Demetra Thornton, AIA

As Co-Managing Director in Gensler’s Raleigh-Durham office, Demetra is focused on design excellence and working across the firm to ensure that projects continue to push the boundaries of impact, resilience, and experience. She previously served as a Managing Director and Sports Studio Director in Gensler’s Los Angeles office. Demetra identifies real-time emerging trends and drivers that impact her clients’ visions. She is well-known as a thought leader within the sports industry and is regarded as an expert in the design of professional venues and sports-anchored mixed-use developments.

With a strong background in business, Demetra is interested in the intersection of business and creativity. She is always looking to improve efficiencies and elevate design, while balancing the time and budget constraints of a project. She is focused on client satisfaction, technologies in construction, and relationship-building. With more than 15 years of architectural experience, she leads projects large and small from concept through construction. Demetra serves as a board member for the Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber (GLAAACC) and is an advocate for the firm’s DEI initiatives as a member of its Global Race and Diversity Committee. In 2021, Demetra was named VenuesNow Women of Live. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Hampton University and a Master’s of Business Administration from UCLA Anderson School of Management.