An Impromptu Discussion with Heath May, AIA

“done without being planned, organized, or rehearsed.”

Guest: Heath May, AIA, Director of HKS LINE

In a new series of one on one talks, An Impromptu Discussion aims to re-instill the desire for spontaneous and critical discussion around architecture and design. An Impromptu Discussion will be held every two weeks, hosted by Michael Friebele in partnership with the Architecture and Design Exchange. In the spirit of being “impromptu,” there will be no prepared slides. Each session will cover a number of topics and interests with audience participation in shaping the discussion encouraged.

About Heath:

Heath May, AIA is Principal and Director of HKS LINE (Laboratory for INtensive Exploration.) He leads a studio responsible for projects that have been recognized for progressive design with numerous awards. His work and research with LINE include data-driven design optimization, simulation, and digital design, fabrication, and delivery.

Heath has taught advanced graduate design studio as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at CAPPA at University of Texas Arlington, where he recently led a multi-disciplinary studio with Adrian Parr. Student work from this Watershed Urbanism data visualization studio is now on display at the 2021 Venice Architecture Biennale. A member of ACADIA (Association for Computer Aided Design In Architecture), Heath has led LINE in several recent academic research workshops focused on topology optimization and advanced computational workflows.

He has contributed to publications such as FABRICATE, Oz Journal, and Architect magazine on topics ranging from interdisciplinary collaboration, computational methodologies, and digital practice. In addition to teaching, Heath lectures often, with recent presentations at events such as the Design Futures Council of Design Intelligence, IBPSA (International Building Performance Simulation Association), and Facades+. Heath participated as invited juror in the 2017 US DOE (Department of Energy) Solar Decathlon Innovation category, and he was recently honored as a recipient of the 2021 NASA team Silver Achievement award for his participation as an architectural juror in the NASA Centennial Challenge 3-D printed Mars Habitat.

Heath’s current funded research includes a US DOE grant where he is participating on a team researching and developing a Spatially-Tunable Beam-Steerable Lighting system with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute LESA (Lighting Enabled Systems and Applications) Center, case (Center for Architecture and Ecology), and industrial manufacturer Lumileds, Inc. Building on the IP developed for true digital delivery in architecture, Heath now serves on the Product Council for ConcertVDC, a startup company merging the digital delivery methodology of HKS with blockchain to provide an industry-wide platform for authenticating and versioning data in the AEC industry.

Practicing across multiple sectors, recent projects featuring the design and/or collaboration of LINE include SoFi Stadium, Pacific Plaza Pavilion, and Alcon-Novartis Café. He practices in San Francisco, with a current focus on collaborative digital design.