HOK has promoted Kirtan Patel, AIA, LEED GA, and Albert Kaneshiro, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, DBIA, to regional leaders of Aviation + Transportation for its Northeast and Southwest practices, respectively.

Patel and Kaneshiro will work with HOK’s directors of Aviation + Transportation Kaven Swan, Paul Auguste, AIA, NOMA, Matt Needham, AIA, DBIA, andLuke Bridle, AIA, LEED BD+C, ENV SP, and additional group leaders, to strengthen the firm’s presence and expertise on the East and West U.S. coasts.

“Kirtan and Albert are exceptional leaders with extensive backgrounds in complex aviation and transportation projects that enhance the traveler experience,” said Carl Galioto, FAIA, president of HOK. “Their collaboration with our Aviation + Transportation directors will broaden our practice and continue our commitment to design and technical excellence.”

Based in New York, Patel brings more than two decades of experience in the technical design of aviation and transportation facilities. Her current projects include work at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Philadelphia International Airport and Toronto Pearson International Airport. Patel’s work also includes significant airport projects in Bangkok, Thailand, and Bangalore, India.

“I’m thrilled to work alongside such a talented team at HOK and deliver innovative solutions for our clients in the Northeast,” said Patel.

With more than 28 years at HOK, the Los Angeles-based Kaneshiro is an expert at managing complex aviation, transportation and civic projects. His experience includes significant projects for the San Diego, Fukuoka, Dallas Fort Worth, Los Angeles and Honolulu international airports, as well as the Big Blue Bus transportation system in Santa Monica and the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC).

“It’s an honor to lead HOK’s Aviation + Transportation practice in Los Angeles,” said Kaneshiro. “I’m dedicated to fostering a culture of collaboration and driving forward sustainable, groundbreaking airport and transportation projects worldwide.”

HOK is a collective of future-forward thinkers and designers who are driven to face the critical challenges of our time. We are dedicated to improving people’s lives, serving our clients and healing the planet. Together, we cultivate a culture of design excellence at the confluence of art and science, blending the power of creative expression with a clear sense of purpose. Current and recent aviation projects include the award-winning new LaGuardia Airport Terminal B, the expansion and modernization of O’Hare Airport’s Terminal 5 and the Salt Lake City International Airport Passenger Terminal.