HOK Establishes Centers of Expertise for Pediatric and Behavioral Health Design

Specialized practices will expand HOK’s delivery of tailored design solutions for young patients and those experiencing mental illness, addiction and trauma.

HOK has established two new market specialties. The Pediatrics and Behavioral Health Centers of Expertise will serve as strategic extensions of HOK’s growing Healthcare practice. The new Centers will provide firmwide resources, guiding HOK studios in design solutions informed by the latest research and trends affecting pediatric and behavioral health treatment and care.

• The Behavioral Health Center of Expertise will work in collaboration with HOK’s Justice practice and be led by Behavioral Health Practice Leaders Shiva Mendez, Virginia Pankey and Kristen Markos. With mental illness and addiction impacting nearly one-third of the general population and up to 60% of incarcerated individuals, it’s imperative that healthcare and justice facilities have spaces that nurture and support behavioral health.
• The Pediatrics Center of Expertise will be led by Pediatrics Practice Leader Karen Freeman and Regional Leader of Healthcare Laura Poltronieri and will expand HOK’s work with leading pediatric health providers such as Stanford Children’s Health, Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Ocshner Children’s Hospital.

“We are fortunate to have so many diversified design experts to lead in these new Centers of Expertise,” said Amine Khemakhem, firmwide director of Healthcare. “These design specialties recognize the distinct healthcare needs of pediatric and behavioral health patients and will ensure HOK continues to provide our clients a holistic approach to designing the best healing environments for delivering specialized care.”