Design Forecast 2026
6 Trends Shaping Design in 2026
Discover the most important and actionable themes shaping design in 2026, based on over 100 trends across 33 industries around the world.
Blog
10 Workplace Trends for 2026: What’s In and What’s Out?
This is the year of bold moves, human-first thinking, and AI that doesn’t just answer questions but joins the team.
Blog
The Workplace in the Age of AI: Why Human Curiosity Still Matters
How AI adoption impacts three types of knowledge workers, and how the workplace can help them thrive.
In The Media
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I+S
Gensler Co-CEOs Join “I Hear Design” Podcast to Share Key Takeaways From 2026’s Design Forecast
Gensler Co-CEOs Jordan Goldstein and Elizabeth Brink explored how creativity, data, and emerging technologies are shaping the future of cities, workplaces, and experience-driven design.
Blog
Transforming Pier 94: A Collaborative Journey in Sustainable Design and Adaptive Reuse
Pier 94 on Manhattan’s Hudson River waterfront will soon be home to New York City’s first purpose-built, state-of-the-art film and television production facility: Sunset Pier 94 Studios.
In The Media
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Travel + Leisure
Travel + Leisure Spotlighted SFO Harvey Milk Terminal 1, Named the “World’s Most Beautiful Airport” by Prix Versailles
Recognized for its sustainability, cultural storytelling, and passenger-first design, the Gensler-designed San Francisco International Airport’s Terminal 1 sets a global standard.
Blog
Trends to Watch: What’s Next for Airports and Aviation
Gensler’s Aviation leaders take a closer look at the trends shaping the future of travel, and what’s next for the industry.
Blog
More Than Just a Seat: The Lounge as the New Travel Destination
The new airport lounge is less about claiming a seat and more about creating a collection of experiences.
In The Media
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Architect Magazine
Is AI Rewriting the Value of Architecture? Gensler Thinks So
Gensler’s 2026 Design Forecast positions AI, human experience, adaptability, and climate resilience as the new drivers of real estate and design value — redefining traditional metrics like square footage and efficiency.
Blog
Trends to Watch Shaping the Future of Sports
Gensler’s Sports leaders explore the design trends redefining the next era of sports design, from fan-first districts to athlete-driven spaces.
Blog
The New Economics of Sports Venue Design
From NIL-driven college athletics to multi-tiered VIP lounges and mixed-use districts, sports venues are evolving into dynamic business ecosystems.
Blog
Trends to Watch: What’s Next for Hotels and Hospitality
Gensler’s Hospitality leaders take a closer look at the trends shaping the future of hotels, branded residences, and resorts.
Blog
Trends to Watch: How Global Events Build Magnetic Place Brands
From the Super Bowl to the FIFA World Cup, marquee events transform urban environments into platforms that amplify civic pride and create lasting impact.
Blog
Designing Tomorrow’s Shopping Centers: Global Ideas From Kuwait, Costa Rica, and Beyond
Around the world, developers are experimenting with new models that expand the meaning of “retail.” For U.S. retail designers, these examples offer valuable lessons for an era defined by shifting consumer behavior, climate pressures, and the need to create authentic community experiences.
In The Media
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Fast Company
Inside General Motors’ New Headquarters, Designed by Gensler in Collaboration With the GM Industrial Design Team
Fast Company toured General Motors’ new global headquarters in Detroit, which reflects GM’s mid-century modern legacy and commitment to innovation, while celebrating its deep roots in the city.
Blog
A Workplace That Adapts and Improves: A New Model in the Age of AI
Office space is viewed as a depreciating asset. We invite clients to truly future-proof their workplace: creating infrastructure that allows for it to adapt, flex, and grow as the business does; a pivot-in-thinking that will be crucial in the coming era of workplace planning and real estate.
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For People to Stay, They Need Places to ‘Go’
Public restrooms are essential urban infrastructure that help people pause, linger, and enjoy city life.
Blog
Trends to Watch: What’s Next for the Future of Senior Living
Gensler’s Senior Living leaders take a closer look at the trends shaping the future of senior living and what’s next for the industry.
In The Media
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Multifamily Dive
Gensler’s Design Forecast Shares Insights on 4 Residential Design Trends in 2026
Multifamily Dive explored the 4 trends that will shape apartment building design this year, driven by insights from Gensler’s Design Forecast.
Blog
Seattle’s Office-to-Residential Future: How Policy and Design Will Transform Downtown
A combination of code changes, design expertise, and market conditions is proving that now is the time to start planning new housing in Downtown Seattle.
Blog
NEXT NEXT: Redefining Science Work for the AI and Machine Era
Our new concept looks at how AI and automation are redefining the science workplace and reshaping the future of labs.
Blog
Test, Don’t Guess: A New Approach for Healthcare Design
Healthcare leaders are modeling multiple futures before breaking ground — shifting from fixed bets to flexible strategies.
Blog
When Rivers Rise and Wells Run Dry: Designing Water-Resilient Cities
Climate change is making floods and droughts more intense — but designers have solutions that can limit the damage.
Blog
A Playbook for Sustainable Design Education
How Gensler and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, created a replicable curriculum model to prepare architects for climate-conscious design.
We are creating a better world through the power of design.
Gensler is a global architecture, design, and planning firm with 56 locations across Asia, Europe, Australia, the Middle East, and the Americas. Every day we impact millions of people’s lives with the spaces we create, which is why people are at the center of everything we do. Designing for the human experience is what allows us to tackle the toughest challenges facing cities and shape a more resilient and inclusive future for everyone.
Learn more about GenslerSPOTLIGHT
Real Estate Value Moves From Square Footage to Human Connection
FEATURED PROJECTS
Rams Village at Warner Center
Woodland Hills, California
With the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams training facility as an anchor, this mixed-use development offers a modern lifestyle where athletes, residents, and visitors can live, work, and play.
AREA15 Entertainment District
Las Vegas, Nevada
Gensler collaborated with AREA15 to plan and design their expanded 80-acre immersive ecosystem. The ongoing evolution redefines what an entertainment district can be through story-driven placemaking, bold programming, and outdoor activations.
Jidu Experience Center
Beijing, China
Jidu Experience Center at Taikoo Li Sanlitun is a next generation brand experience center for the intelligent car 3.0 era.
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