HELLMUTH OBATA & KASSABAUM (HOK) is a global design, architecture, engineering and planning firm with a large focus on sustainability.  The HOK Houston office houses about 200 people in multiple disciplines.  The projects are commercial and typically large scale.  

TIME:  Completed 2014.
PLACE:  Houston, TX

TITLE & ROLE:  Project Designer.  I was responsible for the initial conceptual design and was able to stay on the project from the kickoff meeting to project closeout under the guidance of a Senior Designer and Senior Project Architect.  I guided the project through construction documentation as an active member of the two-person documentation team.  I also coordinated the interior design, including finish selection and room layout.  I was the main contact with the client and construction team through design and construction administration.  

ABOUT:   The center is located on a corporate campus and embodies the culture and spirit of the company while providing a nurturing environment for it’s most precious resource.  The center houses up to 204 children in small groups and supports a family atmosphere for movement, learning and growth.  The design works to foster a secure environment where the young community can connect with both each other and their surroundings.  The architectural form embodies the protective gesture of an embrace implicit in the curving form of each wing around individual playgrounds.  The continuity of interior walls bending to form the sheltering roof and each joyfully colored enclosure allows children to filter in and out of.