HKS has announced its 2026 promotions and appointments, elevating 10 healthcare-focused leaders to partner and principal roles across its global offices.
The announcement coincides with a pivotal leadership transition at the firm, as Heath May formally steps into the CEO role following a year-long handoff – signaling a new chapter for the 1,700-person global design practice at a moment of rapid change across healthcare, sports, education and mission critical sectors.
The promotions span 15 cities across the U.S. and internationally, reflecting the firm’s growth and global practice leadership, as well as a continued emphasis on mentorship, operational excellence and purpose-driven design.
Healthcare-focused leadership appointments include:
- Brian Briscoe was promoted to partner. A health studio practice leader, project manager and board-certified healthcare architect, his creative ideas have delivered high-performing and timeless buildings.
- Julia Hager was promoted to partner. As a health studio practice manager, she guides client projects from an idea to a beautiful and functional built environment. She has a multinational background and has lived around the world, most recently in Singapore where she established an Asia-Pacific presence for HKS.
- Yesenia Blandon was promoted to partner. As a health studio practice leader, she heads the HCA Health studio, working to strengthen relationships with clients. A native Colombian, she is co-founder of the AIA Dallas Latinos in Architecture committee.
- Matt Franklin was promoted to partner. A health studio practice manager, he coordinates between owners, design teams and construction managers to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget requirements.
- Molly Cannady was promoted to principal and pediatrics practice leader. She is driven by a deep desire to improve environments for patients, families and caregivers, believing thoughtful, well-organized design can streamline operations, enhance healing and empower care teams. Cannady brings a strategic, user-centered approach to every project, balancing clinical rigor with creativity to deliver spaces that are functional and inspiring.
- Steven Stroman was promoted to principal. A health interiors studio practice leader, he is valued by clients and colleagues for collaboration and creativity. He creates environments that inspire healing and contribute to the improvement of patient care and clinical outcomes. He achieves healing designs with an understanding of the human experience with respect for body, mind and spirit.
- Bridgett Baker Thomas was promoted to principal. As a health studio practice leader, she integrates clinical needs with functional design to enhance healthcare facilities. Guided by her mission to blend aesthetics with program, she transforms healing spaces by providing meaning and purpose to patients and staff. Bridgett co-founded the AIA Equity Committee by WIELD and was treasurer from 2017-21.
- Sumandeep Singh was promoted to principal. As a health studio practice leader, Singh has designed large-scale health facilities worldwide, creating spaces that are empathetic to users and adaptable to evolving challenges. Passionate about technology and automation, Singh is dedicated to integrating innovative solutions that enhance healthcare functionality and efficiency.
- Emily Dickinson was promoted to principal. As a senior medical planner, she believes designing a supportive environment for some of life’s most vulnerable moments is a unique opportunity and a great honor. Valuing collaboration, she creates spaces for healthcare professionals that inspire teamwork and innovation.
- Carlos Bres was promoted to principal. As project architect, he works directly with the project manager and client in coordinating the efforts of the project team. Whether diligently overseeing the coordination and production of drawings or addressing and resolving construction phase concerns, he is poised to deliver the highest care to support the needs of the client and project. His experience encompasses a broad range of project types including hospitality, commercial, education, retail and healthcare.
