LA Forever: Inside HOK’s Downtown Los Angeles Studio

Come with us as we pay homage to Los Angeles, the eternal epicenter of creativity. HOK takes us inside their Downtown LA workplace.

*This article was written prior to the devastating 2025 LA fires. Our hearts are with all those affected, and we express deep gratitude to all of the first responders and fire combatants. Fire resources can be found here.*

HOK’s relocation to the Arts District underscores their innovative, user-centric design approach and this transition into downtown’s creative heart has infused their work with fresh energy and inspiration. Central to HOK’s philosophy is the design of inclusive, neurodiverse work environments where everyone can thrive. In their new office, HOK designed floating workspaces—flexible areas that are not assigned but chosen—catering to a diverse spectrum of sensory needs. These areas range from serene spaces to sensory-rich zones, supporting a hybrid work model. 

HOK’s workspace has brought about meaningful enhancements to their core business and overall work environment. After nearly 20 years in Culver City, when relocating HOK’s Los Angeles studio to the Arts District, they sought a workplace that encouraged informal interactions, reflected their culture, and inspired their employees. Focused on inclusivity and innovation, the design reflects the ethos of the Arts District. Notably, they’ve broken down traditional team barriers, fostering collaboration and communication between departments. This shift has cultivated a stronger sense of unity and purpose. In-person meetings have seen a 75% increase, leading to more efficient decision-making and collaborative problem-solving. This closer interaction has proven beneficial.

The studio’s community engagement has seen a boost, with an 80% rise in gatherings like lunches and design shares. This has contributed to a livelier atmosphere and enhanced relationships among colleagues. At the heart of the design strategy are versatile work points that cater to diverse sensory needs and tasks. Impressively, about 30% of HOK’s staff now prefer unassigned workspaces, reflecting their desire for flexibility.

Meeting room utilization has risen by 50% thanks to integrated technology. Seamless virtual meetings ensure equitable participation, no matter where participants are located. HOK’s Return-to-Office (RTO) policy, incorporating three in-office days, has positively impacted staff attendance and collaboration, while over 50% of the team now enjoy a more convenient commute. Furthermore, HOK’s new location in Downtown Los Angeles led to a notable increase in the use of public transportation.

With HOK’s move to DTLA’s Arts District, they found it important to celebrate the spirit and history of the neighborhood by incorporating the work of local artists in our space. We worked with art consultant Tre Borden & Co. to source proposals from local artists, ultimately commissioning a custom mural and curating a collection of rotation pieces to be featured in the lobby. The mural, by Adee Roberson, captures the studio’s view of the San Gabriel Mountains to the north, bringing the scenery into the space through an abstract array of bright colors and textures.

Sitting in the epicenter of creativity in L.A., this studio fosters a connection to the surrounding community and serves as the perfect place to turn ideology into practice.

Design Process & Project Planning

This space is a love letter to its past, a celebration of the creative pulse of the Arts District, and a test lab for the future of workplace design.

 — Mike Goetz, Director of Design, Interiors, HOK

Office leadership and the design team collaborated extensively to plan HOK’s LA studio, gathering employee input through surveys, site visits, and town halls, which shaped both the office’s location and design. Staff feedback influenced everything from workspace layout to wellness-focused amenities and change management and post-occupancy surveys facilitated a smooth transition. Unique requirements, like integrating local artists, added cultural value to the space. This process ensured the design reflected both the functional needs and creative spirit of HOK’s team in LA.

Standout Details

HOK’s LA studio embodies a commitment to health, wellness, and sustainability with initiatives that enhance both employee well-being and environmental responsibility. A focus on neurodiversity, informed by extensive research, led to the integration of varied work environments that cater to diverse sensory needs. The use of fractal-patterned carpet, assistive technologies, sit-stand desks, and adjustable lighting supports inclusive productivity, while training programs foster understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity. Health-focused furnishings further improve ergonomics and adapt to the varied needs of all employees.

Sustainability achievements in the LA studio include a 31% reduction in energy use, 78% accessible natural lighting, low-VOC materials, and recycling practices that diverted 95% of construction waste and 96% of donated furniture. These efforts have earned the studio LEED Platinum and Fitwel 1-Star certifications. 

