HKS improves specification coordination and process with VisiSpecs(R). Portland, Maine (August 4, 2026) - HKS, a globally recognized architecture and design firm, evaluated and chose VisiSpecs(R), the Visual Specification System, developed by Chalkline, Inc., to improve specification coordination, streamline documentation workflows, and support project delivery across its diverse portfolio. With offices around the world and expertise spanning healthcare, sports, hospitality, education, data centers, and commercial projects, HKS relies on coordinated documentation to support multidisciplinary design teams. By using VisiSpecs, HKS can integrate construction specifications with BIM workflows while working within the familiar Microsoft Word environment. VisiSpecs's intelligent Doc Key Filtering gave HKS the ability to create a simple checklist with linked paragraphs and optional text to automate the editing process. This facilitates consistency and higher quality across the organization on the various projects HKS designs. Then, the familiar Word interface, QA reporting, collaboration, and publishing streamline the spec editing process. Next, HKS is evaluating the BIM integration with their specs to further coordinate the models and specifications to improve quality and design. "VisiSpecs has helped us improve consistency throughout our specification process while allowing our teams to continue working in Microsoft Word," said Karl Sonnier, Principal Architect at HKS. "The Doc Key Filtering functionality has streamlined specification editing, making it easier to produce accurate, coordinated documents and establish a more efficient workflow across our projects." "We're proud to support industry-leading firms like HKS as they continue to advance innovation across the AECO industry," said Seamus McGrady, COO of Chalkline, Inc. "HKS is a leader in the market and look forward to their continued design integrated process using VisiSpecs. Founded in 1939, HKS is one of the world's leading architecture, design, and planning firms. With more than 1,400 professionals across offices in the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, HKS delivers award-winning projects in healthcare, sports and entertainment, hospitality, education, commercial, aviation, and civic markets. The firm is recognized for its commitment to design excellence, sustainability, and innovation, consistently ranking among the world's top architecture firms. About Chalkline, Inc. Chalkline is a developer of architectural and engineering specification software designed to visually document, coordinate, and verify BIM models and project specifications. VisiSpecs(R) is a suite of applications that includes VisiWord, VisiRevit, and VisiWeb. VisiSpecs is a software as a service (SaaS) cloud solution where its desktop and mobile applications store and access the model and specification data on the company's cloud servers for easy access and collaboration among distributed team members. Built on familiar applications already in use by most in the market, VisiSpecs requires minimal training and setup time. Users can easily integrate their own masters and project documents with the project models to accomplish true BIM integration without learning to use complicated model applications and without a lengthy integration process. Chalkline also developed the VisiSpecs BPM Program to enable easier research, selection, and collaboration with manufacturers while in the project design process. For more information, visit www.chalklineinc.com.

HKS appoints Sean Tan as Principal and Studio Head for MEA commercial & mixed-use. * June 8, 2026 The appointment marks a significant milestone in HKS's continued expansion and growing portfolio. Global design firm HKS has appointed Sean Tan as Principal and Studio Head - Middle East & Africa (Commercial Mixed-Use), marking a significant leadership addition as the practice continues to expand its regional footprint. In his new role, Sean will lead the strategic direction, design vision, and delivery of commercial and mixed-use developments across the Middle East and Africa. His appointment reflects HKS's continued investment in strengthening leadership capabilities in high-growth markets, particularly as the region experiences increasing demand for integrated, experience-driven urban environments. Sean brings a multidisciplinary approach that bridges design ambition with commercial viability. His work focuses on translating complex development goals into coherent architectural strategies that respond to market realities while maintaining strong design integrity. With experience spanning large-scale urban developments and mixed-use environments, he is known for aligning creative vision with long-term operational and financial performance. At the core of Sean's design philosophy is a fundamental exploration of shelter - the most basic yet profound condition of architecture. He is driven by the idea of defining the boundary between inside and outside, and how this threshold shapes human experience. For him, architecture is not only about form or function, but about creating environments where people feel a sense of belonging, protection, and connection. He joins HKS at a time of continued momentum for the firm in the region, with a growing portfolio that reflects its commitment to transformative, future-focused developments. Key projects across the Middle East include One Residence in Dubai, AMAALA Yacht Club, The Arena in Diriyah, and the Skyiera Mixed-Use Master Plan. These developments highlight the firm's engagement with large-scale urban destinations that combine hospitality, lifestyle, residential, and commercial components. As the Middle East continues to evolve as a global hub for ambitious urban development, Sean's leadership is expected to play a key role in shaping projects that balance design excellence with contextual relevance and economic performance. His appointment reinforces HKS's long-term strategy of delivering architecture that is both visionary and grounded in the realities of place, purpose, and people. caption: Sean Tan joins HKS to lead design strategy and delivery across commercial and mixed-use projects in the Middle East and Africa, strengthening the firm's regional growth.

