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International Architecture Studio: Contemporary Architectural Practice – design offices located in USA + UK

post updated September 5, 2025

Brendan Owens joining HKS as Chief Sustainability Officer

Rand Ekman (left) and Brendan Owens (right):

photo courtesy of Daryl Shields, HKS

HKS Names Former U.S. Department of Defense Chief Sustainability Officer Brendan Owens as New Chief Sustainability Officer

Rand Ekman transitions to CSO, Emeritus after nearly a decade of advancing industry-leading climate, health and equity initiatives at HKS

DALLAS – 2025 – Global design firm HKS announced today that Brendan Owens, PE, LEED Fellow, an accomplished leader at the intersection of policy, systems thinking and sustainable design, has joined the firm as Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO). Owens succeeds Rand Ekman, FAIA, LEED Fellow, who transitions to the honorary role of CSO, Emeritus after nearly a decade of transformative leadership in embedding sustainability across the firm’s culture, operations and projects.

Since 2016, Ekman has shaped HKS’ industry-leading response to climate, health and equity challenges. Under his leadership, the firm has advanced initiatives in decarbonization, materials transparency, and alignment with the AIA 2030 Commitment, becoming one of the first large architecture practices to join the United Nations Global Compact.

“Rand’s leadership has created a deep and lasting stake for HKS in the industry’s sustainability movement,” said Dan Noble, FAIA, FACHA, LEED AP, HKS CEO and Chairman. “He has not only advanced our technical capabilities but also inspired a culture that views environmental and social performance as inseparable from design excellence.”

Based in Washington D.C., Owens brings extensive expertise from roles as Chief of Engineering at the U.S. Green Building Council, where he was instrumental in shaping the LEED rating system, and as Chief Sustainability Officer at the U.S. Department of Defense, where he integrated climate and resilience strategies across one of the world’s largest real estate portfolios.

Brendan Owens:

photo courtesy of Daryl Shields, HKS

“Brendan connects the technical aspects of sustainable design to its broader purpose, prioritizing outcomes such as social equity, climate action, resilience, health and national security,” Noble said. “His leadership will help us scale our impact at a moment when our clients and communities face unprecedented challenges – and opportunities – to create regenerative, future-ready solutions.”

Owens said he was drawn to HKS’ global platform, multidisciplinary teams and commitment to moving the industry beyond “less harm” toward regenerative outcomes. “HKS touches millions of lives through its work. My goal is to connect systems, policy, science and design to create solutions that not only meet today’s needs but regenerate environmental, social and economic value for generations to come,” he said.

Ekman and Owens are collaborating closely to ensure a seamless transition for clients and teams. “This is the right moment to pass the baton,” Ekman said. “The firm is well-positioned to accelerate its sustainability ambitions, and Brendan’s experience linking ESG frameworks to practical design strategies will help us meet – and exceed – those aspirations.”

As part of HKS’ next chapter under incoming CEO Heath May, FAIA, in January 2026, sustainability and regenerative design will remain central to the firm’s vision. “Regenerative design is not only a technical approach – it’s a strategy for creating value for people, planet and business,” May said. “With Brendan’s expertise and Rand’s continued guidance, we will strengthen our leadership in delivering solutions for a rapidly changing world.”

Rand Ekman:

photo courtesy of Daryl Shields, HKS

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About HKS

HKS is an interdisciplinary global design firm. Our team of 1,600 architects, designers, planners and advisors partner with clients to design and develop elegant solutions to complex challenges. From iconic gathering places to healing environments, our designs enhance experiences and elevate outcomes for all stakeholders. Our work is inspired by curiosity, driven by research and technology and informed by a deep understanding of human and environmental needs. Learn more at www.hksinc.com.

May 14, 2025
Astra Tower Salt Lake City, Utah, United States

photo © 2024 Alan Blakely Photography

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HKS News

HKS Architects News

Nov 19, 2022
Wilson Tower, 5th and Trinity, Austin, Texas, USA
Design: HKS ; Interior design: Britt Design Group

image courtesy of architects practice
Austin-based real estate developer, Wilson Capital, has announced plans for Wilson Tower, a high-rise multifamily building located at 410 East 5th Street in the heart of downtown Austin in close proximity to the 6th Street Entertainment District, Austin Convention Center and CapMetro’s new Downtown Light Rail Station. The project is expected to break ground in the summer of 2023.

27 + 26 September 2022

HKS Mission Critical practice for EMEA

HKS launches new Mission Critical practice

William Ringer appointed to lead new practice area

September 26, 2022 – Global design firm HKS, today announces the launch of its new Mission Critical practice for EMEA, building on the success of the company’s US Mission Critical studio. William Ringer, who has over 10 years’ experience in the field, has been appointed to lead the new practice area.

