Dallas-based global architecture firm HKS laid off a portion of its workforce, the firm told The Dallas Morning News on Thursday afternoon.
The firm, known for its stadium design team and its role in several large Dallas developments, did not say how many workers in Dallas and beyond were affected. CoStar News reported about 80 jobs were cut and one of the firm’s U.S. offices was shuttered. The job cuts were finalized in late June.
CoStar attributed the cuts to the real estate industry slowdown caused by elevated interest rates and other economic factors.
HKS principal and chief HR officer Michelle Carroll said in a statement that the layoffs were a “targeted action” to position the firm for “long-term strength.”
“HKS recently made the difficult decision to reduce selected roles to better align our talent, capabilities and resources with client needs, market opportunities and the firm’s strategic priorities. These decisions are never made lightly, and we are deeply grateful for the contributions of our colleagues whose roles were impacted,” Carroll said. “We remain confident in the strength of our practice, our people and the future of the firm. Our focus now is on supporting those affected through this transition and continuing to deliver the work our clients and communities rely on us to do.”
HKS got its start in 1939 designing homes in Highland Park and quickly grew to commercial projects such as offices and schools. The company, under the leadership of former CEO Dan Noble, grew into one of the world’s largest architecture and design firms.
Data from the Dallas Business Journal shows that HKS has the second-largest presence in Dallas-Fort Worth among architecture firms based on total local employment. The company has been involved in several major projects, including AT&T Stadium, Klyde Warren Park, Halperin Park and the restoration of the Forest Theater in South Dallas.
The firm is also involved in other ongoing projects. These include the redesign of the 60-story Comerica Bank Tower in downtown Dallas, 8300 Douglas in Preston Center and the $5 billion pediatric hospital in Dallas’ Southwestern Medical District.
Beyond North Texas, HKS’ professional stadium projects include SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., as well as future stadiums for the NFL’s Washington Commanders and Cleveland Browns.
