HKS Appoints Mitra Memari as Regional Director for Community to Lead West Coast Strategy
Veteran architect and civic design leader to be based in Los Angeles office
LOS ANGELES – Global design firm HKS announced today it has hired Mitra Memari to serve as Regional Director for Community in the firm’s Americas West Region. Based in Los Angeles, Memari will lead strategic growth and regional coordination efforts for HKS’s Health, Education and Life Science practices, while working closely with firmwide and regional leaders to align talent, strengthen partnerships and expand the firm’s impact across the western United States.
This newly created leadership role reflects HKS’s commitment to regional alignment and deeper client engagement in civic, education and community-based design. As the firm continues to expand its presence across the West, Memari will play a key role in developing market strategy, fostering collaboration across offices, and advancing HKS’s mission to design for equity, inclusion and sustainability.
“Mitra brings the kind of vision, experience and heart that perfectly align with our mission at HKS,” said Scott Hunter, HKS Partner and Regional Director. “She’s a connector and a strategist with a passion for people and place – qualities that will help amplify our impact in the West region.”
Memari joins HKS with more than three decades of experience delivering award-winning work across healthcare, higher education, life sciences and civic markets. A licensed architect, Memari is widely recognized for her industry leadership, having served as President of AIA Los Angeles and as a founding board member of Architects for Communities LA.
“HKS’s commitment to design excellence, innovation, and social impact deeply aligns with my values,” said Mitra Memari, Regional Director for Community. “I’m excited to work with our teams and broader community to strengthen relationships, shape meaningful solutions, and help drive lasting impact across the West Coast and beyond.”
Memari’s appointment marks another strategic step in HKS’s growth across the western U.S. and underscores the firm’s long-term investment in leadership that drives design excellence and community-centered innovation.
About HKS
HKS is a global firm of architects, designers, planners and advisors who create places noted for their beauty and performance. Our 1,600 people in 29 offices are united by the belief that an environmental, social and governance approach to design achieves design excellence. In 2023, we became a carbon neutral firm. We value honesty, diversity and inclusion and we celebrate creative thinking. In partnership with our clients and collaborators, we craft powerful ideas and solutions. Together we create places that stand apart.
