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.
What 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.
“Design is a way of thinking. It can uncover hidden opportunities and create meaningful change. Design done right delivers the extraordinary.”
Our Leadership
We invite you to meet our team, led by a group of people respected for their personal character and professional expertise.
Explore Viewpoints
Leading Voices
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Story Design Excellence at HKS: A Conversation with Chief Design Officer Anthony Montalto
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Story HKS’ Meena Krenek Brings Storytelling and Emotion to Interior Spaces
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Story HKS’ Grant Warner Listens, Learns to Design Better Living Environments for Older Americans
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Story HKS’ Angela Lee Goes Global with Thoughtful Health Care Designs
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Story HKS’ Fred Ortiz Uses Past Gridiron Glory to Tackle Designs for Modern Sports Venues
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Story HKS’ Candace Goodman is Driven by the Healing Power of Design
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.
