations that can help organizations in attracting and retaining talent, including the following:

Mentorship: Through focus groups and interviews we have conducted, we have found that junior employees thrived in a shared environment that enabled access to mentorship from senior staff members that ultimately helped them progress more quickly in their careers. This continues to be of importance, especially in a hybrid work arrangement.

Office layout and space: The layout and design of offices can significantly impact employee morale and productivity. Organizations should aim to create heads-down and collaborative workspaces with ample natural light and comfortable workspaces.

Technology: Organizations should invest in the latest technology to help employees work more efficiently and effectively. This includes providing employees with high-quality computers, software and other hybrid tools.

Amenities: Organizations can attract and retain talent by offering amenities such as a gym, showers, healthy food options and relaxation areas. These amenities help employees maintain a healthy worklife balance and reduce stress.

Flexibility: Organizations should design their offices to provide flexible work arrangements. This can help employees maintain a healthy work-life balance and improve job satisfaction.

Branding: The office remains the physical embodiment of an organization and an important place to showcase culture, history and ambitions. Though wall graphics, art and digital displays, organizations are using the workplace to share their stories and reiterate their values with clients and staff.

Sustainability: Organizations should incorporate sustainable design principles into their offices, such as using energy-efficient lighting and appliances, eco-friendly materials and promoting sustainable practices.

By incorporating these design considerations into office spaces, organizations can create workspaces that attract and retain top talent, thereby contributing to overall success.

HEALTH + WELLNESS

Organizations are placing greater emphasis on health and wellness in the workplace. Spaces that support choice, relieve stress and foster community can help employees manage work-life balance, resulting in happier and more productive staff, which aids in recruitment and retention. Here are some ways workplaces are prioritizing health and wellness within the office:

Nature and Daylight: Studies have shown that biophilia—access to nature and daylight—improves physical and emotional health. Ways that workplaces are introducing biophilia into the office include green walls and live plantings, furniture and finishes made from natural materials, rugs and wall graphics with organic shapes and diffused lighting. Wi-Fi-enabled terraces and decks are another great way firms are providing staff with access to the outdoors while remaining connected.

Wellness Rooms: Providing rest and respite areas can have a high impact on burnout. Dedicated rooms for individual meditation and prayer or quiet group activities, such as yoga and tai-chi, help staff to support their mental health. Many firms are also providing lactation rooms for new mothers to further promote work-life balance and whole family health.

Ergonomics and Choice: Furniture selection and work setting choices are important, with staff wanting the option to sit and stand while working and to work from different spaces within the office. Adjustable work surfaces allow spaces to meet the needs of someone who is 6’-5” or 5’-5”. Combining standing height tables with adjustable seated solutions offers ease of access for individuals and groups. This type of work setting choice supports employees across the neurodiversity spectrum from hyposensitive individuals (those who prefer greater stimulation) to hypersensitive individuals (those who prefer quiet and solitude).

Executives estimate that an almost 22 percent increase in company’s performance can be achieved if their offices are well designed. Getting people up and moving is not only essential for their own personal health and wellbeing, but studies show that active workers are happier, healthier, more engaged and more productive. With up to 80 percent of expenses devoted to human resources, it’s vital that your workforce is healthy, productive and engaged. Our health and wellbeing guidance helps to promote higher lease rates and improves human performance.

Multi-faith prayer rooms that vary in size and scale. Shown here are gendered prayer rooms with ablution and sacred space.

OUR APPROACH

In the fast-paced world of workplace design, we believe great design starts with a thoughtful, disciplined process that is both rigorous and adaptable. Our methodology is organized into four integrated phases—Discover, Develop, Design and Deliver each building on the last to ensure every decision is purposeful, every space is functional and every detail is considered.

In the Discover phase, we immerse ourselves in your organization’s culture, operations and goals, engaging stakeholders, studying workflows and leveraging research and benchmarking to identify opportunities. Develop translates these insights into strategic concepts, exploring spatial layouts, adjacencies and design directions that balance functionality, flexibility and brand identity. During Design, ideas are refined into compelling, coordinated environments where aesthetics, performance and technology converge, guided by meticulous documentation and quality control. Finally, in Deliver, we bring the vision to life, managing construction, commissioning and move-in with precision while remaining responsive to emerging needs and opportunities.

Collaboration is central throughout—our process is structured yet flexible, allowing us to adapt to each client’s unique culture, objectives and evolving requirements. By combining stakeholder engagement, data-driven insights and forward-looking workplace strategies, we create environments that are operationally effective, visually compelling and futureready. Ultimately, HOK’s approach goes beyond designing space; it shapes workplaces that inspire, enhance performance and reflect the distinct identity of your organization, all delivered efficiently, collaboratively and with unwavering attention to detail.

