Gensler Welcomes Three Senior Healthcare Design Leaders to Support Global Growth

The new leaders will be based in Toronto, Shanghai, and Houston — bolstering expertise in humancentric healthcare design across key regions.

SAN FRANCISCO — Leading global architecture and design firm Gensler announced today the addition of three senior leaders to its rapidly growing global healthcare practice. Shary Adams, Ray Bai, and Alanna Carter will join Gensler’s Toronto, Shanghai, and Houston offices, respectively, bringing decades of combined expertise in the field to further propel the firms burgeoning healthcare project portfolio across the globe. Each of the new leaders are exciting strategic additions to strong healthcare and life sciences markets in the three identified regions.

Over the past five years, Gensler’s healthcare practice has seen significant growth, now boasting a global network of over 300 experts. The firm’s commitment to humancentric healthcare design is enhanced by its worldwide reach and diverse insights from its 33 practice areas. This multidisciplinary approach informs innovative healthcare spaces that cater to a wide variety of needs. Gensler’s excellence in healthcare design is showcased in its extensive portfolio, from state-of-the-art hospitals to community health centers. By incorporating the latest research and technology into its designs, Gensler creates functional, nurturing, and supportive environments for all who need care.

“We are thrilled to welcome Shary, Alanna, and Ray to our global healthcare team. As we continue to expand our healthcare practice, their strategic leadership will be invaluable in advancing our mission to create human-centered, technologically advanced, and resilient healthcare environments. Our commitment to excellence in healthcare design is reinforced by these new additions, and we look forward to the transformative impact they will have on our projects worldwide,” said Jim Crispino, Global Health Sector Leader at Gensler.

Shary Adams joins Gensler’s Toronto office as a Healthcare Practice Area Leader. With 35 years designing and planning for major healthcare systems, Adams has committed her career to expanding services and developing strategies that improve treatment for those requiring complex physical and mental healthcare. A graduate of the University of Toronto, Adams is a licensed architect, medical planner, board-certified healthcare architect and EDAC-accredited.

“I am thrilled to be joining Gensler, not only to help grow the practice area in our region, but to have a direct impact on the quality of care in our healthcare systems,” said Adams. “This is also a bit of a homecoming for me, after working in the United States for more than 25 years. Now, I look forward to using my experience to give back to the healthcare communities and institutions closer to home, and to fostering new and meaningful relationships in the region.”

At Gensler’s Shanghai office, Ray Bai assumes the role of Practice Area Community Leader. With nearly 25 years in healthcare, hospitality, mixed-use and aviation design in China and the U.S., Bai will spearhead strategic development and expansion across Gensler’s healthcare work and offices in Greater China.

“Hospitals and healthcare facilities can be the most challenging and complex building types to design, but I believe that creativity can often bring unique perspectives and solutions. I’m so thrilled to join Gensler and be part of a group of creative design talent dedicated to making a direct impact to the communities we serve,” said Bai.

Alanna Carter joins the Gensler Houston office as Regional Healthcare Practice Area Leader. With 30 years of design experience spanning healthcare projects like hospitals, clinics, senior living, and surgery centers, Carter prioritizes balancing patient and staff needs. Her innovative solutions address complex industry challenges, with a focus on welcoming broader communities into healthcare spaces.

“Healthcare is at an inflection point where it must evolve to address challenges such as staff shortages, as well as opportunities that include the rise of innovative technology and medical advancements,” said Carter. “Gensler’s healthcare projects are already resulting in improved patient outcomes and more engaged staff, and their continued investment in resources and talent will have a ripple effect on both the industry and the communities we serve across the country.”