Kent Bonner Promoted to East Region Director for Architecture

Kent Bonner, AIA, has been promoted to director for the U.S. East region for HDR’s architecture practice. Most recently the managing principal of the Arlington/Richmond, Virginia, architecture practice, Bonner joined HDR in 1998 and is known for being a creative and thoughtful strategy leader and design architect who has dedicated much of his career to exploring the role of design in connecting culture, placemaking, and the human experience.

“The experience Kent has gained in the past three years leading a large and diverse practice with teammates operating from multiple studio locations has provided valuable preparation that he can scale up for his new regional role,” said HDR Architecture President Doug Wignall, FAIA. “Additionally, being part of the East region the past 24 years and working in a studio that routinely supports all Architecture market sectors has provided Kent with additional insight into how the region is structured and who to connect with across the organization.”

In his new role, Bonner’s responsibilities will include leading business group initiatives for the region while partnering with the regional operations directors for joint management of the business performance. He will help elevate HDR’s brand and thought leadership throughout the local studios and ensure growth strategies are implemented, and market sectors are aligned. He will also focus on driving a collaborative and inclusive culture that is people-centric and results-oriented.

“My design background has been a valuable asset when approaching many of the operational situations I’ve encountered as a managing principal and the same will be true at the regional level," Bonner said. "Synthesizing information, seeking equitable solutions to multiple stakeholders, maintaining an aspirational vision, and building consensus are some of the keys I’ve found to be transferable from design to operations.”