Where Purpose and Passion Align
At HKS, our work is inspired by curiosity, driven by research and technology and informed by a deep understanding of human and environmental needs. We have broad reach as a global architecture, design, planning and advisory firm and our projects influence the lives of millions of people. Across this work, we share a firmwide commitment to creating spaces, places and communities where people and the planet thrive. To do this, we infuse environmental, social and governance structure into everything we do.
In 2020, HKS was one of the first large interdisciplinary design firms to join the UN Global Compact (UNGC) to make the world healthy, equitable and more sustainable for all. With 29 offices worldwide, our global strategy and values align with the 10 universally accepted principles of the UNGC, which promote responsible business in the areas of human rights, fair labor, environment and anti-corruption. By building an organization rooted in these principles, we are better positioned to deliver innovative and impactful solutions for our clients.
Our 2025 Global Impact Report presents a holistic reflection of how HKS is embedding environmental and social governance across our operations and advancing sustainability worldwide.
Environmental
Carbon & Energy
Designing A Regenerative Climate-positive Future
HKS is committed to reducing environmental impact across our operations and project work. We maintain carbon neutral business operations through deep emissions reductions and high-integrity offsets. We calculate emissions annually and are advancing a pathway to eliminate operational carbon from 100% of active design work by 2030. We integrate life cycle assessments into new office renovations, partner with clients to reduce embodied carbon, and use energy modeling as a core tool to drive climate-aligned design outcomes.
Materials & Resources
Making Informed Choices
At HKS, we prioritize circular strategies and healthier, low-impact materials. We also seek to integrate ethical supply chain considerations into our operations and projects. We advanced our SE2050 embodied carbon benchmarks, expanded our materials guidance, and are integrating healthier and circular materials into new office renovations and project workflows. Across our offices, we continue to monitor waste emissions and advance more responsible material decisions.
Equity & Inclusion
Expanding Access, Voice, and Opportunity
Our commitment to equity begins with ensuring everyone at HKS has visibility, voice and opportunity. We are strengthening a culture of equity and belonging that supports representation, mentorship and advancement across our global practice. See how our affinity and inclusion groups, representation efforts and fair and equitable compensation practices are shaping a more inclusive firm.
People & Culture
Supporting Well-Being and Career Growth
We believe people thrive when their health, well-being and growth are supported holistically. We expanded mental health and wellness resources, strengthened ergonomics and flexible work offerings and introduced a clearer, firmwide framework for career development and feedback. These efforts help our people grow, feel supported and perform at their best.
Community Impact
Giving Back Through Service and Design
Now in its 11th year, Citizen HKS is our firm’s philanthropic global impact initiative integrating public-interest design, community service, and fundraising. In 2025, we led our largest fundraiser to date, raising $78,000 to support the Dallas 24 Hour Club, a nonprofit providing safe, sober transitional living for individuals recovering from addiction. Our teams supported more than 933 nonprofit organizations through pro bono design, volunteer service and strategic giving.
Governance
Governance
How We Operate Responsibly
As a global, partner-owned design firm, HKS maintains strong governance structures that support transparency, ethical decision-making and long-term resilience. We reinforce anti-corruption practices and business ethics through regular training and clear accountability frameworks. Our cybersecurity and data privacy policies guide responsible use of digital tools and protect client and employee information. We align with global frameworks, including the UN Global Compact, to strengthen responsible business conduct.
Innovation, Research
& Industry Leadership
Research & Innovation
Advancing Ideas That Shape the Future
HKS advances responsible innovation through two research arms: Applied Research that directly supports projects and clients, and Enterprise Research that builds internal capability, tools, and thought leadership. Across the firm, we use exploratory studios and interdisciplinary teams as testbeds for new methods, emerging materials, advanced technologies and design performance strategies.
Industry Leadership
Collective Leadership for a Thriving World
HKS contributes to global initiatives shaping the future of sustainability, health, equity and resilience in the built environment. Our people serve as board members, advisors, educators and advocates across leading frameworks and coalitions, including the UN Global Compact, SE2050, RIBA 2030, mindful MATERIALS, and the Building Brains Coalition
ESG in Design
ESG In Design
Design Excellence Showcase
We understand that design carries both responsibility and opportunity tomake sustainability, equity and well-being visible and tangible in the world. Our practice aligns with frameworks such as the AIA Framework for Design Excellence, an HKS Design Playbook defines our integrated process, and Nature of Place assessments deepen understanding of environmental, social and cultural context.
Policies & Disclosures
Social