DENVER, May 29, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- The HOK Planning Group has opened its doors in Denver with the launch of a specialized Urban Design and Landscape Architecture studio. A three-person team will serve clients in Denver and throughout the Mountain West region, with plans to build a 20-person practice within two years.

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Joining The HOK Planning Group in Denver are David Amalong, RLA, ASLA, LEED(r) AP, Vice President and Director; Robb Berg, RLA, ASLA, Senior Associate; and Jesse Michael, Landscape Architectural Technician.

"This is a unique opportunity to create a specialized urban design and landscape architecture studio in one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas," Amalong says. "Our clients will benefit from our local expertise, supported by the resources of one of the most influential and respected global planning and design practices."

Amalong brings more than 20 years of project leadership experience to his role as director of the new HOK Denver studio. Most recently, he served in project leadership roles at the Denver offices of Design Workshop and EDAW. He also spent 13 years at HOK's St. Louis office, contributing to many of the firm's most significant urban design and community planning projects at the time. His project experience ranges from large-scale land use and master planning to detailed construction and implementation.

The recipient of numerous national and regional awards from the American Institute of Architects and American Society of Landscape Architects, he earned a bachelor's degree in landscape architecture from Pennsylvania State University.

Berg's experience includes long-range master planning, site design, construction administration, and facilitating public and city approval processes for a wide range of clients. Prior to joining HOK, he worked at Design Workshop, EDAW and Davis Partnership as a design leader and project manager for local and regional projects. A member of the American Society of Landscape Architects and Urban Land Institute, he earned a bachelor's degree in landscape from Iowa State University.

Michael previously held positions at Design Workshop in Denver and Sasaki Associates in San Francisco. His portfolio includes several parks, mixed-use communities and light rail projects. Michael graduated from The Colorado State University with a bachelor's degree in landscape architecture.

HOK's new Urban Design and Landscape Architecture studio is located in downtown Denver at 1125 17th Street, Suite 1250.

HOK is a global architectural firm that specializes in planning, design and delivery solutions for buildings and communities. Through its collaborative network of 26 offices worldwide, the firm serves diverse clients within the corporate, commercial, public and institutional markets. HOK is committed to developing resources and expertise to help lead the world toward sustainable communities and building environments. Founded in 1955, the firm's expertise includes architecture, engineering, interiors, planning, lighting, graphics, facilities planning and assessment, and construction services.

www.hok.com

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