BEST AEC FIRM 2011: Gensler

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.

The Brick Industry Association (BIA) has opened entry submissions for its 2013 Brick In Architecture Awards—with a new Renovation/Restoration category and new category divisions this year. BIA’s annual awards honor architectural excellence and sustainable design nationwide that incorporates clay brick products as the predominant exterior building or paving material.

| Feb 27, 2013

Marvin Windows and Doors now accepting entries for fifth annual Marvin Architect’s Challenge

Architects have an opportunity for their best work to compete on a global stage in the fifth annual Marvin Architect’s Challenge. Previous winners of Marvin Windows and Doors’ prestigious award program have come from Spain, Ireland and across the United States — with their work among the world’s finest.

Residents of energy-efficient complex will reap the benefits of hydropon farm.

| Feb 27, 2013

Bronx residents get LEED Platinum public housing complex, rooftop farm

The New York City Housing Authority has opened Arbor House, a 124-unit LEED Platinum complex in the Morrisania neighborhood of the Bronx.

| Feb 25, 2013

HOK sustainability expert Mary Ann Lazarus tapped by AIA for strategy consulting position

Mary Ann Lazarus, FAIA, LEED® AP BD+C, has accepted a two-year consulting position with the American Institute of Architects in Washington, DC. Her new position, which begins March 1, will focus on increasing the AIA's impact on sustainability across the profession. The St. Louis-based architect will continue consulting at HOK.

The new "Googleplex" will feature green roofs and common spaces.

| Feb 25, 2013

First look: Google's new HQ is engineered for creative collisions

The new California "Googleplex" will be engineered to make sure no Google employee will be more than a 2.5 minute walk away from any other.

The American Institute of Steel Construction seeks assistance from BIM users in

| Feb 25, 2013

AISC seeks proposals for development of BIM best practices guide

The American Institute of Steel Construction seeks assistance from BIM users in identifying and documenting best practices to facilitate the long-term standardization of BIM in structural steel construction.