HKS at the 2025 World Architecture Festival: Leading with Vision, Innovation and Purpose
HKS is reaffirming our position as a leading force in global design innovation as a key contributor to the 2025 World Architecture Festival (WAF), November 12-14 in Miami. The world’s largest annual gathering of architects, WAF provides a platform for celebrating design excellence and exploring ideas to redefine the future of the built environment.
At WAF 2025, HKS will showcase five shortlisted projects, including three honored with the esteemed WAFX awards for their bold and innovative responses to pressing global challenges such as health, climate and equity. Additionally, our Director of Innovation will deliver a keynote address, and one of our team members is being celebrated as a 40 Under 40 honoree – a recognition of outstanding young architects worldwide.
Influential Leadership
These accolades arrive at a pivotal time for HKS. Dan Noble, our Chairman and CEO, will retire at the end of 2025 after decades of influential leadership. Heath May, HKS CEO Elect, assumes the role of CEO in January 2026, marking a transition that bridges our history of proven success with a dynamic vision for the future.
“The projects celebrated at WAF this year are a testament to the extraordinary talent and drive demonstrated by our teams around the world,” said Noble. “It’s been a rewarding journey to work alongside our teams and be a part of the growth and transformation we’ve realized. I’m excited for what lies ahead for the firm with Heath’s capable and forward-thinking leadership.”
During Noble’s tenure, HKS elevated our reputation as a pioneer in sustainable design, innovative technology integration and community-centered development. This year alone, the firm’s five shortlisted projects range across sectors — from Health and Hospitality to Sports and Commercial Mixed-Use — underscoring our commitment to addressing complex challenges in diverse contexts.
May echoed Noble’s sentiment about the significance of HKS’ presence at WAF 2025. “These honors are not just about our work; they highlight a collaborative effort with our clients and the ingenuity of our global teams,” said May. “As we look toward the future, I’m energized by the opportunity to carry forward HKS’ legacy of creativity and innovation, exploring new possibilities for visionary design.”
If you are attending WAF 2025, we invite you to engage with HKS at the following events:
Shortlisted Projects: Recognizing Impactful Design
HKS designers will present our shortlisted projects for judging November 12-13.
- Doswell Nexus Recovery Center (Dallas) – Future Project: Health
- VA Healthcare Center (El Paso, Texas) – Future Project: Health (SmithGroup+HKS Joint Venture)
- Project Rise – Lumenis (Riyadh) – Future Project: Competition Entries
- Asher Adams (Salt Lake City) – Completed Buildings: Creative Re-use
- Arena León (Guanajuato, Mexico) was highly commended in the Future Project: Sport category
As WAFX winners, the Doswell Nexus Recovery Center, VA Healthcare Center and Project Rise – Lumenis will take center stage in live presentations Wednesday, November 12:
- Doswell Nexus Recovery Center: 10:10 a.m. ET
- VA Healthcare Center: 10:20 a.m. ET
- Project Rise – Lumenis: 2:30 p.m. ET
Keynote Address: Advancing the Dialogue on Human Thriving
Wednesday, November 12, 1:00 p.m. ET
Upali Nanda, PhD, HKS Global Sector Director of Innovation, will deliver a keynote address on the opening day of the festival. Her presentation, “The Impact of Design on the Human Brain and Vice Versa,” centers on the profound connection between brain health and the built environment.
Dr. Nanda’s keynote will explore how architecture shapes the human brain on psychological and neurobiological levels and how people’s brains, in turn, shape the environments around them. Her keynote will highlight ways architects can address the urgent demands of global mental health challenges, aging populations and vulnerable ecological and social systems while also harnessing architecture’s capacity to inspire joy, creativity, healing and resilience. Dr. Nanda will also introduce the Building Brains Coalition, a collaborative initiative inviting the design community to join HKS in creating brain-healthy, resilient environments.
40 Under 40: Celebrating Emerging Talent
This year’s 40 Under 40 North America list by WAF and The Architect’s Newspaper includes Sammy Shams, Sustainable Design Professional in HKS’ Orlando studio. This prestigious recognition celebrates innovative young professionals who are shaping the future of design.
As part of this honor, Shams’ work in sustainable design and building performance will be featured in the 40 Under 40 exhibition at WAF. The 40 Under 40 initiative also will be showcased in a presentation Friday, November 14.
