Sr Project Designer - Sports + Recreation + Entertainment

Sr. Project Designer

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.