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.
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
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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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.
In The Media
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Semafor
Semafor Features Insights From Gensler’s Jackson Metcalf on Data Center Design Trends
Gensler is designing a data center in the Netherlands with vertical gardens, a data center in Phoenix that “looks more like a modern art museum,” and one in Canada that blends into the wooded landscape.
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
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.
In The Media
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Forbes
Forbes Spotlights Gensler’s Nature-Led Design at Nekajui, a Ritz Carlton Reserve
Gensler’s Rashana Zaklit highlights how the luxury hospitality experience followed a nature-led, site-responsive design approach.
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.
In The Media
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The Masters of Scale
The Masters of Scale Featured a Conversation With Co-CEO Elizabeth Brink and Co-Chair Andy Cohen on Designing the Office as a Destination
Gensler’s Elizabeth Brink and Andy Cohen reflected on the firm’s collaborative leadership model, how AI is disrupting the industry, and insights on designing for the future of work. Watch the episode.
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
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.
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.
In The Media
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Austin Business Journal
Gensler Experts Explore Elements of Well-Designed Real Estate Projects in Austin with Insights from Gensler’s 2026 Design Forecast
Gensler Design Director Michael Waddell and Mixed-Use Leader John Hallock discussed the future of mixed-use developments in Central Texas, where “ambitions remain incredibly high.”
Blog
For People to Stay, They Need Places to ‘Go’
Public restrooms are essential urban infrastructure that help people pause, linger, and enjoy city life.
In The Media
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FOX
Gensler’s City Pulse 2025 Findings Reinforce Trend of Cities Adapting By Prioritizing Mixed-Use Vibrancy, Affordability, and Resilience
“Americans are not abandoning cities. They're moving to cities that feel affordable, safe, and vibrant,” noted Gensler Cities Research Lead Sofia Song, who shared findings from the latest cities report.
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
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
Beyond the Screen: Making Digital Beauty Brands Shine in Real Life
How digital-first retailers can navigate the crucial transition of a brand into physical space.
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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Rethink Retail
Rethink Retail Recognizes Gensler’s Lara Marrero as a Top Retail Expert for 2026
Gensler Retail & Consumer Experiences Leader Lara Marrero was honored among the leaders who are actively shaping what’s next for the industry.
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
How Nokia’s New R&D Campus Raises the Bar for Canada’s Tech Ecosystem
The company’s new space in Ottawa replaces the traditional workplace model with one centered on employee experience.
Blog
How Design Can Advance Diverse Nonprofit Missions
Nonprofits can use architecture and design strategies in campus development to amplify their mission impact and operational excellence
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
Los Angeles Sparks WNBA Training Facility
El Segundo, California
The Los Angeles Sparks’ training facility redefines the athlete experience, blending elite training facilities with wellness amenities.
Seattle Mariners Clubhouse and Walk-Off Markets
Seattle, Washington
A cohesive refresh transforms the Seattle Mariners’ player and fan experience — from clubhouse and private team facilities to the Walk-Off Markets.
M&T Bank Stadium
Baltimore, Maryland
Gensler is partnering with the Baltimore Ravens to design a series of projects that will enhance the gameday and year-round fan experience at M&T Stadium.
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