While Gensler may be the largest architecture firm in the U.S. by revenue ($657 million in 2010, according to BD+C's Giants 300 rankings), the firm doesn't let its size get in the way of its relationship with each of its more than 3,000 employees in 40 offices globally-or, for that matter, its relationship with its clients around the world.
Just the opposite. Gensler leverages its resources to create career development programs that few design firms could hope to duplicate. More than 300 volunteer "learning coordinators" oversee extensive technical and leadership training in such topics as Revit, construction administration, and "TechKnow," a series that highlights new technology developments in the AEC field. The firm even employs a full-time "instructional designer" to make sure its training programs provide real ROI.
All this is part of Gensler's Talent Development Studio, which it describes as "a human capital think tank that advances and aligns the company's greatest asset-its people-with the organization's business goals." The Talent Development program has been a key factor in the firm's remarkable growth since 2003 (and, remarkably, even in the last few years of economic recession), in both revenue and new employees.
BEST AEC FIRMS TO WORK FOR 2011 WINNERS
Chapman Construction/Design
EYP Architecture & Engineering
Gensler
HMC Architects
MHTN Architects
Look for a more extensive report on Gensler in the January 2012 issue of BD+C.
Related Stories
Hotel Facilities | Mar 30, 2016
The Usonian Inn, a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired motor lodge, is on the market for $665,000
The Usonian Inn proudly displays many Wright-inspired characteristics, the most prominent of which is the use of cantilevered overhangs.
Designers | Mar 30, 2016
A technical pen for the modern age
Morpholio’s new ScalePen feature dynamically sets line weight depending on the scale or zoom level of the drawing.
Architects | Mar 29, 2016
Why drawing remains relevant in the design process
Hand-drawn concepts allow ideas to emerge and build stronger connections between the design and the audience, as Gensler Principal and Design Director Alex Fernández writes.
Education Facilities | Mar 28, 2016
Steven Holl wins invited competition to design Rubenstein Commons
The new Rubenstein Commons will be a 20,000-sf structure at the center of the campus for the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, N.J.
Wood | Mar 28, 2016
Waugh Thistleton designs one of the tallest timber office buildings in London
The nine-story Development House has vertical open spaces for light and air flow.
Architects | Mar 20, 2016
Ars Gratia Artis: A North Carolina architect emphasizes the value of art in its designs
Turan Duda says clients are receptive, but the art must still be integral to the building’s overall vision.
Architects | Mar 16, 2016
PGAL acquires Dallas-based Pro Forma Architecture
The merger adds a firm that has specialized in municipal projects.
Events Facilities | Mar 15, 2016
Bjarke Ingels, Foster+Partners, and Grimshaw all winners in Expo 2020 pavilion design competition
BIG designed the Opportunity Pavilion, Foster+Partners submitted the winning Mobility Pavilion, and Grimshaw created the Sustainability Pavilion.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Mar 14, 2016
Washington Redskins tease new stadium model designed by Bjarke Ingels
The location isn't yet determined, but the new stadium will have a moat for kayaking.
Architects | Mar 11, 2016
German artist recreates Brutalist buildings with LEGO blocks
Arndt Schlaudraff brings the beauty out of the rugged, linear style of buildings most popular a half century ago.