“We are no longer designing the environments — we are designing the experience.”

— Kay Sargent, Director of Thought Leadership

HOW WE WORK TOGETHER

The whole process — Discover, Develop, Design, Deliver — is designed to be as collaborative as it is creative. It ensures that the finished workplace doesn’t just look beautiful, but functions as a catalyst for productivity, culture and innovation.

DISCOVER DEVELOP DESIGN DELIVER

We begin our engagement by uncovering the organization’s identity and what makes them unique.

We then ensure the guiding principles are integrated into the plan and program.

We analyze, test and ideate on the possibilities to make sure the client is comfortable before proceeding with design.

Our imaginative designers explore design possibilities to create something bespoke and amazing for each client.

From furniture to materials, we narrow in on a vision that is informed by our previous phases and made robust through our methods and tools.

Technical excellence combined with onsite observations and robust deliverables will ensure the design intent is reflected in the final outcome.

DISCOVER

Every successful project begins with listening. In this first phase, we work hand-in-hand with your team to uncover what makes your organization unique and how your workplace can bring that identity to life.

KICKOFF + ALIGNMENT

We begin with immersive conversations and workshops to ensure we understand your vision, culture and goals from day one.

UNCOVERING YOUR IDENTITY

By studying your company’s story, values and aspirations, we highlight the qualities that should shine through in your workplace. Over the past several years, HOK has refined its toolkit of research, processes and engagement methods that explore the human side of workplace strategy. Our Toolkit is a robust and highly organized framework that goes far beyond traditional visioning exercises. Designed to engage stakeholders at multiple levels, it offers a flexible menu of workshops and tools that can be tailored to each client’s goals. These interactive sessions help uncover insights that might otherwise remain hidden—ensuring that design solutions are inclusive, evidencebased and future-focused. Clients can select from 10 discovery workshops, including: Framing the Possible, Designing for Equity, Change Management, Personas, Gathering Spaces, Work Points, Amenities, Neurodiversity, Designing the Brand Experience and Programming.

PROGRAMMING + DATA ANALYSIS

Taking into account everything we have learned from visioning, we ground insights in data—reviewing metrics, utilization studies and employee feedback—then translate them into a clear, actionable program. Using HOK’s proprietary programming tools, we can quickly test different workplace scenarios, from mobility strategies and Activity-Based Working (ABW) to opportunities for rightsizing space. We build on your existing programming and test-fit, proposing targeted enhancements and refinements. This process ensures more informed design recommendations and leasing decisions, delivered with greater speed and accuracy.

DEFINING SUCCESS

Together, we establish guiding principles and measurable goals that will steer every design decision. Success is defined not only by how well the design embodies your organization’s values but also by our alignment on cost, schedule and scope HOK will prepare a detailed schedule with critical milestones to ensure timely delivery and a budget framework to keep the project on track.

This phase is about creating a strong foundation—a blueprint not just for space, but for possibility.

TOOLKIT

Change Management

Personas

Defining worker personas and identifying a mix of settings to support diverse individual needs.

Framing the Possible A comprehensive workplace and leadership alignment and gap analysis tool.

Gathering Spaces

Establishing characteristics for different meeting types and spaces that best support these activities.

Work Points

Helping determine the right type and variety of work points to support diverse workstyles.

Amenities

Elevating the employee experience by identifying services and amenities that align with your needs and create inviting destinations

Defining the change, achieving leadership buy-in, and creating a roadmap for success with strategies that engage and inspire.

Neurodiversity Tools for crafting spaces that support sensory processing, cognitive wellbeing, and neuroinclusion.

Designing the Brand Experience

Exploring audience, brand, and content to build a holistic experiential story that infuses your brand into every corner of the workplace

Designing for Equity

A guide to creating inclusive environments that are diverse, welcoming, and supportive for all.

Programming Leveraging discoveries to create scenarios that optimize requirements within available space.

Designing for Sustainability

Guiding clients to make environmentally responsible choices for a healthier, more sustainable workplace.

DEVELOP

With a deep understanding of your organization, we move into shaping solutions that balance imagination with practicality. This is where ideas begin to take form.

SPACE PLANNING & BLOCKING/STACKING

We test how the approved program fits into a real floorplate— validating square footage requirements, exploring initial layout concepts, and comparing multiple building options if needed. Blocking and stacking studies help visualize how departments, teams and amenities align vertically across floors and horizontally within floorplates. These tools optimize workflow, adjacencies and collaboration while also informing real estate and site selection decisions.

EXPLORING POSSIBILITIES

Through sketching, diagrams and scenario testing, we evaluate multiple approaches, ensuring you’re comfortable with the direction before moving forward.

CONCEPTUAL DIRECTION

We define the tone and vibe of the workplace, presenting moodboards and narratives that capture the spirit of the space.

