Jennifer Wagner, Office Director & Studio Practice Leader – Education, HKS

HKS is driving innovation in education and healthcare, with projects like the Harris Health System Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ) Hospital Expansion and the Spring ISD Education, Performance and Instructional Center (EPIC). “Our role is to ensure that built environments contribute positively to student success while aligning with budget and scope constraints,” said Jennifer Wagner in an interview with Invest:.

Can you provide an overview of HKS’s work in education and healthcare?

In our Houston office, we focus primarily on healthcare and education, covering K-12 and higher education. Our projects range from large-scale projects, like the Harris Health LBJ Hospital Expansion, to smaller renovations, additions, and infrastructure work. We handle a variety of project scales to meet diverse client needs.

What are some of your most significant projects or achievements this past year?

Our largest project is the Harris Health LBJ Hospital Expansion, a community hospital that involved extensive community outreach. This two-million-square-foot plan will feature two towers and 450 beds, offering a comprehensive array of advanced medical, social, and mental health care services, along with outpatient care. We’re excited to bring this much-needed facility to an underserved area. Another major project is the Spring ISD EPIC, a new performing arts and educational facility set to break ground this summer. This multi-purpose facility will feature a 5,000-seat arena and a 1,000-seat performance center for district-wide functions and learning space.

What makes Houston an ideal location for HKS?

We’ve been working in Houston since the 1960s and officially opened our office here over 10 years ago. We wanted to establish a local presence to better serve the community. We started with just five people and have grown to over 45, building a team that combines deep HKS expertise with strong local knowledge. Our downtown location allows us to serve the entire metroplex. 

What trends are you seeing in education, and how is HKS adapting?

A major focus is on social and emotional wellness, ensuring both students and faculty thrive in the learning environment. The pandemic changed education significantly, and we continue to see its impact. With Texas experiencing rapid growth, school districts must carefully allocate resources to support all students equitably. Our role is to ensure that built environments contribute positively to student success while aligning with budget and scope constraints.

How is HKS incorporating innovation in education projects?

From the start of a project, we explore different design and delivery models such as digital delivery, AI, automation, research, and cross-pollination. We believe that with this mindset, we can help to design for the unexpected. 

What healthcare trends are influencing design?

Oncology remains a major focus in Houston, and we have subject matter experts in our office who stay ahead of technological advancements. Healthcare innovation evolves rapidly, requiring constant adaptation throughout a project’s lifecycle. We’re also reimagining patient care — how hospitals function, how care is delivered, and how facilities are designed to enhance the patient experience. We leverage our in-house research and advisory teams, including registered nurses, to ensure our designs meet evolving healthcare needs.

Additionally, HKS benefits from cross-disciplinary expertise, allowing us to bring design knowledge from our various practices to enhance user experiences on all typologies. This is particularly relevant in patient-centered care, where design can influence well-being.

How does HKS attract top talent in Houston?

Houston’s job market is extremely competitive, with all the major firms hiring from a relatively small talent pool. Our biggest differentiator is the culture of our office. While salaries across firms are similar, what sets us apart is how we work, how we serve our clients, and the pride we have in our Houston office. We like to think of ourselves as a small office within a larger firm, offering both a close-knit team and the resources of a global company.

How is HKS incorporating AI or other innovations into its designs?

The market is changing fast, and we’re actively integrating AI, automation, and digital delivery. We’re working closely with construction partners to streamline digital project delivery, improving efficiency and design quality. Digital tools allow us to explore new possibilities that traditional methods cannot, and our younger team members are especially engaged in these advancements.

How are economic and political changes affecting budgeting and financing?

We continuously monitor scope and budget alignment throughout a project. Helping clients understand where their dollars go and how to maximize the value is critical, especially as economic conditions shift.

What policy or infrastructure changes could support sustainable growth in Houston?

The scale of Houston creates unique challenges and opportunities. The city has long been strong in energy and aerospace, but we see technology and research — especially in healthcare — growing rapidly. As Houston continues to grow, the education market also continues to see rapid expansion.

What are your top priorities for the next two to three years?

We are watching economic trends closely, as different sectors are affected in different ways. In education, we expect continued growth in K-12, while higher education is shifting — community colleges and workforce training programs are expanding as people explore alternatives to four-year degrees. In healthcare, we see growth both in the Texas Medical Center and in suburban areas, as hospitals expand their reach. A great example is MD Anderson Sugar Land, which brings top-tier healthcare into the local community. Houston continues to experience strong growth, and HKS is committed to being a part of it. We consider ourselves a Houston firm and are deeply invested in the community. Our focus remains on delivering high-quality projects that support the city’s ongoing development.