Who We Are

Who We Are

Together we can create spaces that inspire and endure.

Your vision is at the heart of everything we do. Our global team of experts will work closely with you to deliver elegant solutions to complex issues. From iconic gathering places to healing environments, our designs are driven by research, technology, and a deep understanding of human needs. We don’t just design places, we create experiences that inspire, engage, and empower.

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.”

CEO & Chairman

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.


Explore Viewpoints

Leading Voices

HKS Atlanta
Black and white image of Howard K. Smith, HKS's founder, working on a design model on a table

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.

2024 AIA Architecture Award

SoFi Stadium

2024 Forbes Best Mid-size Employer

Best Mid-size Employer

2023 COTE Top Ten

UC San Diego Living and Learning Neighborhood

Equality 100 Award

leader in LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion

2024 MIPIM Asia Gold Award

Best Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure Project, HOtel Indigo Nanjing

Careers

What’s It Like to Work With Us?

People

Meet Our Team