Kristen Ambrose

Kristen Ambrose is a registered architect in TX with two decades of experience designing environments for learning, health science and healthcare. As Principal and Practice Leader at HKS, she brings expertise in planning, programming and design research to guide strategic design decisions aligned with curricular goals, operational efficiency, and sustainable design principles.

Her background spans interdisciplinary practice, digital technologies, and evidence-based design. Kristen applies data analytics and visualization to study how architecture optimizes human and building performance. Her research includes pre- and post-occupancy evaluations, focusing on how regenerative design impacts occupant health, experience, and building energy use over the lifecycle.

A recognized educator, Kristen has taught design foundations, digital practice and digital design at the University of Maryland (2008–2018) and currently teaches an interdisciplinary BIM course at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She bridges practice and academia, bringing a research-driven, human-centered approach to design that enhances the design of immersive learning environments. Her leadership reflects a commitment to advancing architecture that supports holistic user experiences.