Heath May

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 University of Texas Arlington, CAPPA, School of Architecture. Student work from this Watershed Urbanism data visualization studio was displayed at the 2021 Venice Architecture Biennale, illustrating the complexity of urban watersheds through lenses of geology, hydrology, socioeconomics, politics, and climatology. 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, partnering with notable structural engineering firms in a cross-disciplinary collaboration. Contributing to publications such as FABRICATE, Oz Journal, and Architect magazine on topics ranging from interdisciplinary collaboration, computational methodologies, and digital practice. In additional 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’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. 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 currently practices in the California Bay Area, with a focus on collaborative digital design and delivery.