Gensler Expands Office in Kansas City and Welcomes John Waller As Managing Director

Bringing expertise in all manner of commercial real estate design, research and strategic planning, Gensler Kansas City is well-positioned to support the city’s robust growth and development.

KANSAS CITY, MO – Gensler, the world’s leading architecture, design and planning firm, announced today that John Waller will lead the Kansas City office as Managing Director. A native of Kansas City, Waller previously served as Managing Director of the firm’s Detroit office.

Gensler has a two-decade history in Kansas City, delivering more than 100 projects throughout the years, including education, finance and professional services, as well as residential and retail. The office opened last year with the launch of a sports studio led by Greg Brown to build upon the firm’s venue and facilities expertise. Waller joins a talented team of architects and designers with a proven track record of influential design work.

“Kansas City is in the midst of a development boom, signaling the right time to expand our office and provide innovative design solutions to a rapidly growing market,” said Judy Pesek and Cindy Simpson, Co-Regional Managing Principals for Gensler’s South Central Region. “We, along with John and our team, are excited to be part of this vibrant community and eager to create locally-inspired, meaningful places for people to come together and enjoy shared experiences.”

While working in Detroit, Waller helped grow their client base and led city-shaping, award-winning projects such as Detroit’s Innovation District, Ford’s Book Depository, GM’s HQ & Experience Center, the Historic Fox Theatre Hotel, Mercedes Financial HQ, and the reimagining of the iconic Renaissance Center. He has more than 25 years of experience across a diversity of project types such as adaptive reuse, education, hospitality, medical, mixed-use developments, office, residential, and science & technology.

“Rich with character and history, Kansas City is hitting its stride as a global destination for business and entertainment,” said Waller. “It’s great to be home at this pivotal moment and I look forward to collaborating with business, civic and community partners to help shape our collective future through design that is equitable, sustainable and true to the spirit of the city.”