This step is iterative, collaborative and forward-looking— building confidence that the design will work beautifully for today and flex seamlessly into the future.

MASSING STUDIES

SITE SELECTION

PROGRAM VALIDATION

AESTHETIC DIRECTION

CONCEPTUAL PLANNING

ADJACENCY STUDY

BLOCKING AND STACKING

TEST FITTING

DESIGN

Here is where strategy transforms into a vision you can see, touch and feel. Our designers take inspiration from your culture, brand and story to create a workplace that is both functional and extraordinary.

BESPOKE DESIGN SOLUTIONS + STORYTELLING

We craft spaces that reflect your unique identity—not a one-size-fits-all template, but a vision designed exclusively for your organization. From the big gestures to the smallest details, every choice contributes to a cohesive narrative that reinforces your values.

MATERIALITY & SUSTAINABILITY

Colors, textures and finishes are carefully selected to set the mood and express your brand, while HOK’s material tracking initiative, which is naturally ingrained in our design process, ensures products are responsibly sourced, healthier and aligned with ESG goals.

FURNITURE STRATEGY & DEVELOPMENT

We curate and customize furniture solutions that balance function, comfort and aesthetics. From ergonomic work points to collaborative hubs, furniture plays a critical role in creating adaptable, high-performing environments.

VISUALIZATION TOOLS

Clients can experience their future workplace through renderings, 360° walkthroughs, immersive VR and interactive scenario testing—providing clarity and confidence in decisionmaking.

TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT

Behind the creativity is precision. We integrate performance-driven tools— such as resource mapping, lighting and power strategies, and technology planning—while documenting every detail to ensure flawless delivery.

This phase blends artistry with expertise, narrowing in on a design that feels both inspired and achievable while preparing the foundation for seamless implementation.

3D Rendering: visualize the final design with realistic details, lighting and textures for informed decisions

material palettes: define the look, feel and mood of a space through coordinated finishes and textures

hand sketches: quickly explore ideas and communicate spatial concepts with creativity and flexibility

DELIVER

This is where the vision becomes a reality. Through technical excellence and meticulous execution, we ensure the final built environment perfectly reflects the design intent.

CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS & PERMITTING

Comprehensive, coordinated documentation provides a clear roadmap for builders and regulators alike.

CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION

We remain by your side throughout construction—visiting the site, addressing questions, resolving issues and coordinating with vendors to ensure furniture, technology and specialty finishes are delivered and installed according to design intent. Our team monitors installations, materials and finishes to ensure accuracy down to the smallest detail.

PROJECT CLOSEOUT

From punch lists to as-built documentation, we provide a thorough handoff so your team can move in seamlessly.

LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY

HOK’s suite of tools—including BIM 360, Revit, dRofus, Trimble Connect, ProjectSight, Bluebeam Studio, MS Teams, Smartsheet, ConceptBoard and Office 365—enables transparent, efficient and collaborative project delivery. Clients and external team members can access many of these platforms, enhancing communication, coordination and oversight throughout the project.

Deliver is where vision meets craftsmanship— bringing your new workplace to life with precision, care and the confidence that every detail has been considered.

SAMPLE DELIVERABLES

SPACE PLANNING

Our program and planning templates layer in our thought leadership, program data, space plans and graphic “dials” that represent how space is being utilized between collaborative and focused space. HOK is able to create scenarios quickly, so our clients can make informed decisions more quickly and with confidence.

SCHEMATIC DESIGN

Our Schematic Design presentation is a compilation of the information gathered in the aesthetic and technical workshops. We gather equipment information in schematic design, so that spaces are correctly sized and configured. The Schematic package captures the look and feel of the space.

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

Our Design Development presentation is a compilation of the information gathered in the aesthetic and technical workshops. This package is a refinement of the schematic design presentation, with furniture forms, light fixtures and material locations and specifications identified.

EARLY RELEASE MATERIAL / EQUIPMENT RELEAS E

The Early Release Package is a set of contract drawings that are issued prior to the permit set. This allows the General Contractor on behalf of Origami Risk to order long lead items for an on-time delivery of the new workplace.

BUDGET PACKAGE

The Schematic Budget Pricing Package includes floor plans, reflected ceiling plans, renderings, schedules and a scope narrative.

FURNITURE TYPICALS + INSPIRATION

The furniture package for the RFP identifies the type, location, specifications and aesthetic direction of the furniture package. The furniture dealer is able to provide an accurate furniture bid

CLIENT STORIES

HOK’s integrated team collaborates with corporate occupiers and commercial developers to create high-performance environments that succeed across every measure, from workplace effectiveness to market positioning and investment returns. We genuinely understand the value and importance of a client’s expectations and core philosophies that has led us to develop successful, award-winning environments around the globe.

PHARMA FINTECH

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES LEGAL

WILSON ELSER

Wilson Elser’s Chicago office is a refined and purposeful environment—a modern legal workplace connected to the vibrant spirit of Chicago.

LOCATION

Chicago, Illinois

SIZE

20,000 sq. ft.

SERVICES

Interior Design

STATUS

Completed in 2025

Wilson Elser sought to modernize their real estate portfolio, transitioning from traditional, often antiquated spaces to efficient, contemporary workplaces that reflect their modern practice and support their people. Our strategic approach embraced a dual methodology: establishing universal standards while celebrating local identity. We implemented consistent office and workstation sizes across their diverse portfolio, optimizing their footprint and enhancing operational efficiency. Simultaneously, we ensured that each office’s unique look and feel was meticulously tailored to its local team and culture, creating environments that resonate authentically with the people who inhabit them.

A WELCOMING FOUNDATION

HOK’s design for Wilson Elser’s Chicago office advances their national real estate portfolio modernization, deepening our ongoing partnership. Our approach balances the firm’s universal standards with a distinct local identity, reflecting a knowledgeable understanding of evolving legal workspaces.

The client experience begins in a hospitalityfocused reception area, featuring a versatile catering island. A central library serves as a dynamic hub, offering diverse work points to support varied needs and work styles, reflecting an inclusive design philosophy. Throughout the office, bespoke lighting subtly echoes the shimmer of water, reinforcing the design narrative with precision.

FLOW AND CONNECTION

Drawing inspiration from Chicago’s iconic waterway, the ‘Meandering River’ concept informs the office’s circulation. This deliberate design creates a curving pathway that guides occupants, encouraging movement and facilitating spontaneous collaboration. Overhead, a subtle, illuminated ceiling feature reinforces this fluid journey, connecting the internal environment to the city’s unique geography.

A thoughtful color palette, inspired by the waterfront, transitions from inviting warm tones to sophisticated cool hues. This spectrum, paired with a curated selection of natural and textural materials, cultivates an environment that is both welcoming and professionally refined.

STRATEGIC RENEWAL

Demonstrating a commitment to efficiency and smart resourcefulness, the project involved a strategic relocation.

Approximately 40% of the existing office walls were thoughtfully reused, while core collaborative and client-facing spaces were completely reimagined. This intelligent approach minimized waste and maximized investment, resulting in a refined and purposeful environment intrinsically connected to Chicago’s vibrant context.

This design supports the demands of a modern legal practice, creating a productive and adaptable environment for Wilson Elser’s team and clients.

BOSTON CONSULTING GROUP

The Boston Consulting Group headquarters stands as a testament to how a workplace can inspire innovation, seamlessly blend hybrid work and profoundly reflect a leading firm’s enduring impact

The BCG-HOK project team created a memorable new work environment that conveys the firm’s vision, culture, brand and lasting impact on the country.

BCG’s hybrid work approach allows staff to be in the office, on-site with clients or at home. Most people, however, work in the office a few times a week. The team recognized the opportunity to reimagine work and the role of the post-COVID office. This meant that every aspect of the space—the layout, amenities, design, furnishings and technology—needed to promote socialization and face-to-face communication. It also had to ensure that employees working in-person or remotely could easily collaborate.

This new work environment “earns the commute” of BCG’s people, offering compelling reasons for them to return to the office.

LOCATION

Toronto, Ontario

SIZE

100,000 sq. ft.

SERVICES

Interior Design, Stylization, Experience Design

STATUS Completed in 2022

RECOGNITION

IIDA Global Excellence Award –Corporate Space Large, 2022

Green GOOD DESIGN® Award, 2023

Fast Company Innovation by Design Honorable Mention, 2024

ARIDO 2023 Workplace Design, 2023

CREATING A DYNAMIC ENVIRONMENT

Boston Consulting Group’s (BCG) new Canadian headquarters, located at 81 Bay Street in Toronto, spans 100,000 sq. ft. across three floors. For this project, HOK utilized its extensive knowledge and strategic solutions to address the complex challenges of the future workplace, particularly in light of BCG’s hybrid work model following the COVID-19 pandemic.

HOK’s integrated approach, leveraging specialized expertise, was essential in creating a high-performing and inclusive workplace that encourages people to commute. Every detail—from the layout and amenities to the design, furnishings and technology—was carefully planned to foster socialization, face-to-face communication and seamless collaboration between in-person and remote employees.

EXPRESSION OF CULTURE AND IMPACT

The BCG-HOK project team embarked on a structured co-creation process to create memorable environments that connect people to BCG’s culture, vision and lasting impact on Canada. A key example of this collaborative spirit was the re-engineering of the floor plate with the developer, Hines, to carve out an iconic central atrium—a daylightfilled space linking reception and café areas, immediately conveying that this is a special company doing important work.

