Project Architect - Sports + Recreation + Entertainment

At HOK, we design places where people gather, compete, train, and celebrate—from professional and collegiate sports venues to recreation centers and entertainment destinations. Our Sports + Recreation + Entertainment (SRE) group is seeking a Project Architect to join our Kansas City studio. In this role, you’ll partner closely with the Project Manager and Project Designer to lead the technical delivery of high-profile projects—from early design through construction. You’ll play a critical role in shaping how projects are documented, coordinated, and built, while mentoring teams and contributing to a culture of technical excellence.

Responsibilities:

• Champion the design intent for stadiums, arenas, training facilities, recreation centers, and entertainment venues, ensuring it is fully realized in detailed documentation.
• Guide projects from early concept through construction administration, ensuring clarity, consistency, and buildability.
• Lead technical problem-solving and coordination across architecture, structure, MEP, specialty systems, and venue consultants.
• Set document production strategies, including drawing organization, BIM execution, and data management for large, multi-discipline teams.
• Oversee QA reviews and ensure comments are thoughtfully incorporated.
• Supervise, mentor, and inspire architects and technical staff producing complex SRE documentation.
• Foster a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and sustainable design.

Partner with Clients & Stakeholders

• Build trusted relationships with client leadership, operators, and stakeholders.
• Communicate clearly around design intent, technical requirements, schedules, and deliverables.
• Participate in client presentations, milestone reviews, and coordination meetings.
• Participate in business development efforts, pursuits, and client engagement opportunities within the SRE market.

Collaborate Across Disciplines

• Work closely with Principals, consultants, vendors, contractors, and specialty venue partners.
• Coordinate with municipal agencies and authorities having jurisdiction for approvals and variances.
• Attend site visits, field reviews, and construction meetings.
• Review contractor schedules, shop drawings, and submittals—often for complex assemblies unique to SRE projects.
• Support specification development, material research, and integration of HOK Standards.
• Contribute to cost reviews, schedule adherence, and interdisciplinary coordination.
• Integrate sustainable and high-performance design strategies into all phases of work.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture required. Master’s degree preferred.
• 5+ years of professional architectural experience, preferably on complex or large-scale sports, recreation or entertainment projects.
• Licensed Architect with current registration (required). 
• NCARB registration preferred.
• LEED accreditation or Green Associate preferred.
• A passion for sports, recreation, and entertainment environments, technical leadership, and teamwork.#LI-CN1