Sergio Saenz named Global Sector Director at HKS. May 19, 2026 Miami-based partner will help drive growth, innovation and cross-practice collaboration across the global Place sector. Global design firm HKS has named Sergio Saenz as Global Sector Director of its Place sector, reinforcing the firm's integrated leadership approach and continued focus on growth, innovation and client value. Based in HKS's Miami office, Saenz will lead the Place sector, which includes the firm's hospitality, mixed-use, mission critical, multifamily residential and senior living practices. Discover more Home Alarm & Security Systems Architecture Fire & Security Services "We have an incredible opportunity to unlock new growth and expand the value HKS brings to clients worldwide through deeper collaboration across the Place sector," Saenz said. "When we connect knowledge, research and ideas across practices and markets, we create stronger solutions and open new possibilities for innovation. For our clients, that means deeper partnerships, better outcomes and ideas that translate vision into value. For our people, it means working together across disciplines to imagine what's possible and make it real." Saenz approaches design with architectural longevity in mind, creating landmark, resilient projects that help clients future-proof their assets against climate change, evolving environments, and natural disasters. Born in Texas and raised in Mexico, he brings a global perspective shaped by work across diverse regions and strong relationships throughout HKS. He was named to the Design Futures Council's 40 Under 40 and received the Luis Barragan Design Media Award. His appointment reflects HKS's belief that placemaking is essential to the success of any region, city or neighborhood. Through a collaborative, cross-practice approach, the Place sector is positioned to deliver economically, socially and environmentally sustainable solutions that help clients and communities thrive. Previously, as the global leader of hospitality, Saenz led one of HKS's most visible practices, helping expand its global reach and reputation. He is recognized for guiding complex, high-profile projects with clarity and creativity, bringing multidisciplinary teams together to deliver innovation and performance at every scale. He is also respected for bridging creativity and strategy so that design decisions advance both vision and value. The Place sector's collaborative model continues to strengthen partnerships and create new opportunities across markets by connecting design, delivery and advisory expertise. This integrated approach enables HKS to deliver high-performing solutions tailored to evolving client needs and market opportunities. Notable upcoming projects under the Place sector include AMAALA Yacht Club on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia, Four Seasons Jacksonville, The Setai St. Maarten and The Eastpoint development in Nashville. Legacy work includes Rosewood's Las Ventanas al Paraiso, Astra Tower, Conrad Orlando, Querencia at Barton Creek, Aligned Data Centers, and Pier Sixty-Six. Saenz's appointment underscores HKS's commitment to evolving its leadership in ways that build momentum, deepen collaboration and expand opportunities for impact across the built environment. HKS is an interdisciplinary global design firm. Our team of 1,800 architects, designers, planners and advisors across 29 offices partner with clients to design and develop elegant solutions to complex challenges. From iconic gathering places to healing environments, our designs enhance experiences and elevate outcomes for all stakeholders. Our work is inspired by curiosity, driven by research and technology and informed by a deep understanding of human and environmental needs. Proud to be a carbon neutral firm since 2023, HKS was named #1 Most Innovative Architecture Firm by Fast Company in 2026. Discover more Lang Architecture Interior Design Visual Art & Design S9 Architecture