geniant announces new president

Andrew Balster

geniant, a next-generation experience consulting group that’s taking a radically different approach to traditional interior design and architecture, welcomes Andrew Balster to the key role of president, physical space. As a respected figure in the architecture community, Andrew elevates geniant’s team through his extensive experience leading complex projects around the globe.

“I have always been interested in how human-centered design, combined with technology, can improve holistic experiences and, more broadly, enhance people’s lives,” said Andrew. “It’s time for this industry to change, and encountering geniant’s methodology, it felt familiar but more thoughtfully applied where it matters, the people. I’m excited to push the boundaries of what’s possible today while shaping how we experience space in the future.”

Formally trained as an architect, Andrew has a track record teaching, mentoring, and leading award-winning teams to create their best work. Most recently, Andrew was the senior vice president and office practice leader at CannonDesign in Chicago, where he also served on the board of directors, working across the health, education, commercial, and science industries. Before joining geniant, Andrew also led Archeworks, a design school, research lab, and think tank. He has taught at Virginia Tech, The University of Utah, and TU Delft, in the Netherlands, and he holds a Master’s of Architecture with Distinction from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland.