Architect - Sports (Design)

HOK Group, Inc.; City of Niagara Falls (NY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

10 paid holidays

Minimum of 4 weeks of paid time off

Job summary

HOK Group, Inc. in Niagara Falls is looking for licensed Architects to join their Sports, Recreation, and Entertainment practice. You will be involved in shaping complex sports venues, ensuring adherence to design intent and sustainability practices. This role emphasizes leadership, client communication, and mentoring less experienced staff.

The ideal candidate will have at least 7 years of experience in design, with a strong passion for sports. HOK offers a competitive compensation range of $85,000–$105,000 and a supportive hybrid work environment.

Benefits include comprehensive medical coverage, paid parental leave, and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• 7 plus years of design experience, preferably on complex or large-scale sports projects.
• Licensed Architect with current registration in your region required.
• Strong passion for sports and commitment to design.

Responsibilities

• Lead the team in planning work and developing design solutions.
• Communicate with client representatives to verify design requirements.
• Mentor and direct the work of less experienced staff.

Skills

Leadership skills

Technical drawing preparation

Client communication

Sustainable design practices

Collaboration in team settings

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture

Master's degree in Architecture

LEED accreditation

Job description

HOK marked its 70th anniversary in 2025, and we continue to be a collective of future-forward thinkers and designers committed to tackling the critical challenges of our time. Our mission is simple yet powerful: improve lives, serve our clients, and heal the planet. At HOK, design excellence thrives at the intersection of art and science - where creativity meets purpose.

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

Application must include both resume and portfolio (or portfolio link).

HOK New York is seeking licensed Architects for its dynamic Sports, Recreation, and Entertainment practice.

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 licensed Architects with demonstrated experience in sports-focused projects to join our New York City studio. You will play a key role in shaping projects that are documented, coordinated, and built, while mentoring younger staff and contributing to a culture of excellence. Together with other teams, you will help continue to expand and grow the practice responsible for designing some of the most innovative sports venues around the world.

Responsibilities

Leadership

• Advocate for and uphold the design intent of stadiums, arenas, training facilities, locker rooms, and other sports-related venues, ensuring seamless translation into comprehensive construction documentation.
• Lead the team in planning work and developing solutions to technical and design detail problems.
• Responsible for establishing, maintaining, and adhering to project budget and schedule.
• Supervise preparation of technical drawings by other less senior level architects or professionals.
• Prepare client presentations and present design concepts and drawings.
• Ensure that construction detail documentation conforms to QA/QC and HOK Best Practice standards.
• Incorporate Integrated Sustainable Design solutions into projects.
• Mentor and direct the work of less experienced staff, may participate in professional development; review "Lessons Learned" sessions.
• Foster and maintain a collaborative professional working relationship with the Project Leadership Team.
• Assure the overall strategy for producing documents and organizing data will be followed, including incorporating elements in a Building Information Model (BIM) or other 3D model.
• Assure HOK document standards are met and archive documents appropriately.
• Set up project team software parameters and manage standards.
• Takes personal responsibility for fostering a green workplace through sustainable work practices.

Client Interface + Teamwork

• Communicate with client representatives to verify design requirements and specifications, progress reviews and delivery of final presentation.
• Analyze and develop approaches to the creation and modification of architectural documents, elevations, sections, details, specifications, etc., ensuring the incorporation of design intent.
• Be responsible for technical resolution and coordination for a defined portion of a project.
• Develop solutions to design problems.
• Correct and update, making minor adaptations and modifications, to complete working design documents.
• Attend on-site visits, field reviews and project meetings and document appropriately. Prepare, coordinate and review the schedules, submission of shop drawings and samples.
• Responsible for communication with other disciplines, vendors, and contractors to ensure incorporation of all information into project requirements and provide support as necessary.
• Perform product research; assist project designers with material selection and system research.
• Coordinate with project managers, clients, public agencies, consultants and contractors to incorporate engineering systems, respond to requests for information, clarifications, and modifications, and obtain approvals, negotiations and adjusting scope of services.
• Write reports and memos to consultants and vendors to issue changes and track resolutions.
• Review completed reports, plans, estimates and calculations for coordination.
• Participate in team meetings to help resolve project issues, coordination with other disciplines, schedule adherence, and technical issues.
• Participate in project reviews regarding project costs, budgets and adherence to schedule.
• Communicate in a clear, concise, and professional manner at all times, both verbally and in writing and will have regular interface with clients.
• Apply proper QA/QC methods throughout project. May lead this effort.
• Provide support to all team members for specific market, discipline, or other area of expertise.
• May provide assistance in connection with expertise in particular building types, component, material, element, or building code.
• May assist team in construction administration document management.
• May assist Project Manager with defining project work plans.
• Prepare meeting minutes for consultant coordination meetings.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in architecture or equivalent in education or experience required. Master's degree preferred.
• 7 plus years' design experience, preferably on complex or large-scale sports projects.
• 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.
• A strong passion for sports, a commitment to design, and a collaborative approach to working with teams.

About the Role

You will 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 are ready to help create places where unforgettable moments happen, we would love to hear from you.

Compensation

Compensation is based on experience, qualifications, education, and location. The reasonably expected range for this position is $85,000–$105,000. Other compensation may include a discretionary bonus.

Benefits

HOK invests in its people and communities, supporting both personal and professional growth through every stage of life. HOK offers 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.

HOK is an EOE, including disability/vets.