Forty Under 40: Randall Hurban

Randall Hurban solidified his career path at age 8. A friend’s parents were architects and had designed their own house in Greenville, N.C. Hurban remembers his early conviction: “This is what I’ve gotta do.”

Hurban was licensed in 2014 and has managed projects including the Springdale campus of NorthWest Arkansas Community College, a new football stadium in Elkins and The New School in Fayetteville, lauded nationally for its design.

“It’s such a rewarding job to help make a dream become a reality and create spaces that get used,” said Hurban, who according to co-workers never misses an opportunity to learn.

Hurban received a full academic scholarship to attend the University of Arkansas, graduating in 2009 during the economic downturn. His first job was designing Walmart store remodels. He then worked for three years at Crafton Tull before being recruited by Hight Jackson Associates.

Hurban serves as board chair for The First Tee of Northwest Arkansas, where his father is executive director. His father was a strong mentor, “more of a passive leader, with perspectives and insight, and a listener,” he said. “I was born in Ohio and lived in six places. We moved often as my dad sold pharmaceuticals. He eventually became head of a global sales force. The moving helped me become adaptable.”

Hurban designed and oversaw construction of a 2,600-square-foot indoor practice facility that allows The First Tee to extend seasonal programs throughout the full year. “Before, we would lose track of participants during the winter,” he said. Hight Jackson allowed staff to donate time for the project, he said.

Hurban also serves on the Emerging Professionals Committee of the American Institute of Architects and is a graduate of Leadership Benton County.