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How HOK Redefined Architecture: Innovation, Culture, and Growth

AIA CES program ID: GMG.0022

Approved LUs: 1 LU|Elective

Prerequisites: None

Program level: Entry

Advance learner preparation: None

What If a Firm Was Built to Outlast Its Founders?

In an era when most firms rise and fall with their namesakes, HOK rewrote the rules. Born from the vision of George Hellmuth, Gyo Obata, and George Kassabaum, this architecture giant wasn’t just shaped by design—it was engineered for longevity. This course takes you inside HOK’s evolution from a startup with a bold idea to one of the most influential architecture firms in the world. You'll uncover how they embedded innovation, collaboration, and cultural resilience into every facet of the business—and why their model still inspires firms today.

Through the lens of this engaging podcast episode, listeners will trace the arc of HOK's formation, growth, and cultural DNA. The story begins with George Hellmuth’s determination to create a “depression-proof” firm—one that could weather market volatility without compromising quality or vision. His marketing genius brought in projects, but it was Gyo Obata’s contextual design sensitivity and George Kassabaum’s emphasis on detail and delivery that anchored HOK's enduring success.

The episode explores how HOK pioneered a business structure that separated ownership from personality, ensuring continuity beyond any one leader. It also highlights how collaboration was strategically used not only as an internal philosophy but as a competitive advantage. The narrative offers essential takeaways for design professionals aiming to build practices that are scalable, resilient, and rooted in values that transcend any single project.

Perfect for architects, firm principals, and design professionals who:

• Want to future-proof their practice by learning from a firm that broke the mold
• Are exploring succession planning and long-term leadership models
• Seek to understand how design, operations, and business culture intersect
• Value collaborative practice and want to strengthen internal team alignment
• Aspire to build legacies that go beyond signature style and personal brand

• Learn how HOK’s founders built a scalable architecture firm without sacrificing integrity, design quality, or human-centered values
• Discover practical models for leadership, ownership, and sustainability in the business of architecture
• Take inspiration from a firm that successfully integrated marketing, mentorship, and innovation into one unified culture
• Gain AIA LU credit while sharpening your ability to lead, communicate, and build something that lasts

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AIA CES Provider statement

Gābl Media is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number 10024977. All registered AIA CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider or this learning program may be sent to AIA CES ([email protected] or (800) AIA 3837, Option 3).

This learning program is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product.

AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.

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