London - 26 April 2016: HKS, the global architectural practice recognised internationally for its vision and creativity, has announced the appointment of Kevin Underwood as Principal and Head of Masterplanning & Design. Kevin, whose 30-year career in masterplanning and landscape design has spanned major urban regeneration schemes, mixed-use developments and award-winning hotel/resort projects around the world will be sharing his time between HKS offices in Abu Dhabi, London and the USA.

Formerly Principal in charge of Hospitality at Edaw and then, following the company's acquisition by Aecom, Global Leader of Leisure and Culture at Aecom, Kevin led the teams responsible for such notable designs as the seminal Heart of Doha/Msheireb project and Education City Doha, which included the world's first Qu'ranic garden. Other projects led by Kevin prior to joining HKS have included Kuwait Coastal Developments, Al Riffa Bahrain and Disneyland Paris as well as the Emirates Palace and Saadiyat Resort in Abu Dhabi and a number of international developments for luxury hotel brands such as Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, Hyatt and Banyan Tree. Now, in joining HKS, he describes the opportunity as a coming together of two compelling portfolios of experience within a shared approach towards creativity, innovation and a commitment to achieving measurable real estate returns for clients.

Current and recent hotel/resort projects at HKS include: the recently opened Danat Al Emarat Hospital - Abu Dhabi's first private purpose-built hospital for women and children, a masterplan for a monumental new landmark in Riyadh - King Fahad Medical City, several resort projects in the UAE, Bahrain and Costa Rica, and Esperanza, an Auberge Resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Commenting on Kevin's appointment, Ala Hason, Senior Vice President of HKS in Abu Dhabi, says: "We are delighted that Kevin has become part of our global team. His exceptional depth of masterplanning experience complements the breadth of our architects' work and we are completely of one mind in our commitment to nurturing client relationships and achieving project goals through collaborative working."

About HKS Inc
HKS Hospitality Group specialises in the design of sophisticated urban hotels, unique destination resorts and luxurious spas, boutique properties, hospitality interiors, and world-class golf clubhouses. Operating from 26 offices worldwide, the firm has designed projects in 45 countries, garnering numerous awards and coverage in national and international publications.   

For more information about Kevin, his career and his approach to masterplanning beautiful and significant destinations, please contact:
Su Pecha / Alicia Sheber at ESP Business Development
+44 (0)208 374 6320/4476
asheber@espbusinessdevelopment.com

© Press Release 2016