Two Gensler Designers Elevated to IIDA College of Fellows in 2022

NEW YORK — Gensler is proud to announce that Gensler Principals Jean Anderson and Susana Covarrubias have been inducted into the prestigious International Interior Design Association (IIDA) College of Fellows for 2022.

The IIDA College of Fellows is the highest honor awarded by IIDA to its professional members, recognizing designers who have made a significant impact on the industry, on the association, and in shaping the future of design. IIDA Fellows positively influence design through their thought leadership and mentorship, community engagement, and commitment toward inspiring the next generation of design talent.

Jean Anderson is a Design Director and a Co-Leader of Gensler’s Global Design Synergy Community, who is based in New York. She is focused on design excellence, working across the firm to ensure its designs continue to push the boundaries of impact, innovation, and experience. Through her work with some of the most recognizable consumer brands in the world, Anderson balances great design with strategic solutions that help clients realize their vision, inspire their culture, celebrate their brand, and heighten employee engagement.

She is a leading force in Gensler’s commitment to achieve carbon neutrality in all its projects by 2030. Additionally, in her role as Co-Chair of the Gensler Global Race and Diversity Committee, Anderson is helping the firm create more opportunities in the design industry for minority communities and underserved youth.

“In my 25 years at Gensler, I have been fortunate to take on various leadership roles. Particularly of importance to me, are those moments that have served as a platform to create lasting positive change through the impact of design,” said Anderson. “I am deeply honored to be inducted into this year’s IIDA College of Fellows and will use this incredible opportunity to help shape the industry’s leaders of the future.”

Susana Covarrubias is a Studio Director, based in Gensler’s Seattle office, and is also a former IIDA International Board President. Her design career first began in Chile, where she founded her own practice, and later led her to the U.S., where she leads various projects and programs with an eye toward global collaboration. Covarrubias brings her passion for inclusivity and equity to each physical space she designs across a diverse portfolio of award-winning workplace, hospitality, retail, residential, and building repositioning projects. Her work is currently focused on researching how tech trends and emerging needs are shaping workplace design.

She brings her unique perspective and background to her role as a regional leader of the Global Race & Diversity Committee. Inspired by women throughout her life, Covarrubias offers consultation and assistance to other women in the industry, particularly young women seeking pathways to success. She has served as a guest lecturer and adjunct faculty member at local and international universities and colleges and is a regular participant in student mentoring programs.

“I believe in the passion for inclusivity, resilience, and human-centric design to create a better tomorrow. As a designer with a diverse background, I approach interior design from a holistic perspective. The ability to weave cultures together through design is crucial to the positive evolution of our society, which is why, through my work at Gensler and as an IIDA Board member, I continue to lead initiatives in how this translates to design in the physical space. I’m so honored to be inducted into this year’s IIDA College of Fellows.”

About Gensler
Gensler is a global architecture, design, and planning firm with 53 locations and more than 7,000 professionals networked across the Americas, Europe, Greater China, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East. Founded in 1965, the firm works globally with more than 4,000 clients across 33 practice areas spanning the work, lifestyle, cities, and health sectors. We are guided by our mission to create a better world through the power of design, and the source of our strength is our people. By leveraging our diversity of ideas, our research and innovation, our shared values, and our One-Firm Firm culture, we are working seamlessly as a borderless firm in 140 countries and making the greatest impact on our communities as we continue to tackle the world’s challenges.

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