Project Architect - Sports + Recreation + Entertainment

HOK•Kansas City, MO

About The Position

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. You’ll collaborate with a team of designers and technical experts shaping world-class venues—places that define cities, elevate fan experience, and support athletes and communities. At HOK, we value curiosity, accountability, mentorship, and design excellence. If you’re ready to help create places where unforgettable moments happen, we’d love to hear from you.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture required.
5+ years of professional architectural experience, preferably on complex or large-scale sports, recreation or entertainment projects.
Licensed Architect with current registration (required).
A passion for sports, recreation, and entertainment environments, technical leadership, and teamwork.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
NCARB registration preferred.
LEED accreditation or Green Associate preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead Iconic Sports + Recreation + Entertainment Projects
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.