Gensler announced today that Nila R. Leiserowitz, FIIDA, FASID, co-regional managing principal of Gensler’s north central region, is retiring after 24 years with the firm. William Hartman, FAIA, LEED AP, is joining Grant Uhlir, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C, NCARB, in co-leadership of the region after 23 years in various leadership roles at Gensler.
Leiserowitz’s legacy of leadership at Gensler began when she joined the firm in 1995, leading the global workplace practice, forging key client relationships, and driving groundbreaking initiatives like the Gensler Workplace Survey. Later, she would become an office director in Los Angeles before returning to her Midwestern roots as regional managing principal of the firm’s north central region in 2011. Since then, she has championed Gensler’s global health and wellness practice, served on the firm’s board of directors and demonstrated a continued commitment to driving innovation, thought leadership and team culture across the firm.
Involved in numerous civic, community and industry organizations, Leiserowitz has served on the Chicago Architecture Center’s executive committee for the board of trustees, the board of directors of World Business Chicago, the board of directors of the Marwen Foundation, the Urban Land Institute healthcare and life sciences product council and is a member of the International Women’s Forum, The Chicago Network and the Economic Club of Chicago. She has been recognized with many accolades throughout her career, including the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) 2013 Leadership Award of Excellence and the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) 2007 Designer of Distinction Award. She was named a Fellow of ASID in 2000 and of IIDA in 2018.
“It has been my distinct pleasure to lead and collaborate with the industry’s brightest design talent on boundary-pushing projects at Gensler over the past 24 years, and I take great pride in what we have achieved together,” said Leiserowitz. “As I look toward to my next chapter personally, I have great confidence in Grant and Bill’s joint vision as they continue to build upon the tradition of design excellence we have established in the north central region.”
Leiserowitz’s retirement is effective April 1, 2020; Hartman’s appointment is effective immediately.
“Nila’s vision, passion and design expertise have made an immeasurable impact on this firm, our people and our clients. It has been an honor to work alongside her in spurring progress and leading the strategic direction for the north central region,” said Uhlir. “We are moving forward with a strong foundation and a legacy of leading-edge design that will carry into the future as Bill assumes his role. His commitment to building strong team and client relationships is an incredible reflection of our core values, and I look forward to our partnership in continuing the growth and success of our region.”
As co-regional managing principal, Hartman joins Uhlir in overseeing Gensler’s offices and clients in Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis and La Crosse, Wisconsin. Since joining Gensler in 1996, Hartman has served in a variety of leadership roles, including office director in Detroit, chair of the design leadership taskforce, member of the management committee and most recently as a firmwide client relationships leader.
Hartman was named a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects in 2012, having previously received the Young Architect Award from both the Michigan and Detroit chapters. His work has been widely celebrated, most notably with the prestigious National Endowment for the Arts Presidential Design Excellence Award. He is a member of many professional and community organizations, including the American Institute of Architects, the Engineering Society of Detroit, the Urban Land Institute, CoreNet and The Detroit Institute of Arts, where he was an advisory board member of the Founders Society Friends of Modern Art. He also serves as a Grosse Pointe Farms Historic District Commissioner.
“For more than two decades, I have had the pleasure of participating in the evolution of Gensler’s north central region and the firm more broadly, and have enjoyed the opportunity to work with outstanding colleagues, trusted partners and innovative clients to produce work that positively impacts companies and communities,” said Hartman. “I’m looking forward to continuing this work in the new role, extending my strategic vision, industry expertise and passion for design excellence and client relationships to the region.”
