We Want To Be the Example for a More Just and Inclusive World
The Platform at Gratiot, Detroit
Across our firm, we deeply believe in the power of design to create a better world. We also believe that our people’s diverse voices, experiences, and perspectives is what makes our design work exponentially more powerful. The principles of inclusion are directly aligned with our core values, and have been embedded in our DNA since the founding of the firm by Art Gensler in 1965.
Since 2020, we have amplified our impact by forming our Global Inclusion Committee, establishing a Global Inclusion Studio, and more. Now, we are thrilled to reveal our Strategies to Build a Just and Inclusive Future, a revitalized, global approach to evolving and enhancing our inclusion efforts within Gensler and beyond. Our Strategies have been a transformative framework to address the many injustices facing our world — taking the first steps in our industry to lead by example and drive impactful, collaborative change.
Today, we remain steadfast in our commitment to those values and continue to foster a culture of change that promotes equity and inclusion. We must celebrate our culture of inclusion at our borderless global firm and continuously evolve how our inclusion efforts elevate the impact of design — moving us closer to a more just and inclusive future for all.
Gensler Inclusion by Design
Our biannual Equity and Inclusion Report plays a critical role in helping us assess our impact and progress year to year, identifying focus areas of improvement, and supports opportunities to expand our global inclusion initiatives.
Gensler Global Workforce
87
COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN
109
LANGUAGES SPOKEN
1000+
UNIVERSITIES ATTENDED
56
OFFICES
10
REGIONS
54.5%
FEMALE
0.2%
NON-BINARY/THIRD GENDER
45.3%
MALE
Our Strategies
Together with allied partners and our clients, we are working to create meaningful, lasting change. Strategies to Build a Just and Inclusive Future has been crafted to combat the challenges that underrepresented professionals face across the design industry. Since 2020 we’ve seen steady progress across our recruitment and retention efforts for underrepresented communities across the firm. Our biannual Equity and Inclusion Report helps us assess our impact and progress year to year, identify areas of improvement, and support opportunities to expand our inclusion initiatives.
- We know that our designs are more inclusive and impactful when our designers reflect and understand the diversity of the communities we serve.
- We are inspiring the next generation of designers by introducing students to the world of design.
- The inclusion of community voices is vital to our design process — one that is purposeful, collaborative, and impactful.
- We partner with industry leaders to advocate for equitable opportunities in our field.
- By partnering with our clients on aligned goals, we foster a shared vision for positive change.
We’re focused on making incredible progress towards a more just and inclusive future.
MEET OUR GLOBAL INCLUSION COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Jason Pugh
Global Director of Inclusion, Design Manager, Principal
Jason Pugh is the Global Director of Inclusion at Gensler, who champions the firm’s commitments and furthers efforts to address unique challenges within each region and community.
Jean Anderson
Design Synergy Community Co-Leader, Design Director, Principal
Jean Anderson co-leads Gensler’s global Design Synergy Community and is a Design Director based in New York.
Elaine Asal
Strategy Director, Principal
Based in Baltimore, Elaine Asal is a Strategy practice area leader for Gensler’s Southeast region.
Allison Brooke Tomlinson
Northeast Regional Legal Counsel, Principal
As the Northeast (and formerly, Latin American) Regional Legal Counsel, Allison is responsible for offices across the region and developed the firm’s first compliance program.
Francisco Gonzalez
Co-Regional Managing Principal, Co-Managing Director
As Co-Regional Managing Principal of Gensler’s Southeast region, Francisco helps clients understand the critical links between workplace design, real estate performance, and business operations.
Vaki Mawema
Co-Managing Director, Principal
As Co-Managing Director of Gensler Baltimore, Vaki has created a team-based design culture that embodies creative passion, innovation, and rigor.
EXPLORE RELATED STORIES
19 Items
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We engaged diverse content creators to explore the topic of inclusivity and help shape perspective on how we can evolve both the way we work, and the work itself.
How Inclusive Design Supports Resilience and Climate Preparedness
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The Future of the Museum Experience: Diverse, Inclusive, and Digital
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Being Black Women in Architecture and Design: Challenges, Triumphs, and Opportunities
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What Is the Architect’s Role in Creating Equitable Communities?
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Bridging the Gap to Bring More Diverse Voices Into the Design Profession
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Birth centers can level the playing field for low-income women and women of color. Community of Hope offers health services regardless of one’s ability to pay.
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