Robin Klehr Avia, FIIDA

Across her 45-year career at Gensler, Robin Klehr Avia played a defining role in shaping the firm, guiding its evolution, expanding its impact, and mentoring future leaders. A pioneering voice in Gensler's second generation of leadership, she was instrumental in expanding the firm's presence globally, establishing offices in Canada and Latin America.

Robin began her career at Gensler as the 24th employee in the New York office. For over 25 years, she served as Managing Principal of the Northeast region, guiding the New York, Boston, Morristown, and Toronto offices. Throughout her tenure, she played a central role in shaping Gensler’s direction during periods of growth and transformation. A longtime member of both the Executive and Management Committees, she founded Gensler’s Compliance Committee and chaired the Finance and Audit, Governance, and Executive Committees— bringing principled guidance and strategic thinking to the firm's most pivotal decisions. Today, Robin serves as Chair Emeritus and Advisor to the Board of Directors, offering seasoned insight and strategic counsel.

As a leader in workplace design, her direction helped bring to life landmark projects for institutions including The New York Times and the Ford Foundation, alongside many others. Over the years, she has mentored emerging talents and advised established designers across the firm, bringing her entrepreneurial mindset, integrity, and deep sense of community to every level of the firm's culture.

Robin's contributions have been recognized across the industry with both honors and media features. She was elected to the IIDA’s College of Fellows in 2000. In 2017, she was inducted into the Interior Design Hall of Fame and profiled in “The Power Architects That Are Reshaping New York City,” part of Commercial Observer’s annual Power 100 list, celebrating influential individuals in NYC real estate. In 2023, Robin received the Art Gensler Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to the firm. Throughout her career, Gensler has consistently been named Interior Design’s “Most Admired Design Firm” and has been ranked as the #1 Architecture Firm by Architectural Record and ENR magazines. Forbes and Glassdoor list Gensler as a top employer, and the firm is noted on Fast Company’s annual list of the “Most Innovative Companies.”

Robin continues to shape the firm's future, offering strategic counsel and serving as Chair of the Gensler Charitable Gift Fund. Her legacy is reflected not only in the firm's growth but in the people, principles, and purpose that continue to guide it forward.