HKS Named AIA Florida Firm of the Year
HKS Inc. has been named the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) 2016 Florida Firm of the Year. The award — the most prestigious for this region’s architectural industry — recognizes outstanding achievements in design, community service, education and services to the profession. The Firm of the Year award was presented to HKS representatives during AIA Florida’s annual convention in Palm Beach in July.
“The jury selected HKS as the 2016 Firm of the Year for having distinguished themselves by excellent design, selfless community services and commitment to mentoring the next generation of architects,” said Charlie Clary a member of the 2016 AIA Florida Awards jury. “HKS has a significant body of work, and despite their size, they continue to encourage individuals on their staff to participate in a number of organizations.”
HKS opened its first permanent office in Florida in Tampa in 1981, followed by a second permanent location in downtown Orlando in 1995 and a third office in Miami in 2007. In 2012, HKS acquired the long-established, Miami-based design firm HADP Architecture.
Over the years, HKS — ranked a top-three architectural firm in the U.S. — has grown to become a global design leader focused on delivering solutions to build strong communities. Today, the HKS Florida offices consist of more than 80 design professionals and support personnel contributing to the development of projects throughout Florida and the Caribbean region.
“We are proud to receive the AIA Florida Firm of the Year Award,” said Matt Clear, principal and southeast region director of HKS. “It is an honor to be recognized by our esteemed colleagues. Our commitment to the future of Florida’s communities and our profession runs deep. With projects ranging from health care, transportation, commercial, education, entertainment, hospitality, retail and housing, we have been an integral part of every dimension of Florida’s diverse growth,and helping to position our state for sustained success.”
HKS has a long-established reputation for balancing design, technology and business. The result has been the design of award-winning, highly significant structures throughout the state of Florida, including Florida Hospital for Women in Orlando; Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando (in association with Barton Myers Associates and Baker Barrios Architects); Florida International University Parkview Student Housing in Miami; Tampa Port Authority Channelside Parking Garage in Tampa; Fountainebleau Resort in Miami Beach; CNL Center II at City Commons in Orlando; and Miami Children’s Hospital in Miami.
Service leadership is a key focus for HKS. Members of the Florida-based team have served on many civic and nonprofit boards throughout the state, from the City of Orlando Public Art Advisory Board to the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and the Miami-Dade County Public School Advisory Council, to name a few organizations. HKS staff members also have held board positions with a number of key industry organizations including AIA Florida, AIA Orlando and AIA Miami.
The firm is also committed to interfacing with educational institutions to strengthen the connection between education and practice, from K-12 educators to state colleges and universities, including Orlando County Public Schools, Seminole State College, Florida A&M University, Florida State University and the University of Miami.
“Through an attitude of sharing information with professional colleagues, we have fostered an environment of exchange that has benefited our clients and communities,” Clear said. “We are grateful to the AIA Florida for providing a forum for colleagues to share in dialogue with the public.”
HKS, Inc. is one of the top three architectural firms in the United States, according to Building Design+Construction magazine. The 77-year-old firm is known for its dedication to outstanding design and performance. With 23 offices across the globe, HKS has a portfolio of more than 1,700 projects spanning 88 countries. For more information, contact Julie Obiala at [email protected].