This tangible translation of culture and values extends to design elements inspired by Toronto’s multicultural mosaic, with features and unexpected “Easter eggs” unique to each floor encouraging exploration. The design aligns with HOK’s principle of social impact as a design driver. This approach ensures that the resulting space is not just functional but deeply resonant with the firm’s identity and values.

TIMELESS DESIGN AND VALUE FOR BCG

HOK meticulously curated the entire experience within BCG’s headquarters to foster their best work. The design offers a rich variety of work settings, allowing employees to choose environments where they feel most comfortable and productive— from convertible private offices and soundproof phone booths to dynamic case team rooms where “the magic happens.” This strategic use of design to attract and retain talent by catering to diverse workstyles and well-being is paramount.

A mix of quality materials like leathers, rich Canadian wood and stone creates a hospitality-infused mood, offering moments of delight. Prioritizing health and well-being, the design includes wellness rooms with shower facilities, mother’s rooms, therapy rooms and biophilic elements, ensuring a supportive environment. The adaptable, techenabled meeting rooms and an understated digital timeline telling BCG’s story further enhances the holistic experience curation, creating a space designed for active longevity and serving as a compelling direction for BCG’s long-term future.

THE TRADE DESK

The redesign of The Trade Desk’s Chicago office highlights Midwestern heritage aesthetic and promotes the health and wellness of the company’s growing workforce.

LOCATION

Chicago, Illinois

SIZE

25,000 sq. ft.

SERVICES Interior

STATUS

Completed in 2023

The Trade Desk is an award-winning advertising software and technology company with products that support clients’ advertising needs on a variety of media platforms. With a design relationship begun in the West Coast at their two California office locations, The Trade Desk selected HOK to design their Chicago location. The newly designed 25,000 sq. ft. office features a social and entertaining hub, portrays a unique Midwest persona and promotes the health and wellness of their growing workforce.

DESIGN THAT REFLECTS ETHOS

This award-winning advertising software and technology company wanted a space that reflected their brand and portrays a uniquely Midwest persona while promoting the health and wellness of their growing workforce. The newly designed office features a social and entertaining hub, which is the feature space that overlooks the Chicago skyline and expansive views of the river. This social space provides an inviting and open gathering area to conduct all hands meetings and video conferences with other offices, as well as a space to share family-style meals. The hub is located separate from reception for privacy and boasts a 30-foot-long countertop for serving family-style meals and a large pantry to store and prepare meals for large gatherings.

THOUGHTFUL AESTHETIC

In every region, The Trade Desk’s offices have their own unique aesthetic that celebrates the city, state or region in which they are located. For the Chicago office location, the design aesthetic focuses on Midwestern features such as the rows and acres in agriculture, natural woods, raw metals and leather.

Graphic detailing on the reception wall evokes an aerial view of rolling farm land and green pastures, while natural wood tones and leather details on desking and storage solutions further describe the design’s welcoming Midwestern aesthetic. In addition, a variety of furniture pieces, lighting fixtures and art throughout the space establish a sense of slowly inherited pieces that ultimately developed into a decidedly Midwestern collection.

PROMOTING EMPLOYEE WELLBEING

To promote employee health and wellness, which is intrinsic to their attraction and retention program, the newly designed space provides abundant daylight, sit/stand desks and easy access to snacks and beverages as well as catered, family-style meals.

WPP 333 N. GREEN ST. CO-LOCATION

This new Chicago office’s design speaks to the culture of WPP and the surrounding Fulton Market District. With panoramic views of the city, people are intrinsically tied to Chicago’s city grid.

A model for the office of the future, WPP’s new vertical campus in Chicago brings together employees from 31 marketing, advertising and creative solutions agencies into a single location that fuels collaboration and innovation.

In the ever-changing world of advertising and media agencies, this consolidation allows WPP to be agile, managing one single office location instead of multiple separate locations and leases. As the agencies’ needs change over time, the shared space can be easily modified without modifying lease terms.

LOCATION

Chicago, Illinois

SIZE

264,000 sq. ft.

SERVICES

Architecture, Change

Management, Due Diligence, Experience Design, Interiors, Real Estate Analysis, Workplace

Consulting

STATUS

Completed in 2020

RECOGNITION

FX International Interior Design Awards - Graphics

INTEGRATED EXPERIENTIAL GRAPHICS

The experiential graphics harmonize with the space by mixing lines, pixels and swaths of color. The designers used the concept of “convergence and progression” to represent the physical convergence of WPP’s collocated operating companies.

At the elevator lobbies, each brand is represented with custom signage that is designed to move between floors as teams evolve. A graphic kit of parts was developed alongside the interior design elements that bring both consistency and variety to the design.

