Sr Health Education Planner

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 peoples 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.

The Senior Health Education Planner plays a key role in shaping innovative health education environments across medical, nursing, and health sciences programs. This position is responsible for leading the planning and programming of complex academic and research facilities that incorporate evolving pedagogies, clinical simulation, workforce needs, and emerging educational technologies.

In this role, you will collaborate closely with the Health Education Practice Leader and the Science & Technology Market Business Unit (MBU) to advance thought leadership, deliver high‑quality project outcomes, and contribute to client engagement and business development efforts. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in health education planning, a strong understanding of learning environments, and a passion for designing future‑ready academic spaces.

Leadership

• Lead the planning and programming of health education environments, including simulation centers, skills labs, clinical teaching labs, and interprofessional education spaces.
• Develop innovative educational planning strategies that respond to evolving healthcare delivery models, accreditation standards, and pedagogical trends.
• Guide project teams in integrating program requirements with simulation, AVIT systems, specialized equipment, and coordinated MEP needs.
• Provide technical leadership across programming, design development, equipment planning, fit‑out coordination, and casework specifications.
• Build a deep understanding of client goals, operational requirements, and standards to ensure high‑quality project outcomes.
• Lead the development and communication of planning concepts, architectural drawings, and specifications for documentation and construction.
• Define project scope and planning strategies; clearly communicate design intent to clients, designers, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Oversee construction administration for health education environments to ensure alignment with design and performance expectations.
• Champion QA/QC processes across all phases of project development.
• Support client engagement and business development by cultivating strong relationships and participating in targeted marketing efforts.
• Integrate sustainable design principles into planning and project execution while promoting firmwide sustainability initiatives.
• Mentor junior team members, contribute to professional development activities, and participate in firmwide knowledge‑sharing efforts.

Client Interface

• Lead client and user‑group engagement sessions with deans, program chairs, faculty, simulation specialists, clinical educators, and accreditation stakeholders.
• Conduct programming workshops to define educational, operational, and simulation training requirements, including regulatory, academic, and accreditation needs.
• Facilitate regular client meetings and presentations, ensuring clear communication and consistent updates on project progress.

Teamwork

• Collaborate closely with Health Education practice leaders and the Science & Technology market unit to support project and practice goals.
• Provide guidance to project managers, architects, and engineers in establishing project budgets, milestone schedules, and planning parameters.
• Communicate planning concepts clearly to project teams through verbal presentations, graphics, diagrams, and written reports.
• Support Science & Technology business unit leadership in developing annual strategic plans and budgets with a focus on market opportunities and strategies for successful project delivery.
• Participate actively in the firmwide Science & Technology practice and contribute to shared knowledge standards and initiatives.
• Establish project team software parameters and ensure adherence to planning and documentation standards.
• Oversee or contribute to the development of 2D/3D presentation drawings and models for client and project team review.

Education & Experience

• Bachelors degree in architecture required; Masters degree preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in planning, programming, or designing education, healthcare, or health sciences facilities, including work with nursing, medical, and allied health programs.
• Strongly preferred experience with simulation centers, clinical skills labs, team‑based learning environments, and interprofessional education facilities.
• Architecture licensure preferred.
• LEED accreditation or Green Associate credential preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Demonstrated creativity, passion, and interest in design and planning of health education within technical facilities.
• Advanced knowledge of simulation technologies, AVIT integration, and specialized medical education equipment.
• Advanced knowledge of health education programming, delivery, and how design impacts those systems - including space, operational, and equipment programming, as well as MEP systems and casework.
• Advanced knowledge of health education planning, design, construction documents, construction administration, and project construction cost control for health education facilities.
• Advanced knowledge of sustainability, integrated design, and LEED guidelines.
• Possess strong graphic and diagrammatic communication skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office required; experience with Revit, Bluebeam, AutoCAD, and planning tools preferred.

Compensation is based on experience, qualifications, education, and location. The reasonably estimated annual salary range for this position in Washington D.C. is $100,000 to $125,000.

LI-MW1 LI-HYBRID

Many of our roles require the use of specific software. Please refer to the Required and Preferred Software & Skills for details.

HOK invests in its people and communities, supporting both personal and professional growth through every stage of life. At HOK, youll have a hybrid work environment, 10 paid holidays (including 2 floating holidays), and a minimum of 4 weeks of paid time off with a cash out option. HOK offers comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, free mental wellness resources, life and AD&D coverage, and short and long-term disability benefits. HOK supports your growing family by offering 4 weeks of paid parental leave and fertility coverage. HOK helps to fund your future financial needs with matching contributions to our 401K plan, which includes a well-rounded investment menu as well as free guidance on retirement planning.

Wherever you are in your career, HOK provides opportunities to learn, develop, and utilize your skills. Continued learning is promoted through financial support and study prep for licensure exams, CEU credit opportunities, mentorship programs, and paid professional memberships. To learn more about designing your career with HOK, explore our current job openings.

HOK is an EOE including disability/vets.