HKS Hospitality Group, the hospitality architecture branch of HKS Architects, has launched its first design studio in New York, marking the firm’s entry into the Northeastern U.S. market. Vice president Alex John will head the new practice, leading a team of nearly 20 HKS architects and interior designers.
“I am thrilled to be returning to my hometown of New York City to lead our new hospitality design studio as the first Northeastern outpost of our core hospitality practice in Dallas,” John says. “To have a strong presence here in New York City where we can create promising new relationships and connect in more meaningful ways with clients we’ve already served will offer exciting possibilities for HKS Hospitality Group as we continue to evolve and expand.”
John is currently at the helm of major U.S.-based projects including a 500-room hotel in Orlando as well as an expansive 1,000-key resort in Round Rock, Texas. He received a master’s of architecture and a bachelor’s from Prairie View A&M University in Texas.
“The opening of our New York hospitality design studio is an important accomplishment and opportunity for HKS Hospitality Group as we now have a home base for all things hospitality in one of the greatest and most profound cities for growth in the world,” says Nunzio DeSantis, executive vice president and director of HKS Hospitality Group. “A passionate go-getter and one of the most talented architects in our specialized hospitality practice, Alex has every capability to hit the pavement right away to direct and grow our hospitality division in the New York City region and beyond.”
