Benoy poaches design director from HOK

Benoy has recruited a new design director from HOK.

Barry Hughes rejoins the firm he left more than 11 years ago and will be primarily based in London but will work globally, with a brief to expand the studio’s business in America.

The Texas Tech University graduate is a US citizen who has been working in the UK for the past 15 years.

“Benoy’s experience and reputation in mixed-use and transportation led projects will be a great entré into the US market,” said Hughes.

“Barry’s previous experience includes mixed-use, retail and transport projects. Barry also brings a reputation in designing tall buildings - an area of increased interest for Benoy,” said Benoy chief executive Tom Cartledge.

Hughes was a senior vice-president with HOK for the past 11 years and worked as an associate director at Benoy between 2003 and 2006.

His earlier roles include two years as a design director with Dallas architects Omniplan and nine years as an associate vice president with RTKL.

HOK recruited a Heatherwick Studio project leader, Andrew McMullan, as a vice president at its London practice last week.