Founded in 1965, Gensler is the world’s largest architecture and design firm, employing over 6,000 professionals across 56 offices in 16 countries, with clients in over 100 countries.

Valeria brings over 20 years of experience leading project teams to deliver design excellence through a forward-thinking, holistic approach with a strong commitment to reducing environmental impact and enhancing community well-being. Her diverse background spans mixed-use, commercial, hospitality, residential, and cultural projects. She’s particularly passionate about reinventing and repositioning existing structures with a focus on sustainability and circularity, making them relevant again.

In this insightful and wide-ranging conversation, we discuss why bland should be banned, and why flexible spaces are the future. We talk about toilets and windows, fresh air and light and why the gain of the office must beat the pain of the commute.

Valeria also shares her perspective on what different generations want from their workplace, how workspace design affects mood and performance, and how to make environments more inclusive for people with disabilities.

Finally, she offers practical tips for those on a budget, showing how you can create a space where you perform at your best, and it doesn’t even feel like work.