Nicole Poole

Nicole Poole has built a distinguished 19-year career in architectural design, focusing on innovative projects within the hospitality sector. She believes that good design should be immersive, sparking emotions and connections in everyone who walks through the door. Her passion lies at the intersection of creativity and practicality, crafting spaces that are as visually stunning as they are functional. Nicole’s expertise spans everything from interior architectural design to large-scale, ground-up building projects.Nicole first honed her skills in Chicago, where she spent 16 years helping to shape the city’s dynamic dining scene. She played a key role in designing award-winning restaurants and spearheaded the historic renovation of a Chicago firehouse, transforming it into an iconic dining destination. Her talent for conceptual design extends to global brands like Topgolf and Shake Shack, where she has been involved since 2010.In 2021, Nicole brought her passion and leadership back to Northwest Arkansas, where she now leads an exceptional team at HFA. As the head of the firm’s Hospitality + Entertainment Team, she continues to push boundaries with her visionary approach to every project. Her portfolio is packed with standout destinations like WorldSprings, Golf Ranch, Smash Park, Fielding's, Dave & Buster's, Zion Hot Springs, Home Run Dugout, and Omni Toptracer.A proud alumna of the University of Arkansas, Nicole holds a Bachelor of Architecture with a Minor in Art. She is a Registered Architect through AIA and NCARB, and a LEED Accredited Professional, underscoring her dedication to sustainability in design.