HKS Architects

HKS Architects is a testament to the enduring legacy of architectural innovation, combining an illustrious history with a forward-thinking approach to design. Founded in 1939 by Harwood K. Smith in Dallas, Texas, HKS has evolved from its humble beginnings into a global powerhouse in the architectural domain. The firm embodies the Texas spirit—entrepreneurial, proud, resourceful, and independent—principles that have guided its growth and success over the decades. HKS’s inception was rooted in Harwood’s artistic vision, which has continued to inspire the firm’s ethos: to make meaningful impacts through design.

With a team comprising architects, designers, advisors, and makers, HKS is driven by curiosity and a collective mission to create spaces that blend beauty with performance. This unity is fostered across its 1,500 employees in 27 offices worldwide, underpinned by values of honesty, diversity, and inclusion. The firm’s dedication to creative and innovative thinking has placed it at the forefront of the architecture industry, earning it numerous international accolades. Recent awards include the 2023 COTE Top Ten for the North Torrey Pines Living and Learning Neighborhood, the 2022 Fast Company Most Innovative Companies recognition, and the 2022 World Architecture Festival Award for SoFi Stadium, among others.

HKS's approach to design is deeply rooted in research and innovation. The firm’s research teams are committed to exploring how design can enhance the health and well-being of both individuals and communities. This ethos is exemplified in their work on the SoFi Stadium and Pacific Park Pavilion, where they’ve leveraged the Laboratory for Intensive Exploration (LINE) to push the boundaries of traditional architectural practices. LINE, a testament to HKS’s commitment to innovation, investigates new materials, technologies, and methods to revolutionize the way spaces are conceived and constructed.

Under the leadership of Sam Mudro, President and CFO, and Dan Noble, HKS aims to balance innovation with operational excellence. Mudro emphasizes the importance of providing freedom for personal exploration within the firm, believing that a clear governance structure can coexist with and even enhance creativity. Noble foresees a transformation in the design industry, propelled by advancements in AI and machine learning, and envisions HKS as a pioneer in this new era, shifting from a traditional service model to becoming an ideation and innovation-centric firm.

In recent years, HKS has championed sustainable and resilient design, advocating for adaptive reuse as a means to conserve resources and reduce carbon emissions. Projects like the ParkwayHealth Gleneagles Chengdu Hospital in China and the Mount Sinai Beth Israel Comprehensive Behavioral Health Center in New York City showcase the firm’s prowess in revitalizing existing structures for new uses, emphasizing sustainability and functionality.

Furthermore, HKS has achieved a significant milestone by becoming a carbon-neutral business. This achievement is part of a broader commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable design, aligning with global efforts to decarbonize the economy. Through partnerships with sustainability consultants and investments in carbon removal initiatives, HKS is not only designing spaces for the future but also actively contributing to a more sustainable world.

As HKS continues to innovate and expand its global footprint, it remains dedicated to its founding principles while embracing the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. Through its projects, the firm aspires to enhance human and environmental well-being, advocating for a holistic approach to design that prioritizes sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience.