Paul Cooper has joined HOK as the interiors practice leader for the Tampa office. He brings 20 years of diverse experience in healthcare, hospitality, retail, and corporate design. His work, including the Sarasota Memorial Hospital Emergency Care Center triage area, has won numerous awards.
Cooper comes to HOK from Empire Office, where he served as the firm’s architecture and design representative for Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Sarasota. Prior to Empire, he was with Gresham, Smith, and Partners and TRO JB. Past clients have included St. Joseph’s Hospital, Lee Memorial Health System, HealthSouth Corporation, St. Leo University, Phillippi Shores Elementary School, and Phoenix Medical Construction Company.
In his new position, Cooper will develop and execute strategic practice planning and marketing strategies, participate in business and staff development opportunities, and oversee interior project teams.
“We are delighted to have Paul on board,” says Beth Bernitt, senior vice president, HOK. “His passion for excellence is reflected in his rigorous training, technical expertise, and community leadership, and his skill as a project manager will ensure the design integrity that our clients expect.”
Cooper, who has a Bachelor of Science in Design from University of Cincinnati, is the immediate past president of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Florida Central Chapter.
HOK’s interiors projects in Florida include Williams Schifino Mangione & Steady PA Law Offices in Tampa; Bacardi US Headquarters in Coral Gables; and Office Depot Global Headquarters in Boca Raton.
