Kay Sargent
Director of Thought Leadership, Interiors,
HOK
BIO
Designing with purpose and leading with vision, KAY SARGENT has spent four decades shaping how people experience the built environment. As director of thought leadership, interiors at global design firm HOK, she helps organizations — from startups to Fortune 500s — navigate change through workplace strategy, inclusive design and real estate innovation.
A global advocate for neuroinclusive and human-centered environments, Kay has positioned HOK at the forefront of inclusive design. Under her leadership, the firm’s work has earned international recognition, including awards from Green Good Design, IWBI and Best of NeoCon. Her design of the TOCCO hardware line for PBA was honored with both Gold and Innovation awards in 2024.
Kay’s influence reaches far beyond project delivery. She has testified before U.S. Congress, advises global wellness leaders through Delos, and serves on the leadership teams of IFMA’s Workplace Evolutionaries, Work Design Magazine and ASID’s research task force. As an author and speaker, her work continues to inspire a more equitable, inclusive and future-ready workplace for all.
MEDIA LINKS
Explore media highlights and mentions featuring Kay Sargent.
Publications:
HOK launched a comprehensive book on neurodiversity entitled “Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces.” This book addresses sensory processing, cognitive wellbeing and neurodiversity in the build environment and why and how we need to address it to create neuroinclusive spaces.
The traditional model for designing meeting rooms is obsolete. These spaces are often sterile, impersonal and ill-suited for the needs of today’s diverse workforce. HOK's Gather team—Olivia Danielson-Veed, Kristina Kamenar, Caleb Salomons, Kay Sargent, Caitlin Turner and Ilma Wasty—describe how to transform gathering spaces into high-functioning, purpose-driven collaboration spaces.
HOK’s Kay Sargent and Betsy Graham describe the ongoing transition from generic cubicles to agile, collaborative spaces.
Discover how thoughtful workspace design can elevate employee engagement and productivity. This blog outlines practical strategies—like incorporating movement-friendly layouts, ergonomic furniture and personalized lighting—to create environments where employees feel empowered and connected.
HOK workplace and practice leaders have dedicated eight years to understanding neurodiversity and cognitive well-being, striving for inclusivity in the designed environment. Leveraging their insights, this recent research in HOK west coast offices aims to bridge the gap between neurotypical and neurodivergent sensitivities, paving the way for future design practices that prioritize the comfort and well-being of all individuals.
A new study by HOK, Advanced Research Clusters (ARC) and the University of the West of Scotland found that scientific researchers are more neurodivergent than the general population, necessitating more inclusive and thoughtful laboratory design.
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