Sr Project Designer - Sports + Recreation + Entertainment

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.

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

HOK invests in its people and communities, supporting both personal and professional growth through every stage of life. At HOK you'll have 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. HOK offers comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, free mental wellness resources, life and AD&D coverage and short and long-term disability benefits. HOK supports your growing family by offering 4 weeks of paid parental leave and fertility coverage. HOK helps to fund your future financial needs with matching contributions to our 401(K) plan which includes a well-rounded investment menu as well as free guidance on retirement planning.

Wherever you are in your career, HOK provides opportunities to learn, develop and utilize your skills. Continued learning is promoted through financial support and study prep for licensure exams, CEU credit opportunities, mentorship programs, and paid professional memberships. To learn more about designing your career with HOK, explore our current job openings.

HOK is an EOE, including disability/vets.