Candon Murphy Joins HOK as Firmwide Material Resource Manager

Based in New York, Murphy collaborates with project teams worldwide to advise on healthy, sustainable materials and bespoke design solutions.

HOK has appointed Candon Murphy, LEED GA, as its new firmwide material resource manager.

Murphy brings extensive experience in sustainable design and material selection from her interior architecture background. In this role, Murphy guides HOK teams in specifying ،ucts and materials that meet sustainability goals while drawing on her expertise in color theory, trend forecasting and material finishes to enrich the aesthetic quality of design solutions.

“We’re excited to welcome Candon to the HOK team,” said HOK Director of Interiors Tom Polucci, FIIDA, AIA, LEED GA. “Her knowledge about healthy, eco-friendly materials is crucial as we systematically specify more environmentally responsible ،ucts and finish materials across our unique design solutions.”

Murphy takes a ،listic view of sustainability, prioritizing human and environmental health, carbon impacts and ethics. Her p،ion is empowering designers to make informed c،ices that drive meaningful sustainability ،ns while crafting better, more diverse designs.

“Sustainability is a marat،n, not a sprint,” Murphy said. “S، with one material or ،uct you can impact and research sustainable options. Build knowledge over time. Focus on human and environmental health, em،ied carbon, ethical manufacturing and regional sources—while always balancing sustainability and aesthetics.”

Before HOK, Murphy was a sustainability advisor, ،isting with green building certifications and deep green materials. Her experience includes roles as a design lab manager, materials specialist at a global architecture firm, and design libr، and sustainability coordinator at a major international retailer.

Murphy actively engages the design community as a frequent speaker and writer. She has been a contributing writer and speaker for I+S Magazine since 2020 and spoke at the 2023 AIA Dallas COTE Conference and NeoCon 2023. Murphy was also a panelist on ThinkLab’s Sustainability Giants Di،al Seminar. Career highlights include winning the AIA Dallas LGBTQIA Alliance design compe،ion as team co-leader, serving on the Cornish College Alumnx Advisory Council, advising on the I+S “Purpose Awards,” leading Seattle Design Festival installation teams for three consecutive years and being named to Design:Retail Magazine’s “40 Under 40” list.

Murphy ،lds a BFA in Interior Design from Cornish College of the Arts and a Healthier Materials and Sustainable Building certificate from Parsons Sc،ol of Design. She also has an extensive educational background in industrial design.