A group of people in an office.

Urban Land Institute

Washington, D.C.

Launching ULI’s Next Chapter

Inspired by the concept of Base Camp, the new headquarters fosters collaboration, member engagement, and a culture prepared for the future.
A room with blue couches and people in it.
A man walking in a room.
A person walking in a room.
A group of people in a room.
A man and a woman in an office.
A group of people standing in a room with a large black wall.
HIGHLIGHTS
  • 22,000 Square Feet
  • Public-Facing Event and Collaboration Space
  • Nine Storytelling Columns Celebrating ULI’s Legacy
  • Human-Scaled Workstation Neighborhoods
  • Dedicated Wellness and Mother’s Rooms
  • User-Controlled, Low-Energy Lighting System
  • Sustainable, Low-Impact Material Selections
  • Library Space for Focused Work and Research
  • Concealed Catering and Pantry Support Areas
  • Rightsized Workplace Aligned With Future Growth
Challenge

Facing a changing real estate landscape, new leadership, and a smaller footprint, the Urban Land Institute needed a workplace that reflected its evolving role as a forward-thinking industry leader. Its previous headquarters no longer supported the level of collaboration, member engagement, or organizational agility required for the future. The challenge was to create a space that could unify teams, strengthen connections with members, and position ULI to lead through change while honoring its longstanding legacy.

Solution

Guided by the concept of “Base Camp,” the design transforms ULI’s headquarters into a platform for connection, collaboration, and future-focused leadership. A flexible community hub welcomes members, partners, and staff, while thoughtfully scaled workspaces, wellness amenities, and storytelling elements foster a stronger sense of belonging and purpose. Layered lighting, sustainable materials, and an intentional color palette create a warm, luminous environment that supports engagement, reinforces ULI’s mission, and prepares the organization for its next chapter.

Impact

The new headquarters gives ULI a physical platform to support its evolving mission and strengthen its role as a leader in the built environment. By bringing staff, members, and partners together in a space designed for collaboration and connection, the workplace encourages greater engagement, knowledge sharing, and innovation. The result is an environment that reflects ULI’s values, celebrates its legacy, and equips the organization to respond to the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of cities and communities.

A group of men sitting in a room with blue couches and a table.
A person sitting at a table with a laptop.
A person sitting in a chair.
A few people sitting at a table.
Diagram.
A room with a shelf and books.
A person walking in a large room.
Areas of Expertise
Recognition
Related Work
CBRE Dallas headquarters terrace

CBRE Global Headquarters

Dallas, Texas
CBRE’s new headquarters is a purpose-driven workplace that supports efficiency, connection, flexibility, and well-being.
A group of people walking around a building.

Avenue of the Arts

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Avenue of the Arts is the gateway to the Philadelphia’s performing arts scene. To support the continued evolution of the corridor, Gensler partnered with Avenue of the Arts, Inc. to develop a comprehensive vision plan and development framework for South Broad Street in Philadelphia.
Kaleideum museum exterior

Kaleideum

Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Forsyth County is renovating a five-story, 70,000-square-foot building in downtown Winston-Salem that will be home to an innovative children’s museum.
A building with a sign on it.

Under Armour Global Headquarters

Baltimore, Maryland
Gensler collaborated with Under Armour to design a groundbreaking headquarters and destination for collaboration, athletic excellence, and community connection.
Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center of Houston lobby

Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center of Houston

Houston, Texas
Gensler created a vision to revitalize the Evelyn Rubenstein JCC campus in Houston that encompasses both renovations and an expansion.
Newark Community Museum of Social Justice rendering

Newark Community Museum
of Social Justice

Newark, New Jersey
Gensler worked closely with the City of Newark to convert the 1st Police Precinct into a community museum for learning, healing, and storytelling.
People walking outside a building.

Alamo Ralston Family Collections Center

San Antonio, Texas
The Alamo is designed as an open gallery space with workshops and conservation labs, displaying more historic artifacts to the public than ever.
Ella B. Scarborough Community Resource Center exterior

Ella B. Scarborough Community Resource Center

Charlotte, North Carolina
The Ella B. Scarborough Community Resource Center, a net-zero ready facility in Charlotte, North Carolina, promotes wellness through trauma-informed design.
Workplace lounge with couches and a wall filled with decor

Confidential Global Professional Services Client

Los Angeles, California
A transformed office space blends collaboration and curated experiences to create a dynamic workplace that attracts talent and fosters connection.
Further Reading
Diagram.
Blog

Is Belonging the New Currency for Workplace Design?

By prioritizing belonging, we can create more impactful and transformative spaces that mitigate loneliness, foster connection, and drive value for people and organizations.
A man and a woman sitting on a couch with a laptop.
Blog

What’s Working (and What’s Not) in Today’s Workplace

Gensler’s latest research reveals what people need from their workplaces and highlights the biggest opportunities for improvement.
A group of people sitting around a table outside.
Blog

What Do Employees Hope for in the Future of Work?

Gensler’s Global Workplace Survey 2026 research reveals what workers want for their work and workplace — and what it means for the future.
People in a building.
Blog

The Human Side of AI: What Power Users Are Telling Us About the Workplace

New research reveals that the employees furthest along the AI adoption curve offer a glimpse of where work is headed.
A group of people in a room.
Blog

A New Value for the Workplace in an Era of AI

As AI becomes embedded in daily work, the office becomes even more valuable as a place where knowledge, experimentation, and human insight converge.
A group of people sitting in a room with a projector screen.
Blog

How to Build a Future-Ready Workplace for Every Generation

Forward-thinking organisations bring every generation into the conversation to help shape what comes next.
A group of people sitting on a couch in a room with tables and chairs.
Research

Global Workplace Survey 2026

This research explores how people work today, how the biggest users of AI reveal emerging behaviors, and how an increased focus on learning and connection is redefining the value of the workplace.
A person pointing to a white board.
Blog

Small Moves, Big Impact: Nudging Culture in Your Workplace

In behavioral economics, a nudge is any aspect of choice architecture that alters people’s behavior without removing freedom of choice. So, how can we use design to nudge employees towards mission-centeredness, health and well-being, creativity, sustainability, and consideration for others?
A group of people walking up a staircase.
Blog

The Workplace as Civic Infrastructure: How Companies Can Use Space as a Public Good

This post explores the growing shift toward workplaces that function as community spaces, examining why organizations are opening their doors and how design enables this evolution.
Interested in working with us?