Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Award-Winning Architectural Design Solutions
Founded in 1939, HKS has evolved into a global architectural and design firm with a legacy rooted in innovation and artistic vision. Our multidisciplinary team combines research-driven methodologies with decades of expertise to create spaces that inspire, connect, and endure. Specializing in sectors such as healthcare, education, hospitality, and sustainable design, we prioritize human-centered solutions that address complex challenges. Our commitment to environmental stewardship is reflected in our ESG framework, which guides every project to foster resilient communities. Recognized with prestigious awards like the AIA Architecture Award and Forbes Best Mid-Size Employer, we maintain a culture of excellence and inclusivity.With offices across six continents, our local engagement ensures designs resonate with the unique needs of each community. From iconic stadiums to healing environments, we transform visions into impactful realities. Our leadership, including CEO Heath May, champions a future where design drives meaningful change. Through initiatives like the Building Brains Coalition, we bridge neuroscience and architecture to pioneer brain-healthy spaces. At HKS, we believe great design is a catalyst for progress, empowering clients and communities worldwide.
Services
Architecture
Interior Design
Sustainable Design
Advisory Services
Structural Engineering
Healthcare Design
Hospitality Design
Research-Driven Solutions
ESG Integration
Experiential Branding
Details
- Year established: 1939
Highlights and features
- We offer 85+ years of experience in global architectural innovation.
- Our research-driven approach integrates neuroscience and sustainability for human-centered design.
- We hold leadership roles in ESG-focused design practices.
- Award-winning portfolio recognized by AIA and Forbes.
- Multidisciplinary teams deliver tailored solutions across 15+ practice areas.
Services
Architecture
HKS architects create iconic, functional spaces tailored to client needs. Our designs integrate sustainability, technology, and cultural context to deliver enduring value. Projects span stadiums, healthcare facilities, and urban masterplans.
Sustainable Design
We embed ESG principles into every project, focusing on energy efficiency, material innovation, and environmental resilience. Our goal is to minimize ecological footprints while enhancing user well-being through certified green building practices.
Advisory Services
Our multidisciplinary team provides strategic guidance on project feasibility, operational planning, and future-ready design. Clients benefit from data-driven insights to align architectural solutions with business objectives and community needs.
Interior Design
HKS interior designers craft environments that balance aesthetics with functionality. From corporate offices to hospitality venues, we prioritize user experience, brand identity, and adaptive reuse to create dynamic, purposeful spaces.
Research-Driven Solutions
Leveraging our LINE laboratory and global research initiatives, we explore emerging materials, technologies, and behavioral insights. This informs cutting-edge designs that address evolving challenges in healthcare, education, and urban living.
People
Heath May
CEO & Chairman
Heath May leads HKS with a focus on innovation and sustainability. With decades of architectural experience, he champions designs that merge technology, ecology, and human well-being to shape future-ready communities.
Upali Nanda
Global Sector Director, Innovation
Dr. Upali Nanda drives HKS' research initiatives, integrating neuroscience and design. Her work explores how built environments impact health and productivity, elevating evidence-based design practices globally.
Dan Noble
Former CEO & Chairman
Dan Noble, a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, guided HKS' growth for decades. His legacy includes fostering a culture of excellence and expanding the firm's global impact through visionary leadership.
Michelle Jutt
Global Practice Director, Advisory
Michelle Jutt leads HKS' advisory team, combining healthcare expertise with strategic planning. Her work ensures clients receive data-informed solutions that align architectural outcomes with organizational and community goals.
Ailia Guzman
Senior Wayfinding Strategist
Ailia Guzman specializes in creating intuitive spatial navigation systems. Her designs enhance user experiences in complex environments like hospitals and airports, ensuring clarity and accessibility for diverse populations.
Questions
What industries does HKS specialize in?
HKS designs for healthcare, education, hospitality, sports, residential, and government sectors, tailoring solutions to each industry's unique challenges and opportunities.
How does HKS incorporate sustainability into projects?
We embed ESG principles through energy-efficient systems, sustainable materials, and designs that reduce environmental impact while enhancing occupant health and well-being.
Can HKS handle international projects?
With offices across six continents, we deliver locally informed, globally scalable designs, ensuring cultural relevance and regulatory compliance in every region.
What research initiatives drive HKS' innovation?
Our LINE lab and partnerships explore emerging technologies, neuroscience, and climate resilience, informing designs that anticipate future needs and challenges.
How does HKS ensure client satisfaction?
We prioritize collaborative partnerships, data-driven insights, and transparent communication to align every project with client goals and community expectations.
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Reviews (2)
Jackie Tu
Dec 12, 2019
Report
HKS has been my dream company since I was in high school. Their W victory hotel design in Dallas is what inspired me to pursue architecture. Here at HKS, I can’t lie that I look forward to going to work… everyday. It’s because of our people, our work environment, and all of the positive energy that everyone radiates here at the office. I love HKS. We are limitless. 6 out of 5 ⭐️
Robert Davis
Aug 19, 2015
Report
The greatest designs , are functions of volition to mass, volume nobelest density original to countenance an atmosphere dreamed lucidity synchronous, awesome work
