Nila Leiserowitz’s career in interior design began in 1975 by designing workplace interiors for corporate clients. After more than 30 successful years in interior design, the biggest lesson Leiserowitz has learned is to always deliver on your promise, “If you run into barriers, address those issues honestly and in a timely manner with your team and your client.”
“My profession allows me the opportunity to work closely with the CEOs of major global corporations,” Leiserowitz said, FASID, IIDA, Managing Principal at Gensler. “These leaders understand the importance of physical space in driving their business success. Together we align their business strategy with a design strategy that supports their workforce that drives their business. To have an opportunity to work with leaders of major companies one on one is extremely gratifying and educational.”
Leiserowitz is proud to say that Gensler is the leading global architecture and design firm driven by research, something that certainly sets them apart from other firms.
“We conduct research and stay on top of trends so we can bring deep expertise and thought leadership to help our clients and impact the community, both in Chicago and globally,” she said. “Also, we are extremely client focused. We have long term partnerships with clients because we are committed to their success, not preconceived opinions.”
“We are always proud of the work we do,” she continued. “The most recent completed projects are Motorola Mobility Headquarters in the Merchandise Mart and Town Hall Apartments, the first LGBTQ-friendly senior housing facility in the Midwest. Also, we are excited to collaborate with HDR on the design and creation of the new Ability Institute of RIC, the top research hospital for patients from around the globe who suffer from disease or injury and are in search of the best rehabilitation care.”
What’s happening in Chicago right now that makes her hopeful? “We are developing new areas of the city and creating new places to work, live and play. Also, we have buildings that are being repositioned for new use. For example, switching the use of an office tower to a mixed use project. The city is being recreated for a new workforce and the business drivers of the city.”
Leiserowitz says she’s had some great projects but views her current work as her most memorable work, “Continuing to find new ways of engaging with the new clients is so exciting for me.”
With much success during her professional career, Leiserowitz has also had many great mentors.
“Mentors are senior people I admire, my peers looking at the same issues from different perspectives and younger professionals that provide me a new way of thinking. These people have informed my evolution as a professional. We should always be refining and improving ourselves and the work we do.”
When she isn’t working, Leiserowitz loves to run during all seasons in Chicago, “Also, traveling with my husband brings me great joy.”
One thing she’d like to do in her lifetime? “I really want to spend more time seeing parts of the world. Other than that, I try to do what is important to me at any given time.”
Her favorite music? “Okay, I was a young woman during the disco phase. The BeeGees always make me smile.”
With Thanksgiving around the corner, Leiserwitz already has her plans, “Spend time with neighborhood friends and their family. It will be a short commute!”
