Two Gensler Principals Join IIDA’s Prestigious College of Fellows for 2025

New York/Chicago — Gensler is proud to announce that Principals Laurent Lisimachio and Jim Prendergast have been inducted into the prestigious International Interior Design Association (IIDA) College of Fellows for 2025.

Induction into the IIDA College of Fellows is the highest and most distinguished honor awarded by IIDA. It recognizes members who demonstrate exceptional leadership, elevate the value of interior design, and have made extraordinary contributions to the profession and the broader design industry. Fellows serve as mentors, educators, and advocates, driving impact across the built environment and shaping future generations of designers.

Laurent Lisimachio is a visionary Design Director and Principal based in Gensler’s New York office, renowned for his distinctive design philosophy and ability to craft environments that inspire and attract top talent and elevate the client experience. Since joining Gensler in 2000, Laurent has led transformative projects across industries — from financial services to fashion, media to hospitality — bringing a unique European perspective shaped by his retail roots in France.

A two-time recipient of the IIDA International Design Award, Laurent has built a legacy of pushing creative boundaries to deliver soulful, high-performance spaces for clients such as JPMorgan Chase, Disney, Deloitte, FOX, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Warner Music Group. His leadership extends to repositioning assets for major developers like Nuveen and Tishman Speyer, where his intuitive approach helps attract tenants by choreographing memorable journeys from street to seat.

At Gensler, Laurent has mentored one of the firm’s largest cohorts of design talent, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation. His environments are more than just beautiful — they tell stories, amplify brands, and motivate people. Trusted by clients and admired by peers, Laurent sets a new standard for what design leadership can achieve in today’s world.

“Being a part of IIDA has always been about demonstrating leadership and excellence,” said Lisimachio. “Throughout my career I’ve built lasting relationships by leading with conviction, but I believe great design begins with listening. The IIDA has played a meaningful role in shaping my perspective as a leader, helping me grow through connection, dialogue, and mentorship. This recognition reflects not only my journey but the community that has inspired it.”

Jim Prendergast, FAIA, is a Principal and Design Director in Gensler’s Chicago office. With more than 40 years of experience designing innovative and refined spaces, Jim is an influential leader in the firm’s professional services and office buildings practices, directing the development of significant tenant-driven architectural solutions. He has designed nearly 10 million square feet of commercial interiors and architecture across the globe. An accomplished designer and progressive thinker, Jim is frequently invited to present at academic and industry forums and has contributed to premier design publications. He can often be found mentoring the next generation, sharing his broad array of knowledge. Jim has received numerous local and national design awards for project work and achievements, including the 1999 Young Architect Award from the Chicago chapter of the American Institute of Architects and a 2012 election into the Institute’s College of Fellows.

“My career has been centered around infusing interior architecture with immersive elements, elevating the functional into poetic experiences,” said Prendergast. “A supportive dialogue between designers is something that the IIDA has nurtured throughout my journey, strengthening bonds between colleagues as we evolve our craft. I am grateful to join the College of Fellows, and I look forward to continuing conversations about how to design the most transformative, impactful interior spaces.”

About Gensler

At Gensler, the value of our work stems from its positive impact on the human experience. We are a dynamic and collaborative design firm uniting creativity, research, and innovation to solve complex problems for our clients. Our work challenges conventional ideas about architecture and the built environment. We aren’t just designing buildings — we are reimagining cities and places that make a difference in people’s lives. Founded in 1965, Gensler has built a team of 6,000 professionals who partner with clients in over 100 countries each year. Everything we do is guided by our mission: to create a better world through the power of design.