Pushing boundaries with innovation, exploring new concepts and incorporating the latest technology – these are the aspects of the airport industry that excite Allison Hawk in her work.
“I love the concept of connecting people and making an impact for the public; from large airports like Atlanta to regional airports with only two gates.” Hawk said.
Hawk has been utilizing her skills at HNTB Corp. for four years on complex projects, helping shape innovative, efficient and creative design solutions that meet airport’s needs while enhancing the passenger experience. Her portfolio of work includes airport projects across the U.S., including IAH, OAK, DEN, MCO, DSM and GCK.
“I enjoy the unique challenges that aviation planning and design brings,” Hawk said. “I think of terminal design as this big, complex operation that I can break down and simplify in a way that provides clear and concise design outcomes for our clients.”
Early in her career at HNTB, Hawk worked with TPA to help draft the airport’s master plan update and develop the programming, planning and architectural concepts for the landside and airside terminals, including the main terminal and the future Airside D gates.
Two years later, she found herself back at TPA to implement the design of that plan.
Hawk and the HNTB team presented design ideas and details to airport staff, providing them the confidence and information essential to make informed decisions on the new groundbreaking “Express Curb” concept. As lead aviation architect, she facilitated the design team to generate this unique innovation for enhanced customer service – which allows passengers with only carry-on bags to completely bypass the airline check-in lobby.
“I was able to use my historical knowledge from the master plan and bring it to the design process. Now the work is under construction. It’s so exciting to see something that we’ve been planning and designing for so long finally being built.” Hawk said.
Outside of work, Hawk has mentored students at the University of Kansas and developed an Aviation 101 presentation for airport terminal planning and design. She offered project reviews and coached students for their presentation to a panel of professional architects.
“I’m really invested in mentoring high school and college students to encourage their interest in architecture and, specifically, terminal design and aviation related projects. Many students don’t realize that those types of opportunities exist. It’s very fulfilling for me to attend STEM or Women in Design events to present what aviation architects do on a day to day basis. It’s inspiring to see their eyes light up when they realize that airport terminal design could also be in their future.”
