Gensler Announces Columbus, Ohio Presence Helmed by Newly Appointed Leadership Team

Leveraging an array of expertise, research, and award-winning design work across sectors, Gensler Columbus will support the city’s diverse economy in this powerful moment of rapid growth.

Columbus, Ohio — Gensler, the world’s leading architecture, design and planning firm, announced today the launch of Gensler Columbus, led by newly appointed Co-Managing Directors Jonathan Barnes, FAIA, NCARB, LEED, AP, and Sheryl Schulze, NCIDQ, RID, who will oversee business operations. Recognizing the city’s rapid economic growth in recent years, Gensler identified Columbus as an ideal location to continue expanding its work and strong client relationships in the Midwest.

“Gensler has had a presence in Ohio for some time, building a deep network of clients and partners and a steady drumbeat of work in the region,” said Kenneth Baker, Regional Managing Principal for Gensler’s North Central Region. "We’re thrilled to become part of the fabric of Columbus’ thriving business landscape, bringing Gensler’s breadth and depth of talent and knowledge in leveraging the power of design to address some of the city’s most exciting — and challenging — opportunities for growth and transformation.”

Barnes is an industry leader and prominent Columbus architect with more than 40 years of experience. Prior to joining Gensler, Barnes owned and led his firm, Jonathan Barnes Architecture & Design (JBAD), for 31 years, focusing on transforming communities through innovative design. Notable projects include the new Reynoldsburg Library, the Ohio State University College of Public Health, and the Taylor Ave. Entrepreneurial Housing. From addressing critical community development issues, to respectful historic adaptive reuse, to vibrant new ground-up architecture, Barnes has been recognized at the local and national levels for his contributions to the field and excellence in design.

“This moment marks the start of an exciting chapter, not only for me personally, but for the city of Columbus,” said Barnes. “I’ve had the great pleasure of living and working in its community for more than three decades. The city has experienced tremendous growth over the last few years, and I believe we’ve only just begun to tap into the opportunity ahead of us. My commitment to Columbus is stronger than ever, and I’m looking forward to working with Gensler to continue shaping its future.”

Schulze joined Gensler in 2012 in the Chicago office, where she played an integral role in bringing several key projects to life. She has been widely recognized for her work leading major building transformation projects including The Old Post Office and The Merchandise Mart in Chicago, and The Book Depository on the Michigan Central campus in Detroit, Michigan. Schulze currently serves as one of the firm’s Global Building Transformation & Adaptive Reuse Leaders, driving innovation and thought leadership for this area of practice across the firm.

“After 11 impactful years with Gensler in Chicago, I am pleased to embark on the opportunity, in partnership with Jonathan, to launch Gensler Columbus,” said Schulze. "We believe Gensler’s array of expertise, research, and award-winning design work across the healthcare, workplace, cities, and lifestyle sectors will support Columbus’ diverse economy, meeting the city in this powerful moment as it continues to grow.”

To date, Gensler has worked with prominent clients across the state in various capacities. Those include but are not limited to Nationwide Children’s Hospital Data Center + Conference Center in Columbus; Avon Lake Renewable Master Plan in Avon Lake; Kent State University School of Fashion in Kent; and the M/I Homes Headquarters in Columbus. Currently in progress, the John Glenn Columbus International Airport New Terminal Project, which Gensler is designing in partnership with Moody Nolan, is slated to be completed in 2029.