UC San Diego Theatre District Living & Learning Neighborhood by HKS and Ehrlich Yanai Rhee Chaney Architects. Image credit: Lawrence Anderson
Major U.S. firm HKS Architects are reported to be laying off approximately 80 employees and closing one U.S. office due to weak business conditions. As reported by CoStar, the firm made the decision as residential, mixed-use, and office development nationally is hit by higher interest rates, economic uncertainty, and cautious lenders.
“We are in a bit of a real estate lull right now,” Dan Noble, HKS’ former CEO, told CoStar. “Money is tight and banks are being picky in how they are giving out money. Developers aren’t busy, with residential and mixed-use projects not penciling out right now.”
The firm operates dozens of offices across the world, including several across the United States. The firm’s AT&T Stadium in Dallas is currently playing host to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while last month the firm was honored at the 2026 AIA Housing Award.
Related on Archinect: Architecture billings weaken further in May as inquiries and contracts decline
The reporting of job losses at HKS comes amid continuing weak business conditions for architects nationally. Last month, the AIA Architecture Billings Index fell to its lowest national reading since January.
Also last month, Archinect spoke to former HOK CEO Patrick MacLeamy who warned that architects need to rethink their value offering in the 21st century, or face continued economic hardship.
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