We Want To Be the Example for a More Just and Inclusive World
The Platform at Gratiot, Detroit
Across our firm, we deeply believe in the power of design to create a better world. We also believe that our people’s diverse voices, experiences, and perspectives is what makes our design work exponentially more powerful. The principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion are directly aligned with our core values, and have been embedded in our DNA since the founding of the firm by Art Gensler in 1965.
Since 2020, we have amplified our impact by forming our Global Inclusion Committee, establishing a Global Inclusion Studio, and more. Now, we are thrilled to reveal our Strategies to Build a Just and Inclusive Future, a revitalized, global approach to evolving and enhancing our diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within Gensler and beyond. Our Strategies have been a transformative framework to address the many injustices facing our world — taking the first steps in our industry to lead by example and drive impactful, collaborative change.
Today, we remain steadfast in our commitment to those values and continue to foster a culture of change that promotes equity and inclusion. We must celebrate our culture of inclusion at our borderless global firm and continuously evolve how our inclusion efforts elevate the impact of design — moving us closer to a more just, equitable, and inclusive future for all.
Gensler Inclusion by Design
Our biannual Equity and Inclusion Report plays a critical role in helping us assess our impact and progress year to year, identifying focus areas of improvement, and supports opportunities to expand our global inclusion initiatives. As we move forward into this next chapter for the firm, we’ll continue to foster a culture of change that promotes equity and inclusion, and encourage our industry partners, peers, and clients to do the same.
Gensler Global Workforce
87
COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN
109
LANGUAGES SPOKEN
1000+
UNIVERSITIES ATTENDED
57
OFFICES
10
REGIONS
54.5%
FEMALE
0.2%
NON-BINARY/THIRD GENDER
45.3%
MALE
Our Strategies
Together with allied partners and our clients, we are working to create meaningful, lasting change. Strategies to Build a Just and Inclusive Future has been crafted to combat the challenges that underrepresented professionals face across the design industry. Since 2020 we’ve seen steady progress across our recruitment and retention efforts for underrepresented racial and ethnic communities across the firm. Our biannual Equity and Inclusion Report helps us assess our impact and progress year to year, identify areas of improvement, and support opportunities to expand our equity and inclusion initiatives.
- We know that our designs are more equitable, inclusive, and impactful when our designers reflect and understand the diversity of the communities we serve.
- We are inspiring the next generation of designers by introducing students to the world of design.
- The inclusion of community voices is vital to our design process — one that is purposeful, collaborative, and impactful.
- We partner with industry leaders to advocate for equitable opportunities in our field.
- By partnering with our clients on aligned equity and inclusion goals, we foster a shared vision for positive change.
We’re focused on making incredible progress towards a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive future.
MEET OUR GLOBAL INCLUSION COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Jason Pugh
Global Director of Inclusion, Design Manager, Principal
Jason Pugh is the Global Director of Inclusion at Gensler, who champions the firm’s commitments and furthers efforts to address unique challenges within each region and community.
Jean Anderson
Design Synergy Community Co-Leader, Design Director, Principal
Jean co-leads Gensler’s global Design Synergy Community and is a Design Director based in New York.
Elaine Asal
Strategy Director, Principal
Based in Baltimore, Elaine Asal is a Strategy practice area leader for Gensler’s Southeast region.
Allison Brooke Tomlinson
Northeast Regional Legal Counsel, Principal
As the Northeast (and formerly, Latin American) Regional Legal Counsel, Allison is responsible for offices across the region and developed the firm’s first compliance program.
Francisco Gonzalez
Co-Managing Director, Principal
A Principal and Co-Managing Director of Gensler’s Washington, D.C. office, Francisco helps clients understand the critical links between workplace design, real estate performance, and business operations.
Vaki Mawema
Co-Managing Director, Principal
As Co-Managing Director of Gensler Baltimore, Vaki has created a team-based design culture that embodies creative passion, innovation, and rigor.
EXPLORE RELATED STORIES
24 Items
Gensler Tokyo Recognized With the D&I Award 2024 for Best Workplace for Third Consecutive Year
The D&I Award 2024 underscores Gensler Tokyo’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace culture that drives innovation and positive change.
