Design Better Podcast Summary: "Diane Hoskins and Andy Cohen: Design for a Radically Changing World"
Release Date: October 23, 2024
Hosts: Eli Woolery and Aaron Walter
Guests: Diane Hoskins and Andy Cohen, Co-Chairs of Gensler
Introduction
In the October 23, 2024 episode of Design Better, hosts Eli Woolery and Aaron Walter engage in an in-depth conversation with Diane Hoskins and Andy Cohen, the Co-Chairs of Gensler, one of the world's largest architectural firms. The discussion revolves around their newly released book, Design for a Radically Changing World, exploring sustainable architecture, innovative design practices, and the future of urban planning in the face of global challenges such as climate change.
Career Journeys at Gensler
Andy Cohen and Diane Hoskins share their longstanding commitment to Gensler, highlighting their transition from Co-CEOs to Co-Chairs after two decades of leadership. Andy reflects on his 43-year tenure at Gensler, emphasizing the firm's entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to creating a better world through design.
"We really believe that everyone has aces and spaces, things they're great at and not so great at. But when you put two people together like Diane and I, with our aces in the room, it's one plus one equals five, and the sparks fly."
— Andy Cohen [00:02]
Diane Hoskins discusses her multifaceted journey, incorporating architecture, interiors, business, and real estate. She underscores the importance of collaboration and the firm's culture that fosters innovation and scalability.
"When Diane and I became co CEOs, we were about $100 million in revenue. And now we're 2 billion in revenue. And we're in 56 cities now around the world."
— Andy Cohen [05:06]
Collaborative Leadership
The duo elaborates on their collaborative leadership model, which emphasizes diversity and the synergistic combination of individual strengths. Andy highlights the effectiveness of having multiple leaders with complementary skills, fostering an environment where innovative ideas thrive.
"We have two or even three leaders, men and women, leading offices, leading practice areas. We really believe in the diversity of leadership, the diversity of people, and bringing the best ideas from around the world together."
— Andy Cohen [09:36]
Sustainability in Design
Central to the conversation is Gensler's commitment to sustainability. Diane and Andy discuss the significant role architecture plays in combating climate change, noting that buildings account for 40% of global CO₂ emissions—more than automobiles and industry combined.
"Climate change is the moral and business imperative of our lifetimes. It's so important."
— Andy Cohen [23:02]
They outline Gensler's ambitious goal to achieve net-zero emissions across all projects by 2030. This involves pioneering sustainable design practices, such as specifying eco-friendly materials and advocating for industry-wide standards.
"We've created what's called Gensler Product Sustainable design, and that's in our specifications. So we impact millions upon millions of people every year."
— Diane Hoskins [25:20]
Materials and Innovations
The discussion delves into innovative materials and construction methods aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of buildings. Diane highlights Gensler's collaborations with major concrete and steel manufacturers to develop sustainable alternatives.
"The biggest contributors to climate change are concrete and steel. So we're working with a lot of concrete and steel manufacturers."
— Diane Hoskins [24:36]
Andy introduces cutting-edge technologies like liquid photovoltaics, which integrate solar energy harvesting directly into building materials, transforming building skins into energy generators.
"Imagine two pieces of glass with photovoltaics that you don't see. Now we can use this product so that the very building skins of the buildings we design collect energy."
— Andy Cohen [41:04]
Future of Cities and Urban Planning
Diane Hoskins and Andy Cohen explore the concept of the "20-minute city," where all essential services are within a 20-minute walk from residents' homes. This model aims to enhance livability, reduce transportation emissions, and foster vibrant, community-centric urban environments.
"The idea of a 20-minute city as a generator for what the city of the future will be."
— Andy Cohen [42:20]
They discuss strategies for transforming existing urban infrastructures, such as repurposing surplus office buildings into residential spaces to address housing shortages and reduce urban sprawl.
"We've studied probably close to 2,000 buildings to look at their viability from transforming from an office building to a residential building."
— Diane Hoskins [43:42]
Integrating Nature into Urban Design
Addressing the balance between urban development and natural ecosystems, Diane and Andy advocate for the integration of green spaces within cities. They reference projects like New York's High Line and emphasize the importance of living walls and green roofs in enhancing urban biodiversity and residents' well-being.
"We're in the next 10 years, 15 years, that we have the ability as urban designers and architects to take our city streets back for people."
— Andy Cohen [48:36]
Personal Insights and Recommendations
The guests share personal inspirations and reading habits that shape their approach to design and leadership. Diane mentions A Century of Chair Design as a source of inspiration, reflecting on the historical impact of design on civilization. Andy cites Simon Sinek's work on leadership and purpose, highlighting the importance of understanding the "why" behind their endeavors.
"Simon Sinek... the why behind what we do and the purpose. And now I'm reading his book on true leaders and how you optimize people's performance."
— Andy Cohen [52:06]
Closing Thoughts and Call to Action
In their concluding remarks, Diane and Andy encourage designers to embrace their roles as catalysts for positive change. They emphasize the profound impact that thoughtful design can have on addressing global challenges and improving lives.
"Design brings hope and envisioning the future and what we want it to be. So the world needs people to bring hope and to use design along with all the other tools."
— Diane Hoskins [53:18]
Andy reiterates the mission behind their book, stressing that design is for everyone committed to making a difference.
"Design was for anyone and everyone that wants to make a difference in the world."
— Andy Cohen [54:11]
They conclude by directing listeners to their book available on Amazon and Gensler's website for further insights into their initiatives and contributions to sustainable design.
Conclusion
This episode of Design Better offers a comprehensive exploration of how leading figures in architecture are leveraging design innovation to address some of the most pressing global challenges. Diane Hoskins and Andy Cohen provide valuable insights into sustainable practices, collaborative leadership, and the future of urban living, making a compelling case for the pivotal role of design in shaping a resilient and equitable world.
For more information, listeners are encouraged to visit Gensler's website and explore Design for a Radically Changing World on Amazon.