In Memoriam: M. Arthur Gensler Jr., FAIA, FIIDA, RIBA (1935–2021)

Art Gensler, who propelled a small practice into one of the largest firms in the industry, passed away peacefully at his home in Mill Valley, California at the age of 85. An industry icon with a 65-year-long career, he believed that spaces have the power to shape who we experience the world.

At his namesake firm, Gensler developed a culture distinguished by a belief in collaboration, support of design education and career advancement, respect for individuals, dedication to clients, and endorsement of sustainable design. While Gensler stepped down as CEO in 2005 and as Chairman in 2010, he remained a constant presence in the firm, recognized as a mentor to the next generation of design leaders.

Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1935, Gensler completed his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Cornell University’s College of Architecture, Art, and Planning in 1958, during which time he met his wife of almost 60 years, Drucilla Cortell Gensler. The couple moved from New York to San Francisco in 1962, and, in 1965, In 1965, co-founded M. Arthur Gensler Jr. & Associates, Inc. with James Follett. They started the business in a one-room office with just one draftsman and $200 in the bank. Gensler founded the firm with a focus on space planning and interiors, virtually creating interior design as a new category of architectural practice and bringing it to a new level of professionalism.

Gensler spent his later years giving back to the community and his alma mater, serving as a Trustee of the Buck Institute for Aging, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and the California College of the Arts. Recently, the Gensler family gifted $10 million to Cornell University’s College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP), a gift meant to sustain AAP’s thriving New York City-based program.

Gensler is widely credited with elevating the interior design practice to professional standing. Accomplishments throughout his storied career include being named a Fellow of both the American Institute of Architects and the International Interior Design Association and a professional member of the Royal Institute of British Architects. A charter member of Interior Design magazine’s Hall of Fame and a recipient of IIDA’s Star Award, he also received Ernst & Young LLP’s Lifetime Achievement Award, Design Futures Council’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Cornell Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Gensler is survived by his four sons and their families.

Below, we’ve gathered several tributes from members of our community.

From Andy Cohen, Co-CEO, Gensler

Art’s passing is a great loss for our industry and for me personally. He was my mentor, coach, and great friend for 40 yers. As our founder, he helped mold my career and those of so many other Gensler leaders. He laid the foundations for the company to become a global powerhouse – one that has repeatedly been recognized as the most admired design firm in the world. He taught us all about pursuing personal passions, opening doors to people to excel at what they love to do, and working together to redefine the profession. He demonstrated how design has the power to create a better world. He showed us anything is possible.

From Diane Hoskins, Co-CEO, Gensler

Art’s legacy on the industry is in how he elevated the interior design profession and drove innovation across an entire industry. His vision for our firm was that, together, designers and clients can solve the world’s biggest challenges. This has never been more important than it is right now. His legacy as a person was in the way he mentored almost everyone he met. An instant friend with an open mind and a master connector of people, the built environment, and the human experience.