From shaping skylines to strengthening neighborhoods, Gensler’s work in San Antonio is guided by a simple idea: great design should serve the people who live, work, and gather here. While the firm operates globally, its San Antonio office is deeply rooted in the community—partnering with clients and civic leaders to help the city grow with intention. Their projects bring world-class expertise while honoring the character that makes the Alamo City distinct. We spoke with Michael Rey, Managing Director and Principal at Gensler, about why the firm is investing in San Antonio’s future.
Tell us about Gensler and the work your company specializes in.
Gensler is a global architecture, design, and planning firm. Our San Antonio office is invested in shaping the future of our city with clients and community partners, bringing decades of experience across a broad range of practice areas. We provide design, planning and consulting services for a range of clients, from home-grown start-ups to global companies, mixed-use developers, and more. We are committed to working together to build a positive, vibrant San Antonio, enriching the cultural context and the urban fabric of the Alamo City.
What attracted Gensler to San Antonio, and how has the region supported your growth?
After working in the Alamo City for decades, Gensler’s San Antonio office opened in 2018. We have grown from one employee to more than 30. Our primary focus is shaping the future of San Antonio. Gensler’s model for opening offices is following our clients. We have been fortunate to work with a broad range of clients looking to become a part of San Antonio’s rich culture and character.
Gensler is known for designing spaces that enhance human experience; how is this mission accomplished in your projects across San Antonio?
We’ve had the privilege to partner with a variety of clients across San Antonio including UT San Antonio, Jefferson Bank, Bexar County, various tech companies, developers, professional service firms, museums, and more. With each project we approach, we focus on the end user and the experience they will have when interacting with the spaces we design. During our time in San Antonio, we have worked to enhance how locals live, work and play by harnessing the power of design.
Why was it important for Gensler to invest in greater:SATX and how does this partnership align with your long-term vision for growth and influence in the region?
greater:SATX is focused on growing and energizing our economy. As a business focused on the future of San Antonio, being part of this organization connects us to a vast network of likeminded business leaders, all of whom are working toward a better city. We are proud to be a part of this organization and members of this community.
What recent project in San Antonio best exemplifies Gensler's commitment to innovation and design excellence?
We recently completed the finish out of Jefferson Bank’s new headquarters, another greater:SATX investor. A well-established voice in the San Antonio banking community, Jefferson Bank has grown steadily over its 75-year history and was poised for a shift to unite its employees under one roof. The new corporate headquarters on Broadway features a 12-story midrise with ground level mixed use and a branch bank. Given the opportunity to establish a new corporate culture for the next generation of the brand, Gensler worked closely with the financial provider to strategize localizing departments to foster a cohesive and collaborative workplace experience for all employees.
Is there anything else you would like to share about Gensler presence in the Greater San Antonio community?
In addition to shaping the city through our design efforts, we are very committed to giving back to the San Antonio community and to the causes that are important to us. Our firm, and individual members of our team, have served as volunteers with a host of area organizations including The San Antonio Food Bank, The Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation, San Antonio Historic Preservation, Habitat for Humanity, GoodAcres, Snack Pak 4 Kids, CASA, Haven for Hope, UTSA School of Architecture, NOMA, ACE Mentorship program and many more. We are proud to be a part of the San Antonio community, we live here, we grow our families here and we are invested in this city.
Gensler hosts a bi-annual art event called Gallery at Gensler. For Gallery at Gensler, we display the work of a selected local artist in our studio and host a public opening event to amplify exposure. It’s a joy to connect to San Antonio’s talented artist community and to celebrate and showcase their work in our studio.
Gensler also hosts an annual pickleball event downtown called PickleBoo. We completely close off a street and raise funds for a local non-profit who we work closely with. The event is electric, bringing community together through competition, music, food and beverages!
To learn more about Gensler, visit their website.