Gensler Toronto Appoints Sonia Matheson As Its New Co-Managing Director

Sonia Matheson, Principal and Studio Director in Latin American Region Assumes the Role of Co-Managing Director of Gensler Toronto From Principal, Filo Costa

TORONTO — Gensler is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Sonia Matheson as a new Co-Managing Director of its Toronto office. As the former Latin America (LATAM) Borderless Leader for Gensler based in Costa Rica, Matheson brings over 20 years of experience in architecture and design to the Northeast region. She joins Eric Ginsburg, Co-Managing Director and Principal in Toronto since 2011.

“I am thrilled to join the Toronto office, and especially look forward to contributing to a growing team with a positive reputation in the market,” says Sonia Matheson, Co-Managing Director, Gensler Toronto. “I am equally as excited to bring my experience in borderless leadership to the region, to foster even greater cross-collaboration, and stronger client relationships.”

As the former leader of the Tech, Consumer Goods, and Sciences practice areas for the LATAM region, Matheson’s achievements include leading major accounts like Amazon, Intel, Boston Scientific, and spearheading the Costa Rica office’s largest workplace project to date, Roche.

The recent appointment comes on the heels of the announcement that Gensler’s Co-Managing Director and Principal, Filo Costa, is retiring after ten years with the firm — five of which were spent in her role as Co-Managing Director. She has been instrumental in developing strong client relationships and leading high-profile workplace projects for clients like the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, TD Bank, and CIBC. An active member of ARIDO and Co-Chair of the CoreNet REmmy Awards, Costa built a reputation for her depth of experience in corporate interiors and real estate, and as an advocate of The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund — championing the role of Legacy Spaces in sharing Indigenous history and the journey of Truth and Reconciliation. Costa’s work and contributions with Gensler have garnered four ARIDO awards and two CoreNet REmmy awards. In 2023, Costa also received CoreNet’s Volunteer of the Year award.

“It has been an honour to serve as the Co-Managing Director for the past five years, and while it’s difficult to leave, I know Sonia is the best leader for the role,” says Costa. “We are already feeling her impact in our office and region, and I look forward to seeing all this group has left to accomplish.”

Driven by a fervent dedication to collaboration, professional growth, and cross-border synergies, Matheson has cultivated a reputation for fostering dynamic relationships and facilitating the exchange of knowledge and ideas. Her multicultural background has been fundamental in her ability to consistently expand Gensler’s footprint in Latin America, forging impactful partnerships with multinational corporations and stakeholders alike.

“I couldn’t be more excited to have Sonia join me as Co-Managing Director, and her leadership in Costa Rica over the past few years is a testament to the positive impact she will have with both our clients, and our people,” says Eric Ginsburg, Co-Managing Director, Gensler Toronto. “It’s also a little bittersweet, as it feels like the end of an era with Filo’s retirement. As a colleague, mentor, and collaborator, Filo’s vision and leadership has been a guiding light for our office five years — we’re going to miss her.”

The change in leadership comes at a time when the Gensler Toronto office is growing rapidly, as seen with the recent hiring of the new Healthcare Practice Area Leader, Shary Adams. With more than 35 years of experience in healthcare design and leading integrated teams, Shary is committed to developing new strategies and innovations to improve both physical and mental healthcare treatments.