From his origins as a mechanical engineer, Gerald D. Hines drove systems innovation to operate more efficiently, be more flexible, save space and cost less without sacrificing quality, reliability or the indoor environment. This quest for new ideas, refined designs and efficient management has remained in the firm's DNA for over 65 years and permeates the organization.
Office of Innovation
Inspired by Hines' pioneering history of innovation in development, the Office of Innovation was formed to focus on the intersection of technology and real estate. Our team is actively evaluating and implementing new economy businesses, products and services that enhance the value of our portfolio, elevate the experience of our tenant customers and further empower our employees.
I have never believed in status quo. I believe we can always improve—either by rethinking existing ways of doing things or by thinking outside the box. This is innovation—it is a state of mind.
Gerald D. Hines, Founder
Thesis and Process
Technology is accelerating transformation across all business sectors, including real estate. Products are evolving. Preferences are changing. Work is happening everywhere and our business must go beyond four walls. Hines’ experience, scale and culture of innovation makes us uniquely positioned to drive change at global and local levels.
The Office of Innovation researches and deploys thoughtful strategies to respond to this quickly changing world. We use both internal and external experts to choose the best options to operate in a global economy and respond to the local market. We research heavily, pilot readily and launch carefully. Our solutions are customized, but our approach is collaborative. From emerging technology like autonomous vehicles to spatial insights from sensors, we are ready for massive disruptions and we are willing to fight for incremental improvement.
If you have a transformative idea and would like to engage with us, contact us here.
Strategic Partnerships
Fifth Wall
Fifth Wall is a venture capital investment firm dedicated solely to real estate. The firm offers unique insight into trends, technologies and companies that are redefining the built environment. Hines has invested in Fifth Wall to harness strategic and financial insights about the changes happening in the commercial real estate industry. Together, we are committed to identifying, partnering with, and accelerating the growth of visionary companies that will transform the built world.
The Mayo Clinic + Well Living Lab™
Hines firmly believes that sustainability means more than minimizing our impact on our environment. It means maximizing the health, happiness and productivity of our employees, tenants and partners. That is why we became a founding alliance member of the WELL Living Lab. The Lab is the first research institution of its kind—dedicated solely to understanding how indoor environments shape our health. Hines is delighted to be a part of this collaboration between Delos™ and the Mayo Clinic that goes beyond certification programs to pioneer research that will make better human habitats.
Hines²™ (Hines Squared)
In today’s quickly changing world, businesses need the right spaces and tools to adapt. Large companies must be nimble at scale, and small companies need the ability to grow quickly. Hines² is a new program that presents a modern, elevated way of working with personalized support and services to match. It is an extension of our award-winning Property Management platform with a suite of workplace hospitality programs and spaces. Hines² brings best-in-class service providers and technology solutions to exponentially enhance your enterprise.
