HOK welcomes Watkins and Chao to its health care practice

The New York office of HOK welcomes Nicholas Watkins and Henry Chao to the Health Care practice according to Kenneth Drucker, director of design for HOK New York. Watkins joins the practice as director of research. As one of the first candidates to receive a Ph. D. from the University of Illinois School of Architecture in Social and Cultural Factors in Design, he has worked to evaluate the environmental influences on design, patient outcomes, patient satisfaction, and the impact on facility organization, specifically optimizing the physical environment in support of advanced protocols. Chao takes on the position of healthcare design principal. He has more than 26 years of experience dedicated to the design and planning of health facilities. Many of Chao's projects have been recognized for design excellence through various publications, awards, and peer recognition.  He frequently presents current work and contemporary issues in architecture for health care, research and academics.   HOK is a global architectural firm that specializes in planning, design and delivery solutions for buildings and communities. Through its collaborative network of 24 offices worldwide, the firm serves diverse clients within the corporate, commercial, public and institutional markets. HOK is committed to developing resources and expertise to help lead the world toward sustainable communities and building environments. Founded in 1955, the firm's expertise includes architecture, engineering, interiors, plan­ning, lighting, graphics, facilities planning and assessment, and construction services.