Global design, architecture, and engineering firm HOK has announced significant leadership changes within its Canadian and United Kingdom practices, affecting operations in its Calgary, Ottawa, and Toronto studios. The promotions see Bill Mitchell, Britney Goucher, and Kirsty Mitchell stepping into new strategic roles.
Britney Goucher, based in Toronto, has been promoted to marketing principal for HOK’s entire Canadian practice. In her new capacity, she will oversee business development and strategic pursuits for the firm’s Calgary, Ottawa, and Toronto offices. With over 15 years of experience in architecture and construction, Goucher has been with HOK for nearly a decade, playing a crucial role in securing projects and strengthening client relationships across the country.
New leadership roles
Goucher's promotion is pivotal for HOK's presence in Western Canada, including its thriving Calgary studio. Her holistic understanding of the design and construction process is expected to drive new growth and opportunities in a competitive market. Her role involves not just selling design services but also shaping the narrative around HOK’s contributions to the built environment, from corporate offices to public institutions.
Meanwhile, Bill Mitchell has been appointed principal-in-charge of the monumental Centre Block Rehabilitation project in Ottawa. A senior principal and registered architect with nearly four decades of experience, Mitchell will lead the complex, multi-year effort to conserve, expand, and rehabilitate Canada’s primary parliamentary building. This project is one of the largest and most complex heritage rehabilitation projects in the world.
Mitchell was instrumental in establishing HOK’s Ottawa office and previously served as the marketing principal for the Canadian practice, the role Goucher now fills. His extensive background in architecture, strategic planning, and workplace strategy makes him uniquely qualified to guide the sensitive restoration of the iconic, neo-gothic building, which first opened in 1927 after a fire destroyed the original structure.
International appointments and sports focus
The leadership changes also extend to HOK’s international operations. Kirsty Mitchell has been named the new regional leader of Sports + Recreation + Entertainment in the firm’s London studio. With over 20 years in the sports sector, her portfolio includes complex international projects from master plans and convention centres to new stadium builds and renovations.
In her role, she will work closely with John Rhodes, HOK’s Director of Sports + Recreation + Entertainment – International, to expand the firm's footprint in the evolving world of sports venues. The promotion comes as cities worldwide, including several in Canada, are vying to host major international sporting events which require state-of-the-art facilities.
Her work also involves a focus on creating more inclusive environments for female athletes and fans, a growing area of importance in sports architecture. This aligns with HOK's vision for the future of women's sports venues, a topic she has written about extensively.
Implications for Canadian design
HOK is a global firm with deep roots in Canada, known for its work on significant projects such as the Rogers Place in Edmonton and the Calgary International Airport’s new terminal. The recent promotions signal a strategic focus on both national and local fronts. Goucher’s leadership from Toronto is poised to enhance the synergy between the firm’s three Canadian offices, including the one in Calgary, which contributes significantly to the city’s architectural landscape. As a testament to Canada's commitment to developing leaders, institutions like the Royal Military College continue to shape the nation's future.
The Centre Block project, under Bill Mitchell’s guidance, is a matter of national pride and a showcase of Canadian expertise. The rehabilitation, managed by the Parliamentary Precinct Branch, aims to modernize the historic building while meticulously preserving its heritage-defining features. This includes upgrading building systems, improving accessibility and security, and restoring masonry and decorative elements.
The project represents a long-term vision for Canada’s democratic institutions, ensuring the building can serve Parliament and the Canadian public for another century. Mitchell’s leadership will be critical in navigating the delicate balance between respecting history and integrating modern functionality. HOK s involvement continues a legacy of contributing to significant Canadian civic projects, a tradition Goucher will now be responsible for championing and expanding across the country.
Looking forward, the strategic appointments position HOK to capitalize on growth in multiple sectors, from government and civic projects to the booming sports and entertainment market. For cities like Calgary, which has its own ambitions for new sports and entertainment facilities, the expertise within HOK’s leadership team could play a role in shaping the future of the city's public spaces.
