Architecture - Healthcare Practice Leader

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 peoples 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.

Explore some of our recent work in the HOK 2026 Design Annual and see how were shaping the future of design.

HOK is currently seeking a Healthcare Practice Leader to join our team in Houston.

This is a strategic role that blends project and people leadership within a collaborative, design-driven environment. This person may lead select projects as Principal-in-Charge/Senior Project Manager/Senior Medical Planner, including participation in Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) Big Rooms and co-location settings.

This role also includes mentoring and managing the healthcare team, supporting professional development, and advancing business development initiatives across the region. The ideal candidate brings 15+ years of experience leading complex acute care, inpatient, and outpatient projects, with a strong understanding of local and regional jurisdictions.

This is an opportunity to shape the future of healthcare design - combining purpose, innovation, and impact.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership

• In collaboration with the Regional Leader of Healthcare, Market Business Unit Director of Healthcare, and Practice Principals, develops and executes strategic practice planning and marketing strategies. This includes coordination with the Seattle, Los Angeles, and other firmwide offices as needed.
• Assists or leads proposal teams, in coordination with Practice Leaders and Principals, to budget and deliver design competitions, response to Request for Proposals, and Request for Qualifications.
• Acts as mentor to project managers, senior project managers, and other healthcare practice staff by providing technical expertise and leadership.
• Acts as mentor by coaching and motivating design teams and individuals; fostering an environment of mutual respect and trust among members of the group as it grows and develops. Advocates for staff in their career growth and professional development.
• Participates and supports various firmwide project management initiatives.
• Takes personal responsibility for fostering a green workplace through sustainable work practices.
• Acts as Senior Project Manager or Principal In Charge of assigned projects. This would include travel and attendance in Integrated Project Delivery Big Rooms and co-location offices. Duties include but are not limited to: running OAC meetings, managing client relations, submitting fees and proposals, providing fee projections, and managing resource utilization through Vantagepoint.
• Fosters a culture of trust and accountability with clients. Reports potential issues to leadership so that they can be addressed promptly.

Business Development:

• Participates in developing annual business plan for the practice.
• Identifies new business opportunities while developing current client relationships. Listens for and seeks out new projects which may exist or are being formulated.
• Participates in selected marketing and business development opportunities.
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with consultants, contractors, and jurisdictional/approval agencies.
• Assists or leads development of fee proposals for marketing proposals.
• Participates in local or state professional associations, maintains active membership, and attends conferences valued by clients as appropriate.

Staff Development

• In collaboration with the Regional Leader of Healthcare, prepares and delivers design staff evaluations; responsible for performance development and allocation processes of department.
• Supports diversity, HOKU programs, and develops continuing education opportunities (e.g. site visits, lectures, road trips) to expose design staff to influences which will stimulate design creativity and innovation.
• Participates in interviews and recruiting of professional staff.
• Encourages staff exploration and innovation to achieve project design excellence and continual improvement.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in architecture or equivalent in education or experience required. Master's degree preferred.
• 15 years' experience in architectural practice with prior management experience in all phases of projects through post-occupancy as well as leading acute care inpatient and outpatient healthcare projects, with local jurisdictions.
• Licensed Architect with current registration in your region required, if licensure is offered in your region.
• NCARB registration preferred.
• LEED accreditation or Green Associate preferred.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:

• Demonstrated creativity, passion, and interest in design and planning of healthcare facilities.
• Advanced knowledge in healthcare programming/planning, design development, and project leadership.
• Advanced knowledge of technical and regulatory requirements for healthcare facilities.
• Ability to manage staff with a collaborative leadership style which puts value on relationships, both internal and external.
• Ability to think strategically, implement change, enforce policy, and resolve conflict.
• Thorough understanding of project work plans, schedules, staffing, and budgets.
• Proven ability to prioritize oneself and the work of others in order to meet deadlines and provide high quality service to clients.
• Proven ability to create and maintain strong working relationships with external clients.
• Proven ability to masterfully present, effectively sell, and negotiate the services of HOK.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Thorough knowledge of sustainability, integrated design, and LEED guidelines.
• Knowledge of buildingSMART, Building Information Modeling (BIM), and Integrated Project Delivery (IPD).
• Proficiency in the basic technical skills of architecture including the following computer skills:
• Proficiency in Deltek Vantagepoint preferred.
• Proficiency in Smartsheet preferred.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite.
• Proficiency in Primavera or MS Project preferred.
• Proficiency in Revit preferred.
• Knowledge of 3D Modeling software such as 3D Studio Max and Viz 2006 preferred.
• Knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator, Sketchup, and InDesign graphic software preferred.

OTHER:

• Travel may be required.
• Overtime may be required.

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.