Paul Woolford

Paul Woolford joined HOK, a design, architecture, engineering, and planning firm, in 1997. Woolford was promoted to Design Principal of the Atlanta office after only one year. In 2005, Paul was named as Design Principal for the San Francisco studio, where he has continued to focus on projects that are design catalysts for helping people rethink the relationship between themselves and their environments. As Design Principal, he is responsible for all aspects of the design process, leading interdisciplinary teams comprised of architects, engineers, planners, interior designers, and landscape architects.

 

Woolford’s design work and civic involvement in San Francisco give him a broad yet deep understanding of the many aspects within the urban realm. Woolford exemplified successful design leadership in San Francisco through notable projects, including the Moscone Convention Center renovation, Levi’s Plaza, the San Francisco Museum at the Mint, and the Public Safety Building, which is LEED Gold certified.

 

His diverse portfolio includes civic and institutional buildings; corporate and commercial buildings; educational facilities; research facilities; hospitals; aviation/transportation facilities; and museums. Having practiced architecture in London, Atlanta, and San Francisco, his work has been honored with numerous awards from various notable organizations, including the national, California, and San Francisco chapters of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), International Interior Design Association (IIDA), and Society for College and University Planning (SCUP); Dedalo Minosse; Venice Biennale; and R & D Magazine. He and his work have been featured in publications such as the San Francisco Chronicle, the SF Business Times, Architectural Record, Architecture, and Contract magazine.

 

Woolford’s commitment to civic involvement, particularly in the Bay Area, has provided him a distinctive balance to his design work. He has served in board positions for the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, the Civic Center YMCA, the Opera Parallele, the San Francisco Golden Gate Chapter of Lambda Alpha, and the UC Berkeley Dean’s Council. Woolford has served as Design Instructor at UC Berkeley and frequently lectures for local chapters of the AIA, US Green Building Council, Urban Land Institute (ULI), CoreNet, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

 

Commissioner Woolford was appointed by the Mayor. Commissioner Woolford serves in Seat 2: registered architect licensed in the State of California. Commissioner Woolford’s term ends July 2, 2026.