Kathleen M. O'Donnell

Writer, Editor, Content Strategist

Architecture & Design | Arts & Culture | Social Impact

Architecture Trends and Practice

HKS •

Increased Demand for Building Design in the U.S. Southwest Fueled by Growing Metros

The Southwest region of the United States is home to several of the fastest-growing metro areas in the country. Small- and mid-sized cities, as well as large metropolises such as Salt Lake City, Las Vegas and Phoenix — which just surpassed Philadelphia as the nation’s fifth largest city — are all growing at a phenomenal pace. And all that growth is translating into an increased demand for building design and construction.
HKS •

Four Ways Integrated Design and Technology Improve Senior Living Communities

]As more people age, it’s increasingly vital for senior living communities and their designers to leverage every tool and tactic they can to support residents’ physical, mental and emotional health. By merging thoughtful design with leading-edge engagement technologies, senior living communities can provide enriching environments for elders, support care providers more holistically, and even boost the growth of their businesse
HKS •

Design for Resources: How a Texas School and Clinic Are Helping Solve Architecture’s Carbon Problem

To reach a net zero future that includes improved building performance, human well-being and environmental health, HKS is committed to reducing embodied carbon and choosing healthy materials in our project. Inspired by the AIA Framework for Design Excellence, our sustainability experts, designers and engineers shared how these strategies improve community sustainability in Texas.
HKS •

Breathing Easy on the Job: Why Good Indoor Air Quality Is Vital and How to Improve It in Your Workplace

Did you know that we breathe in over 10,000 L of air every single day? That means indoor air quality is always critically important for our health and survival, not just during a pandemic. As COVID restrictions lift and workplaces become more occupied , building owners have a renewed responsiblity to provide healthy environments that help employees breathe easier and feel better.
HKS •

Design for Economy: Planning Ahead Creates Long-Term Value for Clients and Positive Impact in Communities

Design creates value that extends far beyond the walls of a newly constructed building. Drawing on AIA’s Framework for Design Excellence, which encourages architects to think about how project economics impact owners, occupants and our environment, HKS advisors and designers unlock hidden value at all project stages, bringing long-term prosperity to clients and communities.

Design in Communities

Project Stories

People of the Design World

HKS •

To Create Inclusive Spaces, LGBTQIA+ Designers Advocate for Themselves and Others

There isn’t a universal approach to designing for inclusion, no one size-fits-all definition for what an inclusive space looks like. Architects and interior designers often engage with individuals who will use the spaces they design — seeking to understand who they are and what they need — with the goal of creating supportive environments for people with diverse identities. Many designers also rely on their own experiences to inform the work they do.