Data Center at AT&T Stadium building design by HKS Architects:

The initial focus of the new studio will be to support existing clients with expansion into the UK, Europe and the Middle East, before building up its own client base. Established in 2016, the US Mission Critical team has responded to the need for data centre facilities within various industries beyond enterprise and institutions. Working with a broad clientele to deliver state-of-the-art facilities has allowed the practice to foster a reputation as a trusted partner, designing secure facilities with flexibility, functionality and efficiency in mind. The team is able to support with a variety of project types, from free-standing buildings to co-location sites and data centres incorporated within an organisation’s existing facilities. Clients range from Enterprise, Colocation, Hyperscale, Institutional and US Department of Energy projects.

William Ringer at HKS Architects:

In his role as Studio Practice Leader, Ringer brings experience of leading more than 25 mission critical projects in 10 countries, including the UAE, Israel, China, Netherlands and the UK. He has experience across the project lifecycle, from the master planning stage, through to construction phasing and improving operational logistics.

Ringer will be based in HKS’ London office, which will enable collaboration with the rest of the London studio, for example, working with the Master Planning team to unlock maximum value from land allocated to data centres, or working with the Venues team on the integration of data centres at large sports venues.

William Ringer, Studio Practice Leader, Mission Critical, said: “Data centres are a modern-day utility and critical in the everyday functioning of organisations around the world. To date, their design has focussed on the machines they house – we aim to look more holistically and focus too on the humans that work within them. We’re also taking environmental considerations seriously. It’s no secret that data centres use a huge amount of energy but we are looking at how renewable sources can be used and how we best position data centres to utilise this energy.”

Francis Gallagher, Managing Director EMEA, said: “We welcome William to the HKS EMEA team, and look forwrad to exploring new opportunities in the Mission Critical space. HKS provides a broad range of practice areas – from hotels to hospitals, schools to sports stadiums, and now data centres – we’re trusted by clients to design essential infrastructure as well as tourist and leisure spaces. While diverse, we see our practice areas as complementary to one another – hospitals, schools and sports stadiums all require data centres, and we can support with the design of these, to ensure they are fully integrated with the main buildings.”

Optus Stadium Building in Perth, Western Australia
Architects: Cox Architecture / HASSELL / HKS

photo : Peter Bennetts
Set within a 30-hectare Stadium Park, located on the banks of the Swan River, the Optus Stadium design is based on a commitment to a ‘fans first’ approach. This has resulted in an innovative design ensuring an exceptional event atmosphere and home ground advantage that delivers an unsurpassed visitor experience.

28 Sep 2012

HKS Building News

Minnesota Vikings’ Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

HKS Inc. – the architectural firm that designed stadiums for the Dallas Cowboys and Indianapolis Colts beat out four competitors Friday to draw up plans for the $975 million Minnesota Vikings’ stadium that will be built in downtown Minneapolis, reports the Winnipeg Free Press today.

The selection of Dallas-based HKS Inc. for a $34 million design contract drew predictions of greatness during a meeting of the public authority overseeing the stadium project.

Vikings Vice-President Lester Bagley called Cowboys Stadium and Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis “two iconic facilities and among the greatest in the world.”

HKS submitted the second-lowest of five bids, at nearly $42 million, but the final price was negotiated down. The highest bid, $54 million, came from Kansas City-based Populous, the designer of the Twins’ Target Field, TCF Bank Stadium at the University of Minnesota and the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. The lowest bid of $32 million came from Los Angeles-based AECOM, which designed CenturyLink Field, home of the Seattle Seahawks.

The stadium building is due to open in 2016. The new facility will replace the Metrodome, the team’s current home on the eastern edge of downtown.

Minnesota Architecture news

HKS Architects – Key Projects

HKS – Building News

Liverpool Football Stadium, England, UK
2007-
New Anfield stadium
Liverpool Football Club is aiming to begin construction work on its Anfield stadium expansion plans early in 2015 as final agreement nears in negotiations with neighbouring property owners. The new Main Stand will comprise three tiers with the existing lower tier re-profiled to accommodate a widened player tunnel, new team benches, media tribune, premium seating and wheelchair viewing positions. Capacity of the Main Stand will increase from 12,000 to 20,500.

Performing Arts Center, Orlando, Florida, USA
2008-

Texas Christian University football stadium, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
2008
Athletic complex – Amon Carter Stadium

More design projects by HKS Architects online very soon

Location: 1919 McKinney Avenue, Dallas, Texas, USA

HKS Architects Practice Information

Architect offices based in Dallas (Texas, USA) and London (UK)

American Architect Office

HKS is a global firm of architects, designers, advisors and makers driven by curiosity and devoted to creating places that combine beauty with performance. The London studio of HKS is the hub for the firm’s projects in the UK, mainland Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.

HKS draws upon its design team’s expertise, built through their portfolio of award-winning projects, utilising research-informed, evidence-based design approach offers their clients the assurance that they will achieve the outcomes that matter most to them. HKS delivers compelling, efficient and flexible solutions that balance beauty with performance.