HOK has appointed Eli Hoisington, AIA, LEED AP, and Susan Klumpp Williams, AIA, LEED AP, as its new co-chief executive officers, succeeding Bill Hellmuth, FAIA, LEED AP, who passed away on April 6, shortly after his scheduled retirement.
Hoisington and Klumpp Williams, who have served as interim co-CEOs since Hellmuth went on medical leave in May 2022, bring a fresh yet familiar perspective to HOK’s leadership. They have previously led two of the firm’s largest offices and are longstanding executive committee members.
Hoisington, the design principal in St. Louis, and Klumpp Williams, the managing principal in Washington, D.C., have collaborated closely with Hellmuth in the past. They will work with HOK’s board to steer the firm’s design vision, business strategy and operations.
Hellmuth’s legacy spans 32 years with HOK, having served as CEO since 2016 and chairman since 2017. His tenure saw HOK win hundreds of design awards, strengthen its commitment to sustainable and regenerative design, open three new offices, diversify its leadership, and increase its pro-bono work and charitable giving. Under Hellmuth’s guidance, HOK earned recognition as one of Time Magazine’s most influential companies and consistently ranked among the world’s largest and greenest architecture/engineering firms.
Hoisington, 46, and Klumpp Williams, now in her 38th year with the firm, break new ground as the youngest and first woman CEOs in HOK’s 68-year history. They bring complementary skill sets and extensive experience to their new roles.
HOK President Carl Galioto, FAIA, LEED AP, praised the new co-CEOs, stating, “Combining Eli’s design expertise and Susan’s business acumen in this new co-CEO leadership structure will drive HOK’s evolution as a more diverse, collaborative and international design firm.”
Hoisington expressed his commitment to enhancing HOK’s global presence as a preeminent, interdisciplinary design firm while building on Hellmuth’s legacy: “Design remains our core focus, shaping everything from project opportunities and business organization to innovation, research, education, mentorship and community engagement. Above all, we will continue using design to improve lives, heal the planet and contribute to the success of our clients.”
Klumpp Williams shared her experience working with Hellmuth: “Having collaborated with Bill in D.C. for 32 years, I understand how he maintained our founders’ vision for a diverse, design-focused practice. Eli and I will work in a similar manner, with him concentrating on design and me continuing my focus on operations.”
As the first woman CEO in HOK’s history, Klumpp Williams acknowledged the significance of her role: “This is an opportunity to underscore the power of diverse leadership. It also demonstrates HOK’s dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion across the firm. I’m eager to contribute to this ongoing transformation and further HOK’s commitment to ensuring that all our staff have equitable experiences in their career growth.”
Related Stories
Building Team | Jul 7, 2022
Report explores improving architect/contractor relationship
A new study by the American Institute of Architects and the Associated General Contractors of America focuses on improving the relationship between architects and contractors.
Airports | Jul 7, 2022
Love at first flight: The power of first impressions in airports
As architects, how we design a terminal and choreograph the passenger experience can stir up strong feelings.
Building Team | Jul 7, 2022
Amenity-rich rental property in Chicago includes seven-story atrium with vertical landscaping
The recently opened 198-unit Optima Lakeview luxury rental apartment building in Chicago is bursting with amenities such as the region’s first year-round rooftop pool, contact-free in-home package delivery, housekeeping services, on-site room service, fitness programming, and a virtual personal assistant.
Multifamily Housing | Jul 6, 2022
The power of contextual housing development
Creating urban villages and vibrant communities starts with a better understanding of place, writes LPA's Matthew Porreca.
Building Team | Jul 6, 2022
Buro Happold selects Jennifer Price for top role, US Managing Director
Buro Happold, a world-class practice of 2,200 engineers and consultants, has announced the appointment of Seattle-based Jennifer Price as US Managing Director and Partner.
University Buildings | Jul 6, 2022
Wenzhou-Kean University opens a campus building that bridges China’s past and future
After pandemic-related stops and starts, Wenzhou-Kean University’s Ge Hekai Hall has finally begun to see full occupancy.
Security and Life Safety | Jul 5, 2022
What AEC firms should look for in a cybersecurity partner
When looking for expert partners in cybersecurity, AEC firms will find quite a lot of companies claiming to be at the forefront of modern threats. Here are five key points to look for when choosing a cybersecurity firm.
Performing Arts Centers | Jul 5, 2022
Tour the new Patricia Reser Center for the Arts in Oregon
This month, the community of Beaverton, Oregon, welcomed a new haven for artistic expression with the opening of Patricia Reser Center for the Arts (The Reser).
Building Team | Jul 5, 2022
Dallas’ Fair Park, home to the State Fair of Texas, will place a park atop a new parking garage
A registered National Historic Landmark, Fair Park is the 227-acre home to the Texas State Fair and various cultural institutions in Dallas, Tex.
Market Data | Jul 1, 2022
Nonresidential construction spending slightly dips in May, says ABC
National nonresidential construction spending was down by 0.6% in May, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data published today by the U.S. Census Bureau.