Gensler Voices: Community Impact Leaders Discuss the Power of Community-Driven Design
This Q&A is part of a series of interviews with Gensler architects, designers, and others in the firm about their career journey, and the impact that design and architecture can have on our communities and the human experience. Here, we sit down with Margaret Skrmetti, Global Community Impact Leader and Amanda Stone, Community Impact Specialist.
Why are local communities so important to Gensler’s work?
Margaret Skrmetti: We can’t be global if we’re not local first. Solving for critical social issues such as climate change, healthcare inequities, and the housing crisis must start at the community level so that we can hear the voices of and empower stakeholders. Each of those communities has its own unique character, history, and cultural fabric. By understanding and engaging in the local context, we can design spaces that are respectful and resonate with the community, helping to shape it for the better and leaving a positive legacy for generations to come.
What is the greatest strength of Gensler’s community impact network?
Amanda Stone: Our greatest strength is our people. To maximize our reach, we’ve empowered a diverse team of more than 100 volunteer representatives from around the world and across all levels of our firm’s leadership. These teammates aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and get hands on to create tangible, positive impact.
What’s more — our network goes far beyond Gensler’s walls, as we frequently partner with our clients, vendors, and other industry partners on our pro bono and volunteer projects. We’ve found these partnerships allow us to multiply our impact in a way that truly leverages the global reach and influence of our firm.
What project has had a profound impact on you?
AS: One of the most fulfilling projects I’ve worked on is Sustainable Shade Structures, a research-turned-pro bono design project located in Tirrases, San José Province, Costa Rica. This project represents a pivotal aspect of a research initiative focused on understanding the intricate relationship between the extreme heat and vulnerable communities, and how to create actionable steps to offset climate injustice in at-risk neighborhoods.Sitting at the intersection of our research, community impact, and DEI work, Sustainable Shade Structures shows how we can leverage our research institute and expertise of our people to deepen our relationships with community partners while also furthering our strategies to fight racism.
What is community-driven design and why does it matter?
AS: Community-driven design is really about collaboration — a partnership to ensure the voices of the people who will use a space are incorporated throughout the design process. Often, community stakeholders are left out of the design process, which can result in feelings of distrust or disconnection — and quite often — a built environment that lacks functionality or relevance to the local population. When communities feel involved, we can create a space and experience that truly meets their needs and allows them to take greater ownership, leading to better long-term outcomes — and better design.
MS: Another great example of community-driven design comes from our Portland office, where a team of designers partnered with local nonprofit Rose Haven — Portland’s only community day shelter for women and children — who were in need of a larger facility to better serve the unhoused in their community. Since the biggest design driver for Rose Haven’s new space is the people they serve, Gensler facilitated visioning sessions early on for Rose Haven’s team, volunteers, and clients. By intentionally centering stakeholders throughout the process, the Rose Haven team was better informed of their needs and experiences. And by approaching the project through the lens of trauma-informed design, the team was able to provide a sense of visual access and security for guests in their new facility.
How does Gensler support its community partners?
MS: Philanthropic support is important, but the most valuable thing we can offer our partners is our expertise. Few nonprofit organizations have the resources to think meaningfully about design or engage a firm like ours, but Gensler is uniquely positioned to help drive positive impact through the power of design. One of our community partners in Denver, Executive Director of Access Gallery, Damon McLeese, says it best, “Design shouldn’t be just for the elite.”
And the story of our partnership with Access Gallery is very illustrative of how we work. The relationship between our two organizations began with a phone call looking for designers to mentor teens with disabilities. All these years later we still work together and, in 2020, we completed a redesign of their 1,500-square-foot studio and gallery, resulting in a more functional, flexible, and accessible space.
What do you want people to know about Gensler’s community impact work?
AS: At Gensler, our approach to Community Impact work is multifaceted, allowing our firm to be agile when responding to the needs of our communities — be it philanthropy, pro bono design work, volunteerism, research, or programming. We can leverage our expertise and network to tackle these issues in real time.
MS: And when we bring our community partners to the table, we learn more about cities and the challenges they face. And what’s more — this insight informs our client work and research, resulting in more inclusive, adaptive, and impactful design. When we cultivate community resilience, everyone benefits.
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