HKS
Architects
Year
2022
Location
Atlanta, Georgia
Firm
HKS
The HKS Atlanta office is a people-first workspace that embodies a vision for the future of work. Designed to support a modern, hybrid workforce, the space prioritizes health, inclusivity, and flexibility, aligning real estate strategy with business goals.
Reimagining how and where teams work, the office creates an environment that fosters collaboration, creativity, and well-being. The design emphasizes inclusivity, aligning with a mission to attract diverse talent and support a vibrant, healthy work culture.
The project began by engaging the team with key questions about the future they envisioned and the legacy they aimed to create. Research and employee insights revealed a need for spaces that encourage co-creation, focused work, and continuous learning. In response, the design prioritized flexible team seating and collaborative zones over traditional private workstations. Features like the “Idea Theater” for events and learning, the "Rapid Ops Room" for high-pressure deadlines, and casual seating areas support interaction, creativity, and mental well-being.
Guided by a forward-thinking perspective on the future of work, the workplace policy and physical design centered around trust, enabling teams to determine where and how they work to achieve their goals. Digital equity was a priority, creating an inclusive environment that reflects modern work needs. Open client meetings in the studio offer a transparent glimpse into the creative process, demonstrating how thoughtful policy and design combine to shape a dynamic work culture.
As the office navigated its first year of occupancy, ongoing research was conducted to evaluate how the space performed and identify improvements. Targeting LEED and WELL Gold certifications, the project also pursued the firm’s first Brain Health Certification, reinforcing a commitment to holistic, people-first design.
