Sr Project Designer - Sports + Recreation + Entertainment

At HOK, we design places that bring people together-venues that shape cities, elevate experiences, and endure for generations. We are seeking a Sr. Project Designer to join our Sports, Recreation + Entertainment practice in Kansas City. This role is for a design leader who thrives on shaping bold ideas into built reality-someone who can inspire teams, engage clients, and elevate the design of high-profile, experience-driven environments.

You'll partner closely with Senior Project Managers and Senior Project Architects to lead design vision, guide teams, and deliver innovative, high-performance venues that leave a lasting impact on communities.

Role Overview
As a Sr. Project Designer, you will contribute to the design of complex, experience-driven environments such as professional and collegiate sports venues, arenas, community recreation centers, training facilities, and multi-use entertainment destinations. You will be engaged from early concept through construction, balancing creative vision with technical rigor, sustainability, and client goals.

Key Responsibilities
Design Leadership

Establish and advance design direction for sports, recreation, and entertainment projects, from concept through construction.
Develop architectural concepts that respond to fan and user experience, performance requirements, operations, and long-term flexibility.
Ensure design intent is clearly and consistently translated through design development, documentation, and construction.
Support the resolution of design solutions during construction documentation and construction administration.
Integrate sustainable and high-performance design strategies into project solutions.
Oversee design teams to ensure quality, schedule, and budget alignment.
Maintain project standards and ensure documentation aligns with QA/QC and best practices.

Collaboration & Mentorship

Lead and mentor less experienced designers, supporting professional growth and design culture.
Establish team workflows, digital standards, and collaboration tools.
Participate in project reviews, "Lessons Learned," and professional development discussions.
Foster a workplace culture grounded in collaboration, accountability, and environmental responsibility.

Client Engagement

Collaborate directly with clients and stakeholders to understand design goals and expectations.
Prepare and present design concepts and materials with clarity and purpose.
Participate in client meetings and site visits to review progress and confirm design intent.

Practice Support

Partner with Project Managers to support work planning and project performance.
Serve as Team Leader on select projects.
Contribute to marketing and business development efforts as appropriate, including proposals and interviews.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Architecture or equivalent experience required;
Master's degree preferred.
10+ years of professional architectural design experience.

Experience with sports venues, arenas, recreation facilities, training environments, or entertainment projects.
Licensed Architect with current registration; NCARB registration a plus.
LEED Accredited Professional or LEED Green Associate preferred.
Strong design judgment, communication skills, and collaborative mindset.

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