Gensler New York Managing Director Joseph Lauro Elevated to AIA College of Fellows in 2026

SAN FRANCISCO — Gensler proudly announces that Joseph Lauro (NY) was elevated to the American Institute of Architects (AIA) College of Fellows, a distinction that recognizes his exceptional contributions to the architecture profession and society.

The AIA College of Fellows honors members who have achieved a standard of excellence in the profession and made a significant contribution to architecture and society on a national level. Prospective candidates must have at least 10 years of AIA architect membership and demonstrated influence in at least one of the following areas:

• Promoted the aesthetic, scientific, and practical efficiency of the profession.
• Advanced the science and art of planning and building by advancing the standards of practice.
• Coordinated the building industry, and the profession of architecture.
• Ensured the advancement of the living standards of people through their improved environment.
• Dedicated oneself to a profession that continually grows in its service to society.
• Advanced the science and art of planning and building by advancing the standards of architectural education and training.

Joseph Lauro, FAIA, Co-Managing Director of Gensler’s New York office and a member of the firm’s Board of Directors, has played a pivotal role in strengthening internal technical standards, enhancing the firmwide architectural practice, and advancing Gensler’s climate action commitments.

His project work spans office towers, multifamily residential, aviation, healthcare, and critical facilities, including the new office tower at 70 Hudson Yards, JFK’s New Terminal One, 601 Lexington Ave., 15 Laight St., and the FIAO Centro II Community Center in Brooklyn.

As one of the first LEED Accredited Professionals in the New York office, Joe has motivated his clients and colleagues to adopt more ambitious sustainability goals for decades. Joe is a key originator of the firm’s GC3 initiative, which is Gensler’s industry-wide challenge to reduce carbon emissions by 2030.

“Architecture is fundamentally an act of service — to our clients, our peers, and our communities. Throughout my career, I’ve believed our responsibility extends beyond individual buildings to the broader environments we help shape,” said Lauro. “I’m deeply honored to receive this recognition, which reflects the collective commitment of colleagues, clients, and mentors who share a belief in design’s capacity to elevate everyday experience and contribute meaningfully to society’s future.”

Throughout his career of over three decades, Joe has proven himself a tireless community advocate. He currently sits on the Boards of Directors for the New York Building Congress and is a Co-Chair of the organization’s Energy Committee. He is also a member of Urban Design Forum, ULI, and USGBC. As the incoming Chairman of the National Board of ACE Mentor Program of America, a founding board member of Make-A-Wish NY Real Estate Council, and a board member of Salvadori Center focusing on STEAM programs in underserved communities, Joe is committed to diversifying the pipeline of young architects into the profession.

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.