HOK and ROSSETTI Forge Global Sports, Recreation and Entertainment Practice

This article highlights HOK’s acquisition of ROSSETTI, creating a unified, global sports, recreation, and entertainment design practice. The practice will operate as HOK + ROSSETTI during the integration phase.

It also outlines how Detroit will become a strategic hub for the expanded practice. The move preserves ROSSETTI’s 57-year local presence while bringing HOK’s scale and resources to high-profile venues and mixed-use districts.

Strategic integration and leadership

The merger strengthens HOK’s position among top-tier sports and entertainment design firms by combining ROSSETTI’s expertise with HOK’s global platform. The combined practice is set to accelerate growth in athletic venues, entertainment districts, and performance facilities.

This integration leverages a broader range of client relationships and global delivery capabilities. It aims to enhance collaboration across design disciplines and locations.

Matt Rossetti will become a director within HOK’s Sports + Recreation + Entertainment practice. He will continue working with the same clients and teams while gaining access to HOK’s global resources.

The leadership structure brings together experienced directors to guide expansion and project delivery. The goal is a seamless client experience, with continuity on project teams and unified tools and standards.

Leadership and structure

• Nate Appleman
• Shannon Bartch
• Amy Chase
• John Rhodes
• Matt Rossetti
• Rashed Singaby

Expanded portfolio and capabilities

The combination extends HOK’s reach into stadiums, arenas, and sports-anchored mixed-use districts. ROSSETTI’s track record in event-driven venues and performance facilities complements this expansion.

The alliance broadens capabilities in professional training, performance optimization, and complex venue programs. This enables the firm to compete for sophisticated commissions worldwide.

Integrating ROSSETTI’s strengths with HOK’s research-backed design approach aims to deliver more holistic solutions for clients. The group will maintain ROSSETTI’s design DNA while expanding with HOK’s global studio network and project-management tools.

This combination is expected to accelerate delivery timelines and establish best practices, especially for large-scale sports campuses and multi-program developments. The firms plan to deepen client relationships with sports leagues, teams, and venue owners seeking integrated design services.

Notable projects and capabilities

• Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix
• USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
• Detroit Ford Field
• Ongoing reimagination of USTA Arthur Ashe Stadium
• Cosm Detroit development
• Professional training facilities, arenas and sports-anchored districts

Detroit as a strategic hub

Detroit will serve as a key regional center for the enhanced Sports + Recreation + Entertainment practice. The city’s role builds on HOK’s prior Detroit work, including venues such as Little Caesars Arena.

There is potential to support the upcoming Detroit FC stadium and other major regional developments. This aligns with a broader trend toward colocated studios near major markets for faster decisions and closer collaboration.

The Detroit hub will complement HOK’s global capabilities. It brings together local knowledge with international expertise to address cross-market opportunities.

This model can scale for large, multi-year programs while preserving the client service that ROSSETTI has provided in Detroit. Clients will benefit from a combined team that blends local familiarity with global design standards and resources.

Impact for regional clients and teams

• Stronger capacity to manage complex sports venues and mixed-use districts in the Midwest.
• Continuity of relationships with the same project teams and stakeholders.
• Enhanced access to HOK’s global resources, research, and multidisciplinary studio expertise.

 
Here is the source article for this story: HOK and ROSSETTI Join Forces to Create Expanded Global Sports, Recreation and Entertainment Design Practice