HOK

HOK has had a landmark year at the cutting edge of sustainable design, with 20 of its projects achieving LEED Gold, LEED Platinum, or BREEAM Excellent certification in 2024–25. This push for excellence is accompanied by progress across its portfolio, as the firm exceeds energy reduction targets set by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) well ahead of the 2030 deadline. In 2024, HOK designs achieved a 68 percent reduction in energy use intensity (EUI) compared to baseline levels—surpassing both the firm’s 2023 results (65.5 percent) and the AIA’s 50 percent average. That same year, HOK also leveraged Life Cycle Analysis assessments to optimize embodied carbon in structural systems for all new buildings over 5,000 square feet. 

Interiors have been a special focus at the firm, with director of interiors Tom Polucci and director of workplace Kay Sargent issuing a call to action in the firm’s HOK Forward publication. “Our approach to interior design prioritizes human health, environmental sustainability and social equity,” the pair write. “These are big issues that require more than just HOK’s commitment. We are calling on our clients, vendors, construction partners and industry peers to do the same.” At the heart of this effort is a proprietary materials tracking tool. Over the past four years, the tool has enabled designers to collect and analyze data on key sustainability metrics for every project. The firm has set specific goals around embodied carbon, green chemistry, and sustainable sourcing for its 27 global offices. Last year alone, the firm tracked 139 projects—a 300 percent increase since 2021.