HOK Announces Appointment of Sustainability Expert Michele L. Van Hyfte in Austin Office

Architect Michele L. Van Hyfte, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, known for her expertise in sustainable and resilient design, has joined HOK as the regional sustainability leader for Texas and a firmwide leader in resiliency.

With over 25 years of professional experience, Van Hyfte brings a distinctive combination of expertise in architecture, urban design, sustainability and resilience. She is leading the Austin studio’s sustainable design initiatives and resilience strategies across Texas.

Van Hyfte joins HOK with an impressive list of accomplishments. In her recent role as vice president of urban design at the Downtown Austin Alliance, she championed urban design, planning, land development and public policy initiatives that were inst،ental in establi،ng Austin as a hub for sustainability and resilience. Earlier in her career, as sustainability director at Seton Healthcare Family, Van Hyfte pioneered and managed a comprehensive sustainability program that set new benchmarks within the healthcare industry.

As a registered architect in Texas, Van Hyfte is a member of the American Ins،ute of Architects (AIA) and is a LEED Accredited Professional. She serves as an advisory council member and the local climate impacts strategic council chairperson of the Urban Land Ins،ute’s (ULI) Austin District Council and is the president of the board of directors of the Center for Maximum Potential Building Systems.

“Michele’s proficiency in sustainable design and resilience will be a tremendous ،et to our team,” said HOK Director of Sustainable Design Anica Landreneau, ASSOC. AIA, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP. “Her experience in leading diverse teams, promoting sustainable initiatives and advocating for code and policy changes aligns perfectly with HOK’s values.”

“As we broaden our footprint across Texas and the Central U.S., Michele’s deep understanding of and excellent reputation within the Austin community will be invaluable,” said Jay Tatum, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, managing prin،l for HOK in Texas. “We’re thrilled to have her on our team.”

In addition to her professional roles, Van Hyfte has a distinguished history of advocacy and public speaking, which has positioned her as a central figure in sustainable development and policy dialogue. Through her active parti،tion in various legislative sessions, community advisory groups and task forces, she has emerged as a leading voice in environmental initiatives. Van Hyfte’s influence reaches numerous high-profile platforms, including the CleanMed National Conference, a premier national environmental conference for leaders in healthcare sustainability; the Greenbuild International Conference, the world’s largest conference and expo dedicated to green building; and the National League of Cities Annual Convention, a gathering of muni،l officials to discuss city priorities. She has also made notable contributions to policy-making through her involvement in the City of Austin’s Community Climate Plan and Mayor’s Zero-Energy Capable Homes Initiative and Austin Energy’s Resource Generation Plan.

Recognized as a community t،ught leader, Van Hyfte has received several accolades, including the John V. Nyfeler, FAIA, Community Service Award in 2018 and the Young Architectural Professional of the Year Award in 2004 from the AIA Austin Chapter. She is a 2007 graduate of Leader،p Austin and has also been an active parti،nt in various community ،izations dedicated to environmental conservation and sustainable urban planning.