Gensler is a global architecture, design, and planning firm with 57 locations across the Americas, Europe, Greater China, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East. 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. We believe the power of design can spark positive change and create a future that promotes equity, resilience, and wellbeing for everyone.
Gensler was named one of Forbes’ Best Large Employers in 2024, and our award-winning culture has been recognized by Fast Company as one of the Top 10 Best Workplaces for Innovators in 2024. Our people-first philosophy is centered on the core ideas of diversity empowerment, impact, community, respect, and growth. You can learn more about our commitment to creating an inclusive workplace at https://www.gensler.com/about/inclusion.
A note on recruitment: Gensler will never reach out to prospective employees or vendors through social media or messaging apps. Please see our website for how to avoid recruitment fraud: https://www.gensler.com/recruitment-fraud-alert
Rating Reviews
Rating is calculated based on
57
reviews and is evolving.
Pros: The opportunity to work on high-profile Retail & Hospitality projects is a major plus. As a Project Coordinator, I've learned so much about the design and construction process from start to finish. The teams are incredibly collaborative and supportive, and there's a real emphasis on knowledge sharing. Gensler, as a global design firm, also offers excellent work flexibility, which is crucial for maintaining a good work-life balance, especially in London. The hybrid model has been a lifesaver,
Cons: While work flexibility is great, during peak periods, the workload for Project Coordinators can get pretty intense, leading to some long hours. Sometimes, communication across different project teams or disciplines could be smoother, which occasionally slows down approval processes or causes minor hiccups. Career progression for specific non-designer roles like mine, while available, isn't always as clearly mapped out or as rapid as it could be, which is a common challenge in large
Advice to Management: Keep fostering the collaborative culture and the excellent work flexibility that truly benefits employees. Consider implementing more defined career development paths for Project Coordinators and other support roles to encourage internal growth and retention. Streamlining inter-departmental
Show more
Pros: The opportunities for an Architectural Designer here at Gensler are really top-notch. I've been able to contribute to major projects in the Los Angeles office, gaining invaluable experience in commercial and mixed-use design. The mentorship from senior architects and project managers is fantastic, fostering strong career growth. They genuinely encourage continuous learning and provide resources for professional development, which is crucial in the competitive architecture and design industry.
Cons: While career growth and learning are excellent, sometimes the project workload, especially during peak design phases, can make maintaining a consistent work-life balance a bit tricky. The approval processes for certain design changes or resource allocations can also feel a bit slow occasionally, which might impact project timelines. It's a minor point, but improving workflow efficiency and communication could help alleviate some of that pressure.
Advice to Management: Continue investing in project management tools and streamlining internal approval processes to alleviate pressure during critical project phases. Also, ensure consistent communication across all project teams to help manage expectations and deadlines more effectively.
Show more
Pros: Gensler truly excels in fostering a culture of design innovation and provides incredible opportunities to work on iconic projects. The sheer scale and variety of work in the Chicago office are impressive, offering great learning experiences. There's a strong sense of community among colleagues, and mentorship is available if you seek it out. It's a fantastic launchpad for anyone passionate about architecture and urban design.
Cons: The main challenge is the demanding workload, which can significantly impact work-life balance, especially during critical project phases. While flexibility exists, it's often tied to meeting deadlines. Occasionally, communication about project direction or internal processes could be clearer to streamline workflow.
Advice to Management: Continue investing in professional development and seek ways to better balance demanding project schedules with employee well-being to retain top talent.
Show more
What's the communication like from Gensler's CEO during all-hands meetings, especially regarding the firm's direction in the architecture and design industry?
Our CEO shares key updates on Gensler's global strategy and design vision during all-hands, offering insights into how we're shaping the future of the industry across our large, international offices.
How does Gensler foster collaboration between different design disciplines like architecture and interior design?
At Gensler, cross-team collaboration is key. I've seen architects and interior designers work seamlessly on large-scale projects, sharing ideas daily through integrated project teams to deliver innovative solutions for our global clients.
What's it like working as an architect at a large global firm like Gensler, especially in their New York City office?
My experience as an architect at Gensler's NYC office has been incredibly dynamic, with exposure to diverse large-scale projects that push design boundaries and foster professional growth.
What is the typical career path for a junior urban planner at a large firm like Gensler?
At Gensler, I started as an intern and progressed to a junior urban planner, working on diverse projects from community engagement to site analysis, gaining experience across various scales of urban development within the architecture industry.
How long does it typically take to hear back after applying for an architectural designer role at Gensler?
After applying for a position like an architectural designer at Gensler, I usually heard back within 2-3 weeks, though it can vary for larger firms with many applicants in major cities.
Do Gensler's project architects in large urban offices like Chicago need to wear specific safety equipment on site visits?
Yes, depending on the construction site, Gensler usually requires safety glasses and a hard hat for architects during site visits to ensure personal safety in active environments.
What kind of technical assessments can I expect for a design technologist role at a large, global firm like Gensler?
For a design technologist position at Gensler, I experienced a technical assessment focused on my ability to translate complex design concepts into buildable solutions, testing my understanding of BIM workflows and sustainable design principles.
MX