ACTIVITY BASED WORKPLACE

WPP’s activity-based workplace emphasizes choice and autonomy. Using insights from employee surveys, leadership surveys and observational studies, the design team ensured the space meets the immediate and future needs of WPP. An adaptable design allows different types of spaces to easily expand and contract.

Employees can select where and how they word based on the task at hand. Three seating types—work benches, team tables and individual workspaces accommodate solo work, collaborative projects, group learning and socializing. Each of the work types offers sophisticated technology.

AN IDENTITY CRAFTED FOR CHICAGO

The studio-like environment is designed with a consistent architectural language that speaks to the culture of WPP and the surrounding Fulton Market District, a former industrial area. Floor to ceiling windows offer views onto the district.

Material elements such as decorative iron grid boxes and staggered edge flooring draw upon the site’s industrial heritage. Elsewhere, textured metal walls, rich fabrics, industrial lighting and colorful graphics designed by HOK’s Experience Design team communicate the multifaceted DNA of WPP.

GRAPHIC PACKAGING INTERNATIONAL HQ

Balancing a positive and productive employee experience, showcasing innovation to future clients and celebrating a successful manufacturing history, Graphic Packaging’s new headquarters inspires all who visit.

HOK’s integrated team of workplace strategists, interior designers and experience designers transformed Graphic Packaging International’s headquarters into a dynamic global hub that reinforces the company’s leadership in sustainable packaging innovation. Expanding from three to nine floors, the new workplace connects to the company's existing warehouse and machinery fabrication shop, transforming a traditional office building into an immersive brand experience for employees and clients from around the world.

LOCATION

Atlanta, Georgia

SIZE

230,000 sq. ft.

SERVICES

Interior Design, Experience Design, Workplace Strategy, Sustainable Design

STATUS

Completed in 2023

RECOGNITION

Georgia Design Awards – Office Interiors, 2025

RAW AND REFINED DESIGN CONCEPT

The design narrative, "Raw and Refined," draws direct inspiration from Graphic Packaging’s core mission: transforming raw paperboard into sophisticated, functional packaging. This concept is brought to life through a carefully curated material palette where industrial elements are thoughtfully blended with warm, natural materials and precise, clean detailing. The result is an environment that feels both authentic to the company's industrial roots and inviting as a modern workplace. To further celebrate the brand, custom wallcoverings embossed with patent drawings honor the ingenuity of Graphic Packaging employees. On each floor, large-scale brand installations crafted from recycled materials—commonly used in their own processes—serve as a constant and visible reminder of their deep commitment to sustainability.

THE EXPERIENCE CENTER: A JOURNEY OF INNOVATION

At the heart of the headquarters lies the state-of-the-art Experience Center, a space dedicated to showcasing the company's rich history and forward-thinking vision. Interactive exhibits tell the story of Graphic Packaging’s legacy in designing and patenting consumer packaging and machinery. The center's signature feature is a breathtaking installation suspended above an open stair: 2,700 translucent green leaves, each etched with a unique patent number.

This powerful visual quantifies the company’s prolific industry influence and is designed to grow as new patents are developed. The Center also features a retail display showing their products in use, live video feeds from global factories, a working prototype lab and an operational packaging machine that offers a firsthand look at how their innovative solutions are made.

FOSTERING A CULTURE OF WELLBEING AND FLEXIBILITY

Beyond brand expression, the new headquarters is fundamentally designed for its people. The space prioritizes wellbeing and flexibility, with unique, themed break rooms on each floor and the addition of new fitness and dining facilities. This investment in the employee experience helps attract and retain top talent by fostering a supportive, engaging and collaborative work environment. By creating a unified campus that welcomes office workers, factory employees and international clients alike, the design breaks down silos and cultivates a strong, shared sense of purpose and community.

HONEYWELL GLOBAL HQ

A living lab focused on neurodiversity and wellness, Honeywell’s new global headquarters supports its ongoing transformation into a leading technology company while showcasing its vast product catalogue.

As a Fortune 500 industry leader, Honeywell’s relocation of its corporate headquarters from suburban New Jersey to Uptown Charlotte marked a pivotal moment in its ongoing transformation from an industrial manufacturer to a leading technology company. HOK partnered with Honeywell to design a futuristic, amenity-filled workplace that consolidates its Charlotte offices into a single, 23-story tower. The new headquarters, solely occupied by Honeywell and housing up to 1,200 employees, is designed to strengthen company culture, foster innovation and help recruit and retain the industry's best tech talent, all while embracing the vibrant urban fabric of its new home.

LOCATION

Charlotte, North Carolina

SIZE

200,000 sq. ft.