Designing for Racial Equity and Inclusion
Equitable design isn’t just about building physical structures; it’s about enhancing our communities to ensure a more prosperous tomorrow.
Creating Inclusive Spaces by Designing for Neurodiversity
Designing for neurodiversity is an essential evolution in our drive to craft inclusive environments that support productivity, well-being, and employee satisfaction.
Crain’s Chicago Business Celebrated Andre Brumfield on Its List of 2024 Notable Black Leaders
Brumfield notes his top achievement is Englewood Agro-Eco District Land Use Plan, which will transform a former rail line into “an economic hub for urban agriculture,” supporting equity and creating jobs.
The Impact of Inclusive Design on Children’s Health and Happiness
By using inclusive design strategies in city and urban planning, we can build spaces that allow children to flourish, learn, play, and grow.
IIDA Highlighted the Design Your World Summer Program
The two-week immersive learning experience is designed to foster equity and diversity in the industry. Students visited Gensler Chicago and Miami, took project tours, and gained insights from the firm’s leaders.
6 Solutions for Designing a More Inclusive Workplace
In today’s changing work landscape, it’s critical to design environments where everyone feels safe, supported, and welcome.
Equitable Public Engagement for a Changing World
Equitable outcomes begin with an equitable process, and public engagement is key.
Reframing Design Through the Lens of Restorative Justice
By engaging restorative justice principles from the outset of the design process, we can begin to dismantle inequity in our communities and cities.
How Building a More Diverse, Inclusive Workforce in the Architecture Profession Is Vital and Benefits Everyone
Gensler DEI Director Jason Pugh explained key strategies, including connecting with K-12 schools and universities through the Gensler Apprentice Program.
Equity and Aging in the 20-Minute City
By designing spaces that prioritize universal design principles and connectivity, we can create more accessible, purposeful places for seniors.
Bring Climate Justice Into Your Projects by Engaging Community Partners
Our cities are full of organizations that are well-equipped with amazing expertise and can help guide projects to have long-lasting impact.
Gensler Architect Rajas Karnik Honored Among Crain’s Notable LGBTQIA+ Leaders and Executives for 2023
Crain’s New York Business recognizes notable LGBTQIA+ leaders who are driving equity and inclusion across the city’s business community.
Equity and the 20-Minute Neighborhood
To build stronger, more resilient, and equitable communities it’s essential that we leverage the power of research and engage residents.
REACH LA’s Vibrant Space, Designed by Gensler, Sets New Standards for the LGBTQ+ Community
REACH LA is a non-profit organization that engages and empowers LGBTQ+ people of color and their communities.
Driving Inclusivity in Digital Content
We engaged diverse content creators to explore the topic of inclusivity and help shape perspective on how we can evolve both the way we work, and the work itself.
How Inclusive Design Supports Resilience and Climate Preparedness
We have an opportunity to design places that are inclusive, promote resilience, and make preparedness more accessible in the face of climate change events.
The Future of the Museum Experience: Diverse, Inclusive, and Digital
In this episode of the Gensler Design Exchange podcast, we explore how museums are adapting to changing visitor expectations in an increasingly digital world.
Being Black Women in Architecture and Design: Challenges, Triumphs, and Opportunities
Gensler Technical Designers Cheryl Dixon and Telicious Robinson discuss their experiences as Black women in the architecture, engineering, and construction...
What Is the Architect’s Role in Creating Equitable Communities?
Contributors of an AIA resource share how architects can bring about racially just and equitable outcomes for all members of the communities they serve.
Bridging the Gap to Bring More Diverse Voices Into the Design Profession
Here are six lessons from our HBCU Student Design Charrette for bringing more diverse voices and talent into the design profession.
The HBCU Student Design Charrette: A Study in Inclusivity and Hope
Gensler's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Student Design Charrette is a bridge to academia that offers pathways to success within the architecture and design field.
How D.C.’s Community of Hope Family Health and Birth Center Supports Black Women
Birth centers can level the playing field for low-income women and women of color. Community of Hope offers health services regardless of one’s ability to pay.
7 Ways Creative Leaders Can Build Inclusive Organizations and Solutions: Lessons From a CMO
We invited Greg Hoffman, former Chief Marketing Officer and innovation leader at Nike, to share his thoughts about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the design industry.