Branding elements showcase local culture. The team worked with art consultant Tre Borden & Co. to source proposals from local artists, ultimately commissioning a custom mural and curating a collection of rotation pieces to be featured in the Reception. For example, Adee Roberson’s vibrant mural that celebrates the nearby San Gabriel Mountains, and a rotating art collection that brings dynamic visual storytelling into the workspace, supporting creativity and connection.

Impactful Products 

• Relaxing Floors | Fractal
• Flex Focus Pods
• Mural | Adee Roberson
• Hybrid Meeting Tables
• AMQ Workstations by Steelcase
• Marien Conference Chair by Coalesse 

• Jeanette Chair by SP01
• Belle Sectional by Steelcase + West Elm
• Coby Apron Table by Hi5
• Border by Orange Box
• Lucky by Luka Stepan for Bla Station
• Lighting by SCI

Maximizing Change Management 

Navigating change management during HOK’s move to its new LA studio involved engaging strategies to ease the transition and enhance employee collaboration. With 75% more in-person meetings, employees reported improved decision-making and teamwork, facilitated by versatile work points that support diverse sensory needs. The studio’s Return-to-Office policy encouraged staff connection, with the new location in Downtown LA reducing commute times and increasing public transportation.

A 50% increase in meeting room utilization demonstrates the studio’s commitment to tech-integrated, seamless hybrid work. This strategy has allowed equitable virtual participation, ensuring remote staff stay engaged. Community-building efforts, including a rise in gatherings by 80%, have fostered a vibrant atmosphere where social interaction thrives. Notably, around 25% of employees now favor unassigned workspaces, reflecting a shift toward flexibility and adaptability in the workplace.

DTLA Studio Summary

The design of HOK’s Los Angeles studio illustrates a narrative of community integration, sustainability, and employee-centric innovation. Located in the dynamic Arts District, the studio embodies HOK’s core values of inclusivity and environmental stewardship. By embracing unassigned workspaces and adaptable environments that cater to neurodiverse needs, HOK has created a flexible, inclusive atmosphere that sets a new standard for modern workspaces. The use of biophilic design principles, abundant natural light, and materials selected for low environmental impact all contribute to a harmonious and health-conscious space that reflects HOK’s dedication to employee well-being.

Various internal teams collaborated with each other to create a cohesive approach from furniture to experiential design. This partnership holistically prioritized a spirit of locality, inclusivity, and functionality making the office not only a workspace but also a platform to articulate our individual and collective values. Collaborations with vendors and ongoing research with leaders in the industry contributed to HOK’s neurodiversity-focused design, furniture teams sourced ergonomic and flexible options to provide personalization and comfort at sit to stand desks and throughout the office, and close connections with art consultant Tre Borden & Co. celebrate the heart of our LA location and team.

Additional expertise came from various consultants and contractors, ensuring high sustainability standards. Efficient HVAC systems, recycled materials, and low-VOC finishes helped achieve LEED Platinum and Fitwel certifications, underscoring HOK’s dedication to environmental responsibility and wellness and leading to a 31% energy reduction, 78% natural daylight penetration, and remarkable construction waste diversion rates. These accomplishments underscore HOK’s commitment to responsible, health-focused architecture, inspiring industry influencers to prioritize sustainability and inclusivity in their own projects. 

With a thoughtful blend of high-performance design and cultural resonance, the LA studio highlights HOK’s innovative and community-driven approach, inviting the architecture community to experience a space that harmonizes productivity, well-being, and environmental consciousness.

Meet HOK’s Team

Project Team:

• Adaeze Cadet | Design Principal
• Mike Goetz | Director of Design, Interiors
• Cara MacArthur | Director of Interiors
• Jessica Thelen | Interior Designer
• Daniel Martinez | Job Captain
• Jennifer Ligon | Office Manger

Key Consultants:

• Tangram – Furniture Dealer
• SCI – Lighting

Photography

Benny Chan

Connect with HOK

Contact HOK | Follow on Instagram |  Connect on Linkedin 

Want More From HOK’s Thought Leaders?

Sensory Stimulation: The Root of Performance and Wellbeing

Pre-Order HOK Workplace Leader and frequent Work Design Collaborator Kay Sargent’s Forthcoming Book – Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces, Out March 18th 2025.