Design Principal
HOK Architects
As design principal, Adaeze Cadet steers HOK’s Los Angeles studio and influences the firm’s global design and strategic vision through her roles on its board of directors and specialized design and marketing boards. Her portfolio includes projects that blend technical design with civic purpose. Among them is the California Institute of Technology’s Center for Quantum Precision Measurement and Kedren Children’s Village – the first pediatric behavioral health hospital in South Los Angeles. As one of the few Black women leading design at a major global firm, Cadet has been instrumental in the modernization of Los Angeles’ infrastructure, contributing to capital improvement projects at Los Angeles International Airport and Long Beach Airport, as well as the LEED Platinum-certified computer sciences building at the University of Southern California’s Viterbi School of Engineering.
Education: Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in architecture, Prairie View A&M University
First job: Retail salesperson at Lerner New York and Co.
Favorite charity or cause: Habitat for Humanity. “As an architect, I understand how profoundly a stable home shapes a family’s ability to thrive, which is why Habitat for Humanity is my favorite charity. It transforms lives by providing the foundational security every family deserves,” she said.
Favorite book: “Sky Full of Elephants” by Cebo Campbell
Favorite pastime or hobby: Doing LEGO builds. “My favorite LEGO build is a bust of Marvel’s Black Panther that is displayed in my home office.”
Favorite restaurant for fun: Crossroads Kitchen
Favorite restaurant for business:
The Girl & the Goat
Favorite quote: “Your self-worth is determined by you. You don’t have to depend on someone telling you who you are.”
– Beyoncé Knowles-Carter
YEARS ON LA500: 2 Years on the LA500
