HOK Chosen to Design St. Louis Lambert Airport's Exciting New Terminal

HOK Selected for St. Louis Lambert International Airport Design

HOK has been selected to lead the design for a single consolidated terminal at St. Louis Lambert International Airport. This decision was announced by Lambert Director Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge during the recent Airport Commission meeting. The selection process was highly competitive, with many high-quality presentations from various firms.

"You look at a lot of different things," Hamm-Niebruegge stated, emphasizing the importance of past airport projects, the overall team, and design concepts presented.

HOK will enter a period of contract negotiations with the airport over the next few months before officially starting the design process, which is expected to take about 18 months. Construction on the new terminal will only begin after the airlines at the airport give their authorization, which will occur once the terminal design is nearly complete.

The airport is currently working on other projects to facilitate the consolidation process. Hamm-Niebruegge explained, “There’s a lot of moving pieces,” indicating that while other construction will begin this year, it won’t be related to the terminal.

Master Plan and Design Features

The master plan for Lambert Airport involves consolidating the existing two terminals into one, which could feature up to 62 gates for narrow-body jets. The new terminal will be developed from the site of the existing Terminal 1. Hamm-Niebruegge noted that HOK must adhere to this footprint while incorporating various design features.

HOK has a strong background in designing successful airports, including the new Terminal B at LaGuardia Airport, which has received accolades as one of the world’s best new airport terminals.

Eli Hoisington, HOK's St. Louis design principal and co-CEO, expressed excitement about the project, saying, “Our entire team is excited and honored to be invited to help Lambert achieve its incredible goal of a new, consolidated terminal.”

Phased Opening Schedule

Hamm-Niebruegge mentioned that the new terminal will open in phases, with the western portion expected to debut by the end of 2028, followed by the eastern portion in late 2031 or early 2032.