BROWSE RELATED PROJECTS
Jackie Robinson Museum
New York, New York
The Jackie Robinson Museum presents the life of the first African American inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in a dynamic setting, designed by Gensler.
Newark Community Museum of Social Justice
Newark, New Jersey
Gensler worked closely with the City of Newark to convert the 1st Police Precinct into a community museum for learning, healing, and storytelling.
Lawndale Gateway Project
Chicago, Illinois
The Lawndale Gateway Project is comprised of a multi-functional fun learning exploratory space serving the North and South Lawndale neighborhoods of Chicago.
Oscar Mike Sports & Training Center
Timberlane, Illinois
Oscar Mike Sports & Training Center will be the first-of-its-kind facility to bring together veterans to train, build community, and improve their wellbeing.
The Lark Inn
San Francisco, California
In partnership with Larkin Street Youth Services, AEC Cares, and local industry peers, Gensler redesigned Lark Inn, a shelter for homeless youth in S.F.
Roots to Success
Washington, D.C.
Roots to Success is a pro bono initiative that connects students at Kelly Miller Middle School in D.C. with fresh produce and sustainable food education.
Fleet Street Quarter Public Realm Strategy
London, United Kingdom
Gensler has been working closely with Fleet Street Quarter BID, the City of London, and key stakeholders and businesses to define a vision to create a sustai...
Guulabaa (Place of Koala)
Cowarra State Forest, New South Wales, Australia
Gensler is designing the front-of-house visitor experience for the nature-based tourism project, Guulabaa, or Place of Koala, in Cowarra State Forest.
Fair Park Fitzhugh Parking Structure
Dallas, Texas
The updated Fair Park masterplan includes a 14-acre community park and a parking garage to capture displaced surface parking.
The Center for Pursuit
Houston, Texas
The Center for Pursuit worked with Gensler to design its Houston campus that supports the nonprofit’s mission to create a welcoming environment for its clients.
Holcomb Family YMCA
Spring, Texas
Gensler reimagined the design of the Holcomb Family YMCA from a traditional building to a facility with flexible indoor-outdoor spaces where members can gather and exercise together.
Debbie Allen Dance Academy
Los Angeles, California
Gensler partnered with the Debbie Allen Dance Academy to design its new Shonda Rhimes Performing Arts Center, a top-tier arts venue that supports the nonprofit organization’s commitment to expanding the reach of dance and theater arts to enrich the lives of young dancers.
REACH LA
Los Angeles, California
Gensler Los Angeles partnered with REACH LA to design a vibrant and welcoming space where the nonprofit organization can engage and empower LGBTQ+ people of color through creative arts, health and wellness, personal development, and social enterprise.
Community of Hope Family Health and Birth Center
Washington, D.C.
Community of Hope joined forces with Gensler to expand and reposition its headquarters, community center, and Washington, D.C.’s only freestanding birth center.
Lupita’s Corner
Los Angeles, California
Gensler helped transform a local neighborhood market into a community hub that helps address food inequity in a bright, modern space with nutritious selections.
Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice
New York, New York
The holistic renovation transforms the Foundation’s workplace and public spaces in a manifestation of its mission to promote the inherent dignity of all people.
Infill On The Cut
Detroit, Michigan
Infill On The Cut, a mixed-use development, will create a new, welcoming gateway to downtown Detroit.
Town Hall Apartments
Chicago, Illinois
This mixed-use senior housing facility is an adaptive reuse of the historic Town Hall police station and provides affordable housing for senior LGBTQ residents.
DISCOVER MORE FROM THE CENTER FOR RESEARCH ON EQUITY AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
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Designing for Racial Justice 2024
We leveraged years of research and Gensler’s most recent survey data in cities and communities across the U.S. to understand the historic and current inequity and to profile how to move beyond these challenges with design action and innovation.
Education and the BIPOC Student Experience
We conducted research with a diverse group of New York City school students to understand how to create inclusive school buildings that feel welcoming and supportive for all.
Adjusting for Bias in the Workplace
We sought to understand how to address the impact of bias in the workplace and developed a process for engaging in conversations around equity and inclusion.