SERVICES

Experience Design, Sustainable Design, ESG Consulting, Architecture, Interiors, Consulting, Engineering

STATUS

Completed in 2021

SUSTAINABILITY

LEED Gold Certification

THE SKY LOBBY AND CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

The visitor journey begins on the 23rd floor in a dramatic Sky Lobby offering panoramic vistas of downtown Charlotte and the adjacent Bank of America Stadium. This top floor is a client-focused hub, featuring an interactive Customer Experience Center (CXC) that showcases Honeywell’s products and technologies in a hands-on, immersive space. The CXC includes a fully customizable audiovisual Immersion Room, creating a powerful brand experience. The top floor also houses the Accelerator Café and a Learning Center, with a feature staircase wrapped in white oak and curved glass connecting this active hub to the two office floors below.

DESIGN FOR NEURODIVERSITY

Honeywell's new headquarters is fundamentally designed to support the diverse needs of its workforce, with a strong emphasis on creating a neuro-inclusive environment. Recognizing that a one-sizefits-all approach does not work, the design offers a wide spectrum of work settings that cater to various sensory needs. While open-plan "neighborhoods" encourage collaboration, these areas are balanced with dedicated spaces for focused, individual work. This variety allows employees to choose an environment that best suits their task and comfort level at any given moment.

A variety of work environments support the wide-ranging sensory needs of neurodiverse employees. On office floors, covered booths with dynamic lighting and greenery shield users from the sides and above, providing places where people can find refuge from the noisier open seating arrangements.

A SMART AND SUSTAINABLE LIVING LAB

The headquarters is a true smart building, powered by Honeywell's own technologies, which transforms each floor into a living lab for both employees and customers. The building and its interiors are both LEED-Gold certified, combining sustainable features with cutting-edge technology. Hundreds of sensors integrated into light fixtures monitor occupancy, temperature, carbon dioxide levels and more, allowing for realtime adjustments that optimize building performance and indoor environmental quality. Employees can even use a mobile app to tailor the light and temperature settings in their personal workspace.

IMMERSIVE BRANDING AND LOCAL ART

HOK’s Experience Design team created a dynamic and authentic brand experience throughout the headquarters. Custom illustrations, graphic patterns and curated visual imagery bring Honeywell’s brand and diverse service offerings to life. Environmental graphics provide subtle wayfinding cues that complement the digital navigation system, while distinct imagery for different business groups on each floor reinforces a sense of place. To ground the global company in its new community, nearly all the original artwork featured in the headquarters was sourced from local artists living within 100 miles of the building.

CONFIDENTIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY COMPANY HQ

As a growing company at the intersection of biology, technology and medicine, this biotechnology company’s new headquarters design embodies a purpose of place to support innovations in cancer prevention..

LOCATION

Brisbane, California

SIZE

350,000 sq. ft.

SERVICES

Architecture, Experience Design, Interiors, Laboratory Planning

STATUS

Completed in 2024

A 350,000 sq. ft. new construction fit-out for this growing biotechnology company’s new headquarters. Program includes workplace and research labs that support a range of work modes to encourage collaboration and innovations in early cancer detection. The design unites clinical and technical teams in a flexible, light-filled environment that fosters wellness and scientific discovery.

ACCOMMODATING SIGNIFICANT GROWTH

For a rapidly growing biotechnology company, we delivered a headquarters solution that enabled them to scale quickly while fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration. We understand the challenges of supporting rapid growth, much like Origami Risk’s projected needs, and are adept at creating spaces that adapt and evolve.

Predicting an increase in headcount from 200 to 1200 by 2026, this biotechnology company engaged HOK to design an office and lab space that enables them to prevent, detect and treat diseases. As they shift from a start-up to a mature commercial venture, they want to accommodate their growth through flexible planning and furniture systems.

SUPPORTING DIVERSE RANGE OF WORK MODES

The program was carefully organized to support a diverse range of work modes, fostering cross-functional collaborations, relationships and innovation. Similar to Origami Risk’s program requirements, the design included a variety of meeting spaces, from small huddle rooms to a large boardroom, alongside a generously sized cafeteria for company-wide events. Finishes and lighting were strategically used to create distinct zones and encourage connection, promoting a sense of community and shared purpose. Select digital experiences were integrated throughout the space, allowing the company to showcase its mission and values to clients, investors and recruits.

FOSTERING COLLABORATION

Designing for a mission as critical as early cancer detection demanded more than spatial problem-solving—it required dissolving barriers to innovation. A preselected building posed a major obstacle: its core physically divided lab and workplace functions. In response, the team created “casual collision” zones—organic, light-filled moments of connection that stitched the workplace together and fostered a culture of collaboration, wellness and scientific synergy.

Inspired by the client’s mantra, “Spot the pattern, treat the cancer,” the architecture followed suit: where lighting and material patterns shift, people converge. These intentional deviations signaled collaboration, turning circulation into opportunity.

