Global architecture, design and planning firm HLW has announced its official expansion into Florida with the opening of an office in West Palm Beach. The move builds on HLW's existing portfolio of work in the state––which stretches back 11 years and includes projects for broadcast network Univision, PGA Tour, financial services group Piper Sandler, and Subway––and will bring the firm closer to current and new client relationships across the Southeast.
"For over a century, HLW has remained dedicated to advancing positive change and creating an equitable, socially responsible, and sustainable future through its practice," said Ed Shim, Principal and Managing Director of HLW's New York office. "As we look to the future, both of the built environment and our organization, we see the growth into Florida as an exciting opportunity to continue building on that legacy."
Located in the heart of West Palm Beach at 222 Lakeview Avenue, HLW's Florida office will be led by Robert Thomas, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, Principal and Director of Science and Technology, whose background covers nearly four decades of experience in the Florida market––with a particular focus on advanced science, laboratory, and research facilities. Thomas will continue to strengthen HLW's portfolio of next-generation research facilities––including BSL2, BSL3, vivarium and specialty lab spaces––while pursuing further work in the hospitality, residential, civic/cultural, commercial interiors, and broadcast and entertainment sectors.
"Having called South Florida home for many years, I am thrilled to be championing the expansion of HLW's reach into this exciting, rapidly growing market," said Thomas.
All of HLW's core suite of services are available to clients in the Florida market, as well as the firm's specialty business partners: BEYOND, a cutting-edge sustainability consultancy working across the built environment to drive higher standards for sustainability, resilience, and building performance; brandx, HLW's branding and graphics group; SPARK, the firm's lighting design studio; and ARK, an independent strategic consulting studio confronting the evolving landscape of real estate and organizational strategy.
The Florida team is looking to grow to support its current volume of work and has plans to introduce an internship program in the coming months for students from nearby universities.
For more on HLW and its projects and people, visit www.hlw.design. For questions about the firm’s expansion into Florida, contact Robert Thomas: rthomas@hlw.com.
