Global architecture firm HOK have been appointed to design a permanent new home for US soccer franchise Louisville City FC.

HOK will provide the vision for a 10,000-seat stadium in Kentucky’s largest city that could later expand in capacity to 20,000. The overall site plan will also include space for an office and retail development.

“We’re getting closer to securing a lot in urban Louisville, and now we’re thinking about what we can build on it,” said club chair John Neace. “HOK’s work ensures that once a location is determined, community members will have a tangible picture of Louisville City FC’s future.”

The architecture practice has been collaborating with the United Soccer League (USL) – the second tier in the US soccer pyramid – to position each of its clubs in soccer-specific stadiums by 2020.

“The Louisville City FC facility will serve as a model for other USL teams looking to elevate their stadiums in the urban core,” said Chris DeVolder, vice president and soccer market leader for HOK’s Sports + Recreation + Entertainment practice.

The club currently pays to rent and play in the 13,000-capacity Louisville Slugger Field, also home for the Triple-A Louisville Bats baseball franchise. It believes that a new stadium would open new revenue streams, scheduling opportunities and allow the team to play on an international-standard pitch, which will in turn raise the quality and profile of the sport in the city.

“When you throw everything into the mix, it really is a must that we have these things in place at a new stadium,” said Coach James O’Connor. “Apart from the financial implications of playing at Slugger, I think the supporters should have a place they can call home and for us to have a pitch that’s one surface and fully sized.”

Last year, Louisville FC commissioned a feasibility study for the construction of a new stadium in a bid to gain entry into the Major League Soccer – the country’s top division.

HOK’s soccer portfolio in the US includes the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home to MLS’ Atlanta United, and the San Jose Earthquakes’ Avaya Stadium.