client, owner, and design team,” said David Morris, Principal and Office Director, HKS Denver. “His insight, coupled with his collaborative spirit, will strengthen our health practice in Denver and across the Mountain West, ensuring we continue to deliver transformative work for our clients and communities.”

Nelson is a 36-year member of the American Institute of Architects and a founding member of the American College of Healthcare Architects. Nelson’s hire underscores HKS’s ongoing investment in the Mountain West, where the firm has delivered more than a dozen landmark projects, including:

“Throughout my career, I’ve seen the power of design to impact how people heal, work, and connect directly,” said Nelson. “Joining HKS feels like the perfect culmination of those experiences. I’m eager to partner with health systems to create facilities that embody innovation, efficiency, and humanity — places that truly help people live well.”

With Nelson’s leadership, the HKS Denver health studio is poised to expand its role as a creative catalyst and strategic partner, shaping the future of health and wellness design across the Mountain West.

About HKS

HKS is an interdisciplinary global design firm. Our team of 1,700 architects, designers, planners, and advisors across 29 offices partner with clients to design and develop elegant solutions to complex challenges. From iconic gathering places to healing environments, our designs enhance experiences and elevate outcomes for all stakeholders. Our work is inspired by curiosity, driven by research and technology and informed by a deep understanding of human and environmental needs. We’re proud to be a carbon-neutral firm since 2023.

Recent Accolades: