Diane Hoskins, Gensler’s Global Co-Chair, discusses the value of collaboration and why design can be the most powerful tool for shaping a better future.

Diane Hoskins, Global Co-Chair of global design firm Gensler, shares insights from leading a team of over 6,000 professionals across 53 offices worldwide—and why she believes intentional, collaborative design can be the most powerful tool for shaping a better future.

Diane shares Gensler’s research on how vibrant, adaptable cities can strengthen economic performance, attract investment, and improve quality of life. In her current leadership role at Gensler and her former role leading Urban Land Institute (ULI), Diane emphasizes that excellent urban solutions are never the work of one individual.

[23:10] “We value collaboration and we call it this “one firm-firm” mindset, which is really the team has to win, not just you. . . For us, it’s about the team winning, not just the individual. It shows up loudly.”

Diane reflects on how the pandemic accelerated changes already underway in the workplace and urban environments. She explains how forward-thinking companies are reimagining offices not as places of obligation, but as destinations that foster culture, creativity, and human connection.

[01:03:43] “The value [of design] is in creating places where people can connect with each other. . . this idea of single purpose zoning, single purpose buildings, feels less and less like what people are looking for—and value follows people and their experience.”

Whether you’re an investor, developer, or city leader, Diane’s perspective offers a roadmap for building spaces and communities that matter to people and the lives they want to live.

Links

Diane Hoskins | ⁠LinkedIn⁠
Gensler ⁠Website⁠
⁠Art’s Principles⁠ by Art Gensler
⁠Design for a Radically Changing World⁠ by Diane Hoskins and Andy Cohen
Urban Land Institute’s ⁠Website⁠

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