Heartwell named CEO at CallisonRTKL; Thompson appointed firm's first COO

January 26, 2021 – Global architecture, planning and design firm CallisonRTKL (CRTKL) has appointed Kim Heartwell as CEO, based in the Washington D.C., office.

Kim Heartwell, new CEO at CallisonRTKL, will be based in the firm's Washington, D.C., office.

Heartwell will bolster CRTKL's position in the marketplace as it enters its 75th year. Heartwell's more than 30-year tenure, depth of industry knowledge, and breadth of experience will position the firm for continued success.

"This is a tremendous time to be afforded this opportunity," said Heartwell. "Addressing the challenges humanity faces today – from health and well-being to resiliency and security, the built environment directly impacts all.

"Now more than ever, the relevancy of a global, ideas-driven practice like CRTKL is necessary," she said.

"I am thrilled to be leading the firm into its next 75 years, building on our legacy and making a positive impact for the future."

AN EXPERT IN CHANGE MANAGEMENT, WORKPLACE DESIGN, MOBILITY STRATEGIES

Heartwell received a BA in art history and a Master's in architecture from the University of Virginia and has held numerous positions since joining the firm. From junior architect to D.C. office leader to global workplace practice leader – Heartwell's tenure with the company has led to some of the most impactful workplace projects, growing the business into an impressive global force.

Specifically, her expertise in change management, workplace design, and mobility strategies for complex organizations will directly influence the growth and advancement of CRTKL as it expands its global footprint.

HAROLD THOMPSON NAMED CRTKL'S FIRST COO

Harold Thompson is now CRTKL's first Chief Operating Officer. He will collaborate with Heartwell to advance the influence of research, digital transformation, and generative design throughout CRTKL.

Harold Thompson assumes the role of Chief Operating Officer at CallisonRTKL, making him the firm's first in that role.

As COO, Thompson will focus on business performance and operations, execute business strategies, and provide leadership, management, and vision to maximize operating efficiency.

"CallisonRTKL is a longstanding design leader," said Thompson. "With its global presence, advanced digital infrastructure, and collaborative approach, the firm's agility is an asset in the current market.

"We are extremely proud of our legacy in creating memorable, human-centric places – and remain committed to continued innovation in our industry."

"Reflecting on the past 75 years, we are at a critical point of disruption for our industry," CRTKL is poised to positively pivot and evolve our business by focusing on data-driven, generative design to elevate the human experience through our key initiatives, ultimately guiding clients towards resiliency – environmental, economic, and societal," notes Kim. "A first step to committing to our goals is becoming a carbon neutral firm allowing us to flourish for the next 75 years and beyond."

CallisonRTKL: A GLOBAL ARCHITECTURE, PLANNING, AND DESIGN PRACTICE

CallisonRTKL, a global architecture, planning, and design practice, began over seven decades ago and has evolved into a cultural agency to advance positive outcomes in our communities.

Our team addresses the imperatives of resiliency, well-being, and technology and their influence in the built environment through a human-centric design approach.