Gensler Global Co-Chair Diane Hoskins Named to CNBC Changemakers List for 2025

Hoskins was recognized for her leadership in design innovation and her impact on the built environment.

SAN FRANCISCO — Global architecture and design firm Gensler is proud to announce Gensler Global Co-Chair Diane Hoskins has been named to the second annual CNBC Changemakers: Women Transforming Business list, honoring female leaders who are redefining industries and driving measurable impact. Hoskins earned this honor for her leadership in design innovation and her impact on the built environment.

Hoskins served as co-CEO of Gensler for nearly two decades, working in partnership with Andy Cohen, where she played a pivotal role in shaping Gensler into the world’s most influential architecture and design firm. Under her leadership, the firm has grown to become a team of more than 6,000 professionals across 57 offices, with clients in over 100 countries, setting new benchmarks in design excellence and positive impact. Now, as Global Co-Chair, she continues to guide the firm’s long-term vision, with a focus on advancing research, growing talent, and promoting resilient design solutions that drive meaningful change across the industry.

“It’s an honor to be named to the CNBC Changemakers list alongside leaders who are redefining their industries,” said Hoskins. “Throughout my career, I’ve always believed that design goes beyond aesthetics — it’s a tool for improving people’s experience and creating a healthier, more resilient, and more inclusive world. This recognition is a reflection of the power of design to drive real change, and I’m inspired by what’s possible when we challenge the status quo and push our industry forward.”

Believing that research is key to driving progress, Hoskins founded the Gensler Research Institute (GRI) to advance innovation at the city, neighborhood, and building scale. Under her leadership, the GRI has become a leading authority on trends and insights into the workplace, our cities, and the resilience of the built environment. Hoskins has also long championed sustainability as a catalyst for innovation. In 2023, she led the launch of the Gensler Product Sustainability (GPS) Standards, a first-of-its-kind framework for reducing embodied carbon in building materials.

“Diane’s recognition as a CNBC Changemaker is a testament to her vision, leadership, and the lasting impact she’s had on our industry,” said Andy Cohen, Gensler Global Co-Chair. “As my partner in leadership for nearly two decades, she has been instrumental in growing Gensler’s influence and impact on the world. Her ability to challenge conventions, champion innovation, and empower future leaders continues to redefine what’s possible for our clients, collaborators, and the communities we serve.”

Beyond Gensler, Hoskins is shaping the future of real estate and urban development. As Global Chair of the Urban Land Institute (ULI), she leads the world’s largest network of real estate and land use professionals in advancing sustainable, inclusive cities. She also serves on the Board of Directors of Boston Properties, chairing the Sustainability Committee, and is a trustee of The MIT Corporation.