John Hoke (MArch'92) came to PennDesign from Michael Graves Architecture & Design. He now works for Nike, Inc. as a VP of Global Design and serves on the board of directors for Herman Miller, Inc.
What do you miss most about your time at PennDesign?
The chance to explore design theories, rub elbows with insanely talented creative minds, and the ability to stay up day and night engrossed in a deadline and with positive creative energy…the chance to hypothesize and push bold design ideas that solve problems and provoke thought.
What was your longest day on campus?
Final jury review for second-semester thesis project – a super intense project and an intimidating jury process. Ended well, just a long push to get drawings and model to describe the discourse in a simple, compelling way. Beyond tired at the end, but very satisfying.
What’s been your favorite professional project so far?
I’m lucky, I’ve had many. Here’s a quick sample: NikeTown NYC 1996, NikeTown London 1999, Nike Goddess collection and store 2002, Footwear collection(s) 2002 -2006, Converse creative direction 2008-2010, Nike creative vision “Modern Sport Design” 2010 - present, including London 2012 Olympics, Rio 2016 Olympics.
If you could go backward or forward in time, what era would you choose and why?
I like where we are today. The power of design thinking, multiplied with emergent technology, is pushing us to reconsider the role of the designer. Designers are widely viewed as creators, problem solvers, entrepreneurs, cultural ambassadors and visionaries. Design today has moved from the drafting room to the board room, and is an impactful advantage to businesses, cultures and civilizations. Powerful stuff, and a great time to be a creative.
What’s your favorite place in Philly?
Third-street galleries, University of Pennsylvania campus, and the Art Museum.
Favorite book or movie about art/design?
Book: Fifteen Things Charles and Ray Eames Teach Us
Movie: My Architect, the story of Louis Kahn
Design hero, living or dead?
Charles and Ray Eames, Le Corbusier, Frank Lloyd Wright – all deceased, all forever embedded in my approach and aesthetic.
Pretzel or cheesesteak?
Tough one. Going to say both equally. Or, cheese sauce on a pretzel.
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