Three Gensler Architects Elevated to AIA College of Fellows in 2024

SAN FRANCISCO — Gensler is proud to announce that Anthony Brower (LA), Abigail Brown (DC), and Hao Ko (SF) were elevated to the American Institute of Architects (AIA) College of Fellows, in recognition of their significant contributions to the profession of architecture and society.

The College of Fellows honors members who have contributed to the profession and society on a national level and recognizes individuals with a growing and significant influence on the future of the industry. Bestowed to only about 3% of AIA members, this highly distinguished recognition is granted to candidates that have no less than 10 years of AIA membership and demonstrated impact in at least one of the following areas:

• Elevated the aesthetic, scientific, and practical efficiency of the profession.
• Promoted the science and art of planning and building by advancing the standards of architectural education, training, or practice.
• Coordinated the building industry and the profession of architecture through leadership in the AIA or other related professional organizations; or
• Advanced the living standards of people through an improved environment.

Anthony Brower, FAIA, is a Director of Sustainable Design and Global Climate Action & Sustainability Practice Area Leader at Gensler’s Los Angeles office. Anthony champions the craft of high-performance and net zero design establishing benchmarks to advance sustainable design thinking and scalable solutions. He is a climate architect who empowers others to integrate sustainable design for measurable positive impact on the environment.

Anthony is a recognized industry thought leader and elevates the discourse on climate. He has been published across national and international press including in Architect Magazine, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and is a frequent contributor to Metropolis Magazine. He is actively engaged in the architecture community including AIA Los Angeles, The AIA Large Firm Roundtable, and code advocacy in partnership with the City of Los Angeles to decarbonize the city.

Abigail Brown, FAIA, is a Project Architect in Gensler’s Washington, D.C., office with over 14 years of experience in large scale, mixed-use, and multi-family residential projects. Her experience ranges from feasibility studies to overseeing construction administration, and she thrives when working with design teams, clients, and consultants to turn a design vision into reality.

Abigail harbors a strong desire to improve the profession of architecture, most evident in her dedication to the American Institute of Architects. Abi currently serves as a 2022-2025 At-Large Director on the AIA|DC Board of Directors and as the Washington, D.C., representative on the AIA National Strategic Council. She was the 2021 chair of the AIA National Young Architects Forum and the 2016 chair of the AIA|DC Emerging Architects Committee. In these roles she helps plan and lead programs and initiatives that provide education, networking, advocacy, and outreach opportunities for architectural professionals. Her leadership in these efforts has been recognized through receipt of the 2020 AIA National Young Architects Award, and 2016 AIA|DC Emerging Architect Award. In 2021, she was named to the Building Design + Construction 40 Under 40 list.

Hao Ko, FAIA, is Gensler’s Global Design Experience Leader. Hao leads with design and is focused on building a dynamic practice through an open and collaborative culture. An inquisitive architect by nature, he is passionate about transforming experiences based on a deep understanding through research, the craft of technical excellence and a rigor of intellectual thought, all while striving to design beautiful places that impact people for the better.

Working with diverse and talented teams, Hao’s projects such as The Tower at PNC Plaza, NVIDIA Headquarters, and Mercedes-Benz USA Headquarters have elevated the firm’s national and international profile and are well known for their high level of innovation and quality. Hao serves as a member of Gensler’s Board of Directors. He is an alumnus of UC Berkeley, where he graduated with Highest Honors, and the Harvard University Graduate School of Design.