Gensler Architects Elevated to AIA College of Fellows in 2018

NEW YORK, NY — Gensler announced that another four of its leading architects were elevated to the American Institute of Architects (AIA) College of Fellows. For 2018, the AIA recognized Gensler Principals Rocco Giannetti, Dean Strombom, Karen H. Thomas, and Grant Uhlir.

The College of Fellows honors members who have contributed to the profession and society on a national level. It also further recognizes an individual with growing and significant influence on the future of the industry, and is considered one of the highest honors the AIA can bestow upon a member.

Principal and Co-Managing Director of the New York office, Giannetti has been instrumental in fostering the development of the Technology practice area in New York. He has also been a Firmwide Leader of Gensler’s Workplace sector and the Financial Services practice area. Giannetti is an active member of the U.S. Green Building Council and was a member of the New York City Green Codes Task Force.

With a Gensler career spanning more than 30 years, Strombom is one of Gensler’s Firmwide Energy Practice Area Leaders, a strategic advisor to the Landlord Services practice, and a Studio Leader in the Houston office. He is co-author of “The Commercial Real Estate Revolution” and sits on the advisory board of the University of Houston Graduate School Of Real Estate at Bauer College. Strombom is also actively involved in the local real estate market, serving as President of the Houston Chapter of CoreNet.

Thomas is a Regional Managing Principal and Managing Director of the Seattle office with more than 30 years of experience in the fields of higher education, government, aviation, entertainment, corporate workplace, retail, and hospitality. Thomas has taught design at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and is an active member of various community boards supporting the arts, education, and economic development. She was recently named the Chairman of the Board to the Seattle Sports Commission, and also serves on the executive boards of directors for the Seattle ArtsFund, the Bloedel Reserve, and Visit Seattle.

Uhlir, Managing Director and Principal in the Chicago office, brings more than 30 years of design experience and has previously served as Firmwide Project Management Leader, Firmwide Critical Facilities Practice Area Leader, and as a regional leader for the Mixed Use practice. He is the current President of AIA Chicago Foundation’s Board of Trustees and a past President of AIA Chicago. Uhlir is also a member of the Economic Club of Chicago, the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, and a Product Council Member with ULI Chicago.