HKS Design Firm Announces 2026 Leadership Promotions

- The CEO transition from Dan Noble to Heath May, effective January 2026, is part of a deliberate succession plan that included a year-long "apprenticeship" for May. This approach to leadership development is a strategy also employed by other major firms in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry to ensure continuity and stability. - Incoming CEO Heath May has a background as the Global Practice Director of HKS's Laboratory for INtensive Exploration (LINE), which specializes in data-driven design, simulation, and digital fabrication. This background in technology and innovation signals a continued focus on these areas for the firm's future projects. - HKS is one of the largest architectural firms in the United States by revenue, with a team of approximately 1,700 professionals across 29 offices. The firm's extensive portfolio includes high-profile projects like SoFi Stadium in California and the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital in the UK. - For business students targeting construction management, it's notable that large design and architectural firms like HKS are increasingly integrating diverse professional backgrounds, including anthropologists and scientists, to inform their design process. This trend highlights the value of interdisciplinary skills in the construction and design sectors. - To enter the construction management field from a business background, it is beneficial to highlight transferable skills such as project management, financial analysis, and business development, which are critical for managing the budget, schedule, and client relationships of a construction project. - Aspiring construction managers without direct experience can gain an edge by obtaining certifications such as the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) or by completing internships with construction companies, even in a business-related capacity. - Key trends in the construction industry for 2026 include a growing emphasis on sustainable building practices, the use of construction technology like building information modeling (BIM) and drones, and a focus on resilient infrastructure to withstand climate change. - B2B sales in the construction industry often involve long sales cycles and relationship-building with multiple stakeholders, including architects, engineers, contractors, and owners. A strong understanding of the technical aspects of the products or services being sold is crucial for credibility and success.