Episode Description

Rana Lee is the Marketing Principal leading business development for HOK’s Chicago studio. With 30 years of experience across the architecture, design, and real estate industries, she develops business strategies and coaches high-performing teams with a client-centered approach. Rana also serves on HOK’s Marketing Board, where she contributes to firmwide strategic growth and relationship-building. A recognized community leader, Rana has served on several civic and professional boards, including the Forest Preserve Foundation, Lambda Alpha International, and the Chicago Central Area Committee. She is a founding board member and past DEI committee chair of the Professional Women in Construction’s (PWC) Chicago Chapter, a trustee of the AIA Chicago Foundation board, and in 2023, was named a Notable Leader in DEI by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Rana’s story begins in South Korea and unfolds in Chicago, where she grew up as a first-generation Asian American. Her family’s journey of immigrating and establishing their home in the city shaped her early understanding of perseverance. In college, she found her path in real estate, where she began her journey in investment. Her early career experiences taught her how to navigate organizations, develop leadership skills, and see how business decisions shape human environments. “I am looking for a place that values innovation, collaboration, and the pursuit of excellence.” That curiosity and drive eventually led her to architecture, not from the designer’s desk, but through the lens of strategy and business development.

“Business development is the creation of a long-term sustainable growth strategy through three things: people, markets, and clients. You have to understand the people in this ecosystem—their motivators and detractors—and you’ve got to know the market.”

In this conversation, Rana shares how business development in architecture extends far beyond sales; it is about building lasting growth through people, markets, and clients. “Business development is the creation of a long-term sustainable growth strategy through three things: people, markets, and clients. You have to understand the people in this ecosystem—their motivators and detractors—and you’ve got to know the market.” She reflects on how business and design intersect, offering insight into the art of connecting authentically and representing not only yourself but also the power of design itself.

“You have to understand who your audience is, and when that person leaves, what do you want them to remember? […] I want people to remember the power of what design can do.”

“You have to understand who your audience is, and when that person leaves, what do you want them to remember? […] I want people to remember the power of what design can do.” Rana reflects on the intersection of strategy and storytelling, where connecting authentically becomes just as important as crafting a vision. She explains that representing design goes beyond showcasing work; it’s about shaping how others perceive the value and impact of architecture. Together, these elements highlight that true success in the industry lies not only in great design but also in the relationships and narratives that bring it to life.

Throughout the episode, Rana brings a refreshing perspective to architecture, one rooted in marketing, strategy, and the courage to keep evolving through practice. As she reminds us, “Practice builds confidence, not perfection.” Her story highlights how leadership, authenticity, and continuous growth can redefine what success looks like in the world of design.