Sergio Saenz
Partner and Global Practice Director of Hospitality
HKS
Sergio Saenz is a Partner and Global Practice Director of Hospitality at HKS, where he leads the design of transformative, resilient destinations around the world. His projects—ranging from master plans and mixed-use urban developments to luxury hotels and resorts—are shaped by an unwavering commitment to design excellence, sustainability, and cultural context.
Born in Texas and raised in Monterrey, Mexico, Sergio’s passion for architecture began at age six, when he watched his father pore over blueprints for their family home. Frequent visits to the construction site with his mother turned fascination into a lifelong pursuit. Today, he channels that early sense of wonder into creating indelible guest experiences and future-proofed environments that respond to the increasing threats of climate change, hurricanes, and storm surge.
Based in Miami, Sergio serves as design principal for many of the firm’s most ambitious hospitality projects. He is known for crafting landmark destinations that reflect the identity of their site while meeting the commercial and operational goals of clients. His work blends artistry and performance, ensuring that each project contributes positively to its community and environment.
Sergio’s leadership and design contributions have earned him industry recognition, including the Design Futures Council’s 40 Under 40 distinction and the prestigious Luis Barragán Design Media Award. As a bilingual and bicultural architect, he brings a globally informed yet locally attuned perspective to every endeavor.
Whether designing a beachfront resort or revitalizing an urban district, Sergio believes in the power of architecture to create lasting value—for people, place, and the planet.
Born in Texas and raised in Monterrey, Mexico, Sergio’s passion for architecture began at age six, when he watched his father pore over blueprints for their family home. Frequent visits to the construction site with his mother turned fascination into a lifelong pursuit. Today, he channels that early sense of wonder into creating indelible guest experiences and future-proofed environments that respond to the increasing threats of climate change, hurricanes, and storm surge.
Based in Miami, Sergio serves as design principal for many of the firm’s most ambitious hospitality projects. He is known for crafting landmark destinations that reflect the identity of their site while meeting the commercial and operational goals of clients. His work blends artistry and performance, ensuring that each project contributes positively to its community and environment.
Sergio’s leadership and design contributions have earned him industry recognition, including the Design Futures Council’s 40 Under 40 distinction and the prestigious Luis Barragán Design Media Award. As a bilingual and bicultural architect, he brings a globally informed yet locally attuned perspective to every endeavor.
Whether designing a beachfront resort or revitalizing an urban district, Sergio believes in the power of architecture to create lasting value—for people, place, and the planet.