Latest news with #Gensler
National Post
7 hours ago
- Business
- National Post
The Future of AI in the AEC Industry Unveiled at BST Global's 2025 AI Summit
Article content TAMPA, Fla. — BST Global, the leading provider of AI-powered project intelligence ™ solutions for the AEC industry, hosted its second annual AI Summit, May 6–8, 2025, in Palm Beach, FL. The premier event brought together 12 thought leaders from some of the world's most influential firms, including Arcadis, Arup, AtkinsRéalis, Gensler, GHD, Jacobs, Mott MacDonald, NVIDIA, Parsons, Stantec, and WSP to share insights on how AI is reshaping the future of the AEC industry. Attendees as well as the broader AEC community praised the 2025 AI Summit for its timely content and line-up of industry trailblazers. Article content Article content 'AI is certainly at work. We've seen immense progress in real AI and big data use cases since our inaugural event in 2024, but there is still work to do.' Article content This year's AI Summit focused exclusively on the evolving role of artificial intelligence in AEC, aiming to equip industry leaders with the knowledge and strategies they need to navigate a data-driven, AI-powered future. AI Summit attendees engaged in a dynamic agenda of keynotes, panel discussions, presentations and networking sessions. Article content A major highlight of the event was the debut of the 'AI + Data Insights 2025: Global AEC Industry Report,' based on findings from BST Global's AI + Data Survey. The report underscores the urgent need for firms to embrace AI while managing the associated risks and closing the digital skills gap. Download the full report here. Article content For the first time, the AI Summit featured a Voice of the Client panel, spotlighting perspectives from Aldar Properties PJSC and GE Vernova. These client leaders shared how they're implementing AI across their organizations and what they expect from their AEC partners in the years ahead. Article content As the second AI Summit concluded, Chief Executive Officer Javier A. Baldor shared key observations about the state of the industry: 'AI is certainly at work. We've seen immense progress in real AI and big data use cases since our inaugural event in 2024, but there is still work to do. Our industry is in the process of a transformation, one that will upend the industry's underlying business model and reimagine the future of work, but make no mistake — that transformation will happen.' Article content The 2025 AI Summit reaffirmed BST Global's commitment to leading the AI conversation within the AEC space and facilitating the collaboration necessary to move the industry forward. Event recordings and presentations are available here. Article content BST Global also announced its plans for a third AI Summit in 2026. AEC leaders interested in