HKS unveiled the firm’s CEO succession plan, naming Heath May the company’s next leader.
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Heath May has been named the next CEO of Dallas-based HKS Inc., putting him in line to take over from longtime leader Dan Noble.
The largest architecture firm based in Dallas announced on Dec. 17 that May will take over as chief executive officer and chairman in January 2026, after a year of transitioning and preparing for his new position as head of the company.
May brings 20 years of experience at HKS to his new role as top dog, and currently serves as global practice director of HKS LINE, which stands for Laboratory of Intensive Exploration. He has led major projects for the firm like the design of Dallas’ Pacific Plaza Pavilion, the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California; and the CMTY Culture Campus in Los Angeles.
In a statement, May said he is honored to step into this new role and looks forward to shaping the future of HKS and the industry. He said Noble’s “commitment to fostering a culture of curiosity to boldly challenge the status quo has positioned HKS as a global leader in innovation and design thinking.”
Noble has been with HKS for more than 40 years and has been CEO and chair since 2014.
“Seven years ago, we launched a strategic plan that set HKS on a new course,” Noble said in a statement. “We challenged ourselves to think beyond architecture — to become a firm of problem solvers who innovate through design — within and beyond the built space.”
HKS said it has significantly expanded its global reach and diversified its portfolio with Noble as CEO, and is looking forward to May’s “technology-enabled innovation.”
Noble added he is confident in Heath’s leadership abilities and is hopeful he will advance the firm forward.
HKS was founded in 1939. It ranked No. 3 on Building Design + Construction’s list of the largest design firms nationwide, based on 2023 revenue of $566.2 million. That was behind Gensler and and Perkins&Will.
Leadership changes occurred at the firm earlier this year when CFO Sam Mudro was named president of HKS, which was a title formerly held by Noble. The firm decided to split the responsibilities of CEO and president as the company continued to show tremendous growth.
In North Texas, the design firm is also known for designing for UT Southwestern’s and Children’s Health’s forthcoming $5 billion pediatric campus and immersive live sports and event venue Cosm in The Colony, as well as upgrading AT&T stadium in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.