Founded in 1965 by M. Arthur Gensler Jr., his wife Drue, and associate James Follett, Gensler started as a small firm in San Francisco focused on corporate interiors. Today, Gensler stands as the largest architecture firm globally, with 53 offices serving clients across over 100 countries. From its modest beginnings, Gensler’s growth story is one of innovation, expansion, and sustained success, marked by its commitment to design excellence and adaptability to a changing world.
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From Corporate Interiors to Global Design Leader
Gensler’s initial projects in the 1960s and 70s, like the Alcoa Building and Bank of America Building, established its reputation in corporate interior design. The firm quickly recognized the need to diversify and expanded into commercial office buildings, retail centers, airports, and urban design, among others. By the 1980s and 1990s, Gensler had established offices across the U.S. and internationally, including in London, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. This global expansion allowed the firm to serve a growing international client base, leading to projects like Shanghai Tower, China’s tallest building, and the second tallest globally.
Leadership and Visionary Projects
In 2005, the firm transitioned to a collaborative leadership model, naming Andy Cohen and Diane Hoskins as Co-CEOs. This leadership structure fostered innovation, with the firm consistently leading high-profile projects. Notably, Gensler was the executive architect behind Las Vegas’ CityCenter, a 67-acre urban complex, and has played a pivotal role in transforming major airports such as San Francisco International (SFO).
In 2023, Gensler continued its impact on urban transformation with the office-to-residential conversion of 160 Water Street in Manhattan, showcasing its adaptive reuse expertise while addressing New York City’s housing crisis.
Sustainability and Innovation at the Forefront
Gensler has long been committed to sustainability, pioneering industry-leading green design practices. The firm launched the Gensler Cities Climate Challenge (GC3) in 2019, aiming to eliminate all greenhouse gases in the built environment. In 2023, it introduced the Gensler Product Sustainability (GPS) Standards to reduce carbon emissions across projects in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. By partnering with the International Finance Corporation at COP28, Gensler continues its push for sustainable design, expanding green building certifications and financing.
Research and Community Engagement
Gensler’s success is also rooted in its deep research initiatives. Since the launch of its Workplace Surveys in 2005, Gensler has collected valuable data on how design impacts productivity and well-being across industries. Through its Gensler Research Institute, the firm continues to study and share findings on urban life, healthcare, education, and more, influencing how design responds to societal shifts.
The firm also emphasizes community impact, encouraging staff to engage in social issues like housing, homelessness, and health. Through its gServe program, Gensler donates time and expertise to projects that align with these themes, further reinforcing its commitment to making a positive difference.
Recognition and Industry Leadership
Over the years, Gensler has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Architecture Firm Award from the American Institute of Architects and being named one of Forbes’ “America’s Best Midsize Employers” multiple times. As of 2023, the firm continues to top the list in major rankings, including Architectural Record’s Top 300 Architecture Firms for 12 consecutive years and Building Design’s World Architecture 100.
Gensler’s story is a testament to how visionary leadership, innovation, and a commitment to sustainability can drive success. The firm’s adaptability to market demands, combined with a strong focus on research and design excellence, ensures that Gensler will remain at the forefront of the architecture and design world for years to come.
