How We Think
We view design as a process of exploration and discovery fueled by limitless thinking.
Our design research and development teams have learned that we must test, tinker, build and break things to make them better the next time. That’s why research is key to our design practice. It’s a platform for us to experiment, to improve, and to deliver the extraordinary.
Explore Further
The HKS Lab
The HKS Lab is a dedicated space on the seventh floor of our Dallas headquarters devoted to exploring, generating ideas, and advancing design through research. The Lab is a place where design teams, clients, industry professionals and academic partners converge. Together, we connect systematic inquiry with creative thinking, adapting a think-make-test framework.
The Latest From Our Lab
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Cocoon 2.0: Designing Respite Space for a Cacophonic World
Report
How to Build a Sensory Well-Being Hub and Sensory Cocoon: An Open Source Instruction Guide
Report
Pop-Up Sensory Design Lab
Award
HKS’ Sensory Wellbeing Hub Is an ASID’s Outcome of Design Award Winner
People
Upali Nanda, PhD
Director of Research
Principal
Assoc. AIA, EDAC, ACHE
Detroit
Award
Fast Company: HKS' Sensory Well-Being Hub a 2018 Innovation by Design Finalist
announcement
Delos and HKS Announce Strategic Partnership to Study the Impact of the Built Environment on Health and Well-Being
Research
How Do We Test the Limits of What Design Can Do?
We’re looking to raise expectations about how research improves design. Research enables us to create environments based on the best possible insight. It assures our clients that scientific knowledge informs our design decisions. Informed intent and meaningful, measurable impact are foundations for our responsible design approach.
See All Research
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Working from Home During COVID-19: What Our Research Taught Us
Report
Reboot Readiness: A Primer on How to Design for Contagions
Report
FleXX: A Study of Flexibility in Outpatient Settings
Report
Healthy Choices = Healthy Campuses: Point-of-Decision-Design
Report
Designing Cancer Care Facilities of the Future
Report
Clinic 20XX: What do Boomers and Millennials Want from Clinics?
People
Casey Lindberg, PhD
Senior Design Researcher
Assoc. AIA
Denver
People
Deborah Wingler, PhD
Health Research Lead
MSD-HHE, EDAC
Dallas
Our environments influence our perceptions, blending social, ecological and technological phenomena to encourage a conversation with the world we inhabit.”
Heath MayDirector of LINE
Principal
AIA
LINE
Can Design Data & Emerging Technology Lead to Innovation?
LINE, the Laboratory for Intensive Exploration, is an HKS design research team that focuses on the intersection between emerging technologies and architectural methodologies. LINE seeks to elevate modes of architectural production through intensive explorations in systems, materials, processes and tool sets.
See All LINE
People
Heath May
Director of LINE
Principal
AIA
San Francisco
Case Study
Pacific Plaza Pavilion
News
Building With Data: How HKS’ LINE Innovation Team Drives Change Using Algorithms, Creativity, Nature
Case Study
Alcon Novartis Dining Facility
News
HKS LINE Aids in the Development of SoFi Stadium's Skin
Award
HKS Receives 2018 Unbuilt Design Award for Pacific Plaza Pavilion
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Harnessing Daylight
Report
Multistory Residential Buildings in North Greece: Balancing Between Daylight and Thermal Performance Through Façade Strategies
Citizen HKS
How Can Our Work Improve the World?
Citizen HKS aims to improve communities in need by leveraging design, community service and financial philanthropy. Our firm’s impact initiative, Citizen HKS is a global platform for socially responsible engagement. Through our work, we aim to improve lives and drive change for communities in need.
See All Citizen HKS
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The Sensory Well-Being Hub at Chicago’s Lane Tech College Prep High School
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D.C. Urban Food Studio: Nourishing Bodies, Minds & Souls
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By the People, for the People: Kachumbala Maternity Unit Opens in Uganda
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Lighting the Way for Blood Cancer Cures
People
Nick Cooper
Design Director
Principal
AIA
Richmond
Award
HKS Receives "Malcom Lewis IMPACT! Award" for Capital Area Food Bank Urban Food Studio Project
story
From Tiny Homes to Master Planning: Climbing with Cass in Detroit
News
HKS' Kachumbala Maternity Ward Is Featured in the UN17 Guidebook
Creating spaces that bring joy, comfort and positive connection to underserved communities has deepened my own relationship with design.”
Lisa AdamsPrincipal
Interior Designer
NCIDQ, LEED AP ID+C
Well-being
Being & Designing WELL
Design can improve how people perceive their own well-being, and it can also promote better health. We harness the profound impact of the natural environment to improve well-being. Our goal is to create sustainable environments that are good for the earth and good for people, regenerating and elevating the body and spirit.
See All Well-being
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Building Entire Communities WELL
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HKS Singapore Becomes First Historic Shophouse to Achieve Green Mark Gold Plus Certification
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HKS' Kate Davis Talks to CNN About How Office Buildings Are Reducing Their Carbon Footprint
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Working WELL
People
Tommy Zakrzewski, PhD
Director of Building Engineering Physics
PHD, BEMP, CEM, CMVP, LEED O+M, LEED BD+C
Chicago
News
HKS CEO Dan Noble and The Case for Zero Energy Buildings
announcement