Who We Are
Today, we’re building upon our legacy of industry-leading architectural delivery.
We've become an interdisciplinary global design firm by expanding our team beyond architects and interior designers to include researchers, urban designers, nurses, anthropologists, graphic designers and more. At HKS, we view design as a process of discovery. Design research enables us to experiment, to improve — and to design smarter solutions. That’s particularly important as we strive to create a more resilient future.
Meet Our TeamWhat We Believe
We believe that design should build trust between our collaborators, our clients and those who inhabit the places we design. We aim to inspire and empower the people and communities who encounter our work. To preserve and respect our natural resources, we create places that conserve and rejuvenate our planet, too.
What We Do
Design is a way of thinking. It can uncover hidden opportunities and create meaningful change. Design done right delivers the extraordinary.”
Dan NoblePresident & CEO
FAIA, FACHA, LEED AP
Our Leadership
We invite you to meet our team, led by a group of people respected for their personal character and professional expertise.
Meet Our LeadersExplore Viewpoints
Leading Voices
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How Design Thinking Can Help Manage Risk, Spur Recovery, Build Resilience and Inspire Reinvention in a Post-COVID World
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Meeting the Challenge of Feeding 10 Billion People is Mission Critical
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HKS' Margarita Aguirre Ushers in Her Own Field of Dreams
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Designer Profile: Julie Hiromoto, AIA Young Architect Award Winner
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Dignity in Design: True Worth, Changing Homeless Intervention
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#HKSToday: What Our New Office Designs Say About Who We Are & Where We're Going
History
Building a Legacy
Harwood K. Smith (left) was born and raised in Evanston, Illinois. A gifted painter, he studied at the world-renowned School of the Art Institute of Chicago. In college, Harwood opted to channel his artistic creativity into architecture. Upon graduation, he moved to Dallas, Texas, to begin an architectural practice.
Harwood founded HKS in 1939. The Texas spirit—entrepreneurial, proud, resourceful & independent—underpins our culture to this day. Harwood’s artistic dreams also continue fuel our own: to inspire through design.
Awards
For our ability to imagine, design and create environments that achieve meaningful impact, our firm has been honored with a number of international awards. Here is a selection of those we've won recently.
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2020 Fast Company
Innovation by Design
Spaces & Places, Health, and General Excellence
