Gensler Voices: Lori Mukoyama, Gensler Chicago

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 enhancing the human experience. Here, we sit down with Lori Mukoyama, design director, Gensler Chicago:

My first introduction to design was when I fell in love with Charles and Ray Eames. Their revolutionary work was so simple, timeless and fashionable… I was inspired! My first piece of purchased furniture at 22 was the molded plywood coffee table. This was because it’s circular and everyone could gather around it (while a chair would only be enjoyed by one). It’s still in my living room today!

Being an Asian American daughter, my parents had me take summer school. They would pick one class and I would pick one class. They would pick an academic class and I would pick anything from watercolor to ceramics. This foundation of art would become my inspiration to become a designer.

My mom was a Physical and Occupational therapist. She’s super smart and holds two degrees from Northwestern and the University of Illinois. She also found time to take painting classes at the Art Institute at night. She had a passion for art and still sees the world through a creative lens. My mom’s paintings are hung in our house. Her creativit