CONFIDENTIAL DIGITAL HEALTHCARE COMPANY

This thoughtful design incorporates key elements of neuroinclusive design to provide a dramatic shift in working environment that the company was looking for in their relocation.

LOCATION

Lincolnshire, Illinois SIZE

45,000 sq. ft.

SERVICES Interior Design

STATUS

Completed in 2021

RECOGNITION

As a company dedicated to receiving and processing heartrate monitors, their programmatic requirements were different from a typical office space. A significant difference is an intake space separate from the remainder of the office. Previously, material flow had been problematic, as their former space was not designed to handle the daily incoming, outgoing and processing of the wearable tech. To address this problem, our design features an intake area carved out of the ground floor exterior and designed for a precise flow through the building, allowing for the efficient processing of 5,000 devices/day. Ceiling-fed power allows for future efficiency upgrades.

CoreNet

DESIGNING WITHIN TIGHT CONSTRAINTS

When this digital healthcare company outgrew their old office, they were looking for a dramatic shift in their working environments, all while staying within a tight budget.

While the company’s programmatic requirements were different from a standard office space, the location selected was a typical office building. Not designed for the receipt of biohazardous materials or the power and mechanical requirement of a lab, the HOK team reconfigured the space to support its new function.

The client required no downtime in their intake process as well as tight coordination with third party agencies regulating a multitude of factors such as humidity, temperature and static. Directly off of reception is a new lab and clinic for local patients to learn how to use their heart rate monitors, creating an easy and welcoming experience.

SUSTAINABLE AND COST EFFECTIVE

The majority of products specified for this project are red-list chemical-free materials, support recycling and cradle-to-cradle initiatives. By reusing existing furniture and workstations and applying creative paint applications to create the illusion of reveals and elevated architectural elements, we helped maintain the cost. The result is a warm, inviting and flexible office tailored to the client’s updated brand and culture.

A BRIGHT, INSPIRING WORKPLACE

A variety of workspace types, including workstations, conference rooms, a large open lounge and collaboration areas with variety and choice in seating postures, levels of privacy and meeting types give the employee control over their environment. A large, all-hands space doubles as cafe, breakout meeting space and alternative work space. The Genius Bar IT desk and a game room provide additional key amenities.

THOMPSON STREET CAPITAL PARTNERS

HOK meticulously crafted a penthouse space that celebrates their unique legacy in a curated, sophisticated environment that supports focused work, team collaboration and premier client engagement.

Thompson Street Capital Partners wanted its new workplace to showcase the private equity firm’s commitment to investing in its people and business partners. Located on the penthouse floor of an office tower, the space brings hospitality to the forefront with a design that lends itself to both work and client engagement. LOCATION

STRATEGIC DESIGN TO INSPIRING ENVIRONMENTS

For Thompson Street Capital Partners (TSCP), a distinguished private equity firm, HOK was tasked with designing a new penthouse workspace that would not only promote collaboration and innovation but also profoundly celebrate their unique legacy an work culture. This project showcases HOK’s commitment to cocreating a client’s standard by translating their vision—to highlight their investment in people and business partners—into a physical environment that exudes hospitality and supports both focused work and sophisticated client engagement.

CONNECTION AND CULTURAL EXPRESSION

The design journey for TSCP was a structured co-creation process, ensuring their identity was deeply embedded within the penthouse setting. Guests are welcomed into a lobby adorned with bone white leather and cerused oak millwork, leading to a richly appointed reception lounge and coffee bar. This central hub, strategically designed as the heart of the office, exemplifies HOK’s deep knowledge in applying design principles to foster collaboration, socialization and networking

The tangible translation of TSCP’s culture and values is powerfully expressed through bespoke details: custom furniture, a marble concierge desk with a subtle logo etching, an engraved wood wall displaying a map of Manhattan’s SoHo (the firm’s origin) and client-created artwork displayed in a gallery-like fashion. These elements, which contribute to a holistically curated client and employee experience, demonstrate how physical space can powerfully reinforce brand identity and professional pride.

ATTRACTING TOP TALENT

HOK’s integrated application of specialized expertise ensured the workspace strategically supports TSCP’s diverse work needs. A variety of space types were meticulously planned: open and closed collaboration areas and huddle rooms foster collective problem-solving, while a library and private offices provide for essential heads-down work. Perimeter offices, featuring interior glass walls, represent a strategic solution that balances daylight penetration with acoustical privacy. This thoughtful design directly contributes to curating an experience designed to attract and retain talent by supporting varied workstyles. The sophisticated integration of technology, including videoconferencing systems and smart environmental controls, further enhances the clean, sophisticated aesthetic, ensuring the space is not only timeless but also designed for active longevity and peak performance, demonstrating enduring value.