Gensler Design Podcast: Recent Episodes
Gensler Design Podcast
The Gensler Design Podcast brings experts in architecture, design and technology together and discuss the future of cities in the Asia Pacific and Middle East region.
Inclusion by Design is a special mini-series of the Gensler Design Podcast exploring how inclusion shapes leadership, culture, innovation, and the future of our industry.
Hosted by Gensler's Regional Inclusion Leads, Thomas Ajose and Robbie Robertson, the series brings together thought leaders, industry experts, and practitioners from across Asia Pacific and the Middle East to discuss the evolving role of inclusion in today's workplaces and communities.
In this inaugural episode, Thomas and Robbie are joined by Dr. Juliet Bourke, globally recognised author, researcher, and advocate for inclusive leadership. Together, they explore how inclusive leadership has evolved over the past decade, the growing influence of AI, the importance of cultural intelligence in diverse organisations, and why inclusion remains a critical driver of innovation and business performance.
Across Asia, city centers face a growing paradox: office buildings sit half-empty while demand for housing continues to rise. How can we breathe new life into these underused spaces and create vibrant, livable communities? In this episode of the Gensler Design Podcast, host David Calkins speaks with Tan E Hun, Executive Director at REFSA, and Yvette Koh, Gensler’s Repositioning and Building Transformation Lead, to explore the shift from single-use office districts to mixed-use neighborhoods. Together, they discuss the opportunities, challenges, and design strategies behind converting offices into homes, and how existing buildings can be reimagined to support sustainable, human-centered urban futures.
In 2024, global investment in data centres hit a record $57 billion, transforming how we build and power the digital world. From sprawling hyperscale campuses to compact edge facilities, this growth is reshaping conversations around speed, scale, sustainability, and resilience. In this episode of the Gensler Design Podcast, host David Calkins sits down with John Taylor, Regional Practice Area Lead for Critical Facilities, to explore the forces driving the next generation of data centres. They discuss how AI is accelerating data demand, how designers are building faster while planning for long-term flexibility, and how Gensler’s Data Centre Configurator Tool is revolutionizing early-stage design and client decision-making.
Green buildings go beyond sustainability, they are a smart economic strategy too. By lowering operating costs, increasing property values, and driving new industries, sustainable design is shaping the future of our economy. In this episode of Beyond Blueprints, a mini-series created in collaboration with Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority (BCA), we dive into the financial advantages of going green. Join our host, David Calkins, as he speaks with Tan Chee Kiat, Deputy CEO of Industry Development at BCA, and Angela Spathonis, Managing Director of Gensler Singapore. Together, they explore the economic rationale behind sustainable design and discuss how policies and green building practices benefit both the planet and the economy.
In the Gensler Design Forecast 2025 report, five pivotal trends shaping the future of the built environment were identified. Among them, one stands out for its transformative potential: the growing momentum behind repositioning and adaptive reuse. As outdated office spaces and evolving workplace dynamics continue to reshape urban landscapes, the urgency to reimagine central business districts as vibrant, mixed-use lifestyle hubs has never been greater. In this episode, host David Calkins is joined by Chinatsu Kaneko, Co-Managing Director of Gensler Tokyo, and Keisuke Kobayashi, Design Director at Gensler Tokyo. Together, they explore the art and strategy of repositioning and adaptive reuse, offering insights into how these approaches are redefining cities, communities, and the future of design.
According to the United Nations, over 140 countries, including major emitters like China, the United States, India, and the EU, have committed to net-zero targets, covering approximately 88% of global emissions. At Gensler, we’re dedicated to achieving a zero-carbon portfolio by 2030 through our Gensler Cities Climate Challenge. The urgency for environmentally conscious design and the adoption of net-zero energy strategies has never been greater. In this episode, join our host, David Calkins, along with Prescott Gaylord, Head of Sustainability for Corporate Real Estate Strategy & Administration at DBS Bank, and Erik L'Heureux, Dean's Chair Associate Professor in the Department of Architecture at the National University of Singapore, as they delve into the latest trends in net-zero design, the challenges of implementation in the region, and their vision for the future of our built environment.
From energy-optimising smart buildings to cutting-edge construction techniques like modular building and 3D printing, technological advancements are reshaping our urban landscapes and revolutionising how we design, construct, and interact with our spaces. In this inaugural episode of a special mini-series presented by the Gensler Design Podcast, in collaboration with Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority (BCA), we delve into the transformative power of technology in the built environment and how it is shaping the future, paving the way for a more connected and responsive world. Join our host, David Calkins, along with his guests, Jonathan Cheng, Chief Technology Officer of BCA, and Vignesh Kaushik, Gensler’s Regional Director of Design Technology, as they explore the profound impact of technology, and how these innovations are making our buildings more efficient and sustainable, creating more resilient, adaptable, and connected cities, and ultimately transforming our environments into smarter, more liveable spaces.
In the latest edition of the Gensler Design Forecast, sustainable design emerges as a pivotal trend among the eight shaping the landscape of design in 2024. As we confront the challenges of extreme weather and climate instability, the call for sustainable design rises above preference—it's now an urgent necessity. From elevating standards for products and materials to advocating for the adaptive reuse of existing structures and implementing net-zero energy strategies, every stride forward is instrumental in charting our course toward a sustainable future. In this episode, join our host, David Calkins, and our guests, Juliette Morgan and Huang Yi Chun, leaders of Gensler’s Climate Action & Sustainability practice area as they discuss the responsibility to address the climate crisis as designers and architects, and how do we navigate the path to decarbonisation.
Over the past 18 months, a resurgence in both domestic and international travel has been observed, marked by a notable increase in both business trips and leisure travel. The hospitality sector, intricately linked to the evolving expectations of consumers, is experiencing a profound transformation driven by various factors, including shifting consumer preferences, technological advancements, and a heightened emphasis on wellness. Join our host, David Calkins, and our guest, Kirk Ellis, Director of Hospitality for Gensler’s Asia Pacific region, as they explore the transformative journey of the hospitality sector and examine how hotels and related establishments are adapting in response.
The future of work is being shaped by a variety of factors, notably the escalating prevalence of AI. As these trends gain momentum, it becomes increasingly crucial for workers and employers to proactively prepare for the imminent changes. In this episode, we explore the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead and delve into how we can equip ourselves with the knowledge and skills necessary to stay ahead of the curve. Join our host, David Calkins, and our guest, Dr. James Andrade, Senior Vice President of CapitaLand and Head of Learning & Innovation at Catapult, as we delve into a discussion on how AI and other emerging trends will shape the future of work, and the practical strategies that businesses and employees can adopt to embrace transformation and effectively prepare for the jobs of tomorrow.
The pandemic has fundamentally changed the way we work, and as we navigate the new reality of hybrid work, workplace design has never been more important. In this episode of the Gensler Design Podcast, we explore the latest insights and trends from workplace surveys and discuss the key design interventions that can create compelling destinations for employees to work in. Join host David Calkins and guest Nayan Parekh, Global Leader of Gensler's Work Sector, as they share their perspectives on the trends that have proven effective and those that have fallen short of expectations in the workplace design industry. From flexible workspaces to enhancing employee experience, we'll delve into the latest research and strategies for designing workplaces that meet the evolving needs of the modern workforce.
From the pandemic to the climate crisis and social inequalities, what are some of the key trends, perspectives, and predictions for the design industry in 2023. In this episode of the Gensler Design Podcast, join host David Calkins, Regional Managing Principal of Gensler Asia Pacific & Middle East, as he welcomes a very special guest, Diane Hoskins, Co-CEO of Gensler, as they discuss the latest edition of the Design Forecast 2023 and the ways in which design can play a crucial role in addressing the unprecedented challenges facing our cities today.
From modular building to biomimicry, how is new technology transforming the construction industry and creating a more sustainable and efficient built environment? In this episode, join our host David Calkins, the Regional Managing Principal of Gensler APME, and his guests, Professor James Murray-Parkes of Swinburne University of Technology and Ken McBryde, Design Director from Gensler Sydney, as they explore innovations in construction technology and shape the future of the architecture and construction industry.
Change is here, and more will come. The global economy continues to face steep challenges, shaped by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, a cost-of-living crisis caused by persistent and broadening inflation pressures, and the slowdown in China. In this first episode of the new year, join our Host, David Calkins, the Regional Managing Principal of Gensler APME and his guest, Rajeev De Mello, Chief Investment Officer at GAMA Asset Management as they discuss economic expectations for 2023 in the Asia Pacific and Middle East (APME) region.
The world’s largest remote working experiment has challenged every HR leader with a variety of challenges. From the health and safety of employees to their demands for flexible working, the pandemic has undoubtably changed the way we work. Join our Host, David Calkins, the Regional Managing Principal of Gensler APME and his guest, Ting Smith, Gensler’s Regional HR Director of APME as they discuss various holistic approach and opportunities to create the best possible workplace experience through the blending of space, technology, and culture.
Climate change, due to global warming is an existing threat to our way of life. The race to net zero is on, but countries need to pick up the pace. As the built environment is responsible for a majority of global carbon emissions, it’s vital for the construction sector to do its part to limit global warming. Join our Host, David Calkins, the Regional Managing Principal of Gensler APME and his guest, Shravan Bendapudi, Gensler’s Regional Practice Area & Community Leader of APME and Studio Director for Gensler Bangalore as they discuss the opportunities and challenges that have to be overcome and the approaches that could have a pronounced impact towards net zero.
Businesses have turned to digital transformation and technology, which was becoming an increasingly important part of the workforce even prior to the pandemic, as a helpful means to increase efficiency, workplace flexibility, and more importantly, improve sustainability. Join our Host, David Calkins, the Regional Managing Principal of Gensler APME and his guests, Dr. Adrian Kuah, a Research Leader at both The Cairns Institute in Australia, and Centre for International Trade and Business in Asia at Singapore's James Cook University, and Dr. Roberto Dillon, Head of the School of Science and Technology at James Cook University, Singapore as they explores the innovations, disruptions and changes that are required to adapt in a fast-evolving landscape due to the extraordinary circumstances triggered by the pandemic.
The pandemic has challenged all designers to rise to the occasion and create better opportunities in our workplaces for interconnectivity in our future world. Join our Host, David Calkins, the Regional Managing Principal of Gensler APME and his guests, Gensler APAC Workplace and Tech Leader, Neil Christopher, and Vignesh Kaushik, Regional Design Technology Director of Gensler APME & Greater China to discuss how work processes have changed and offer insights on how to stay plugged in to find design inspiration even amid these challenging times.
With the pandemic raging on, changes to the future of hospitality design is inevitable. Join our Host, David Calkins, Regional Managing Principal of Gensler Asia Pacific & Middle East and his guest Diane Thorsen, Gensler's Middle East & Asia Pacific Hospitality Practice Area Leader and Design Director as they explore how the industry has gone about regaining consumer trust along with the even more important theme of adapting to the shifting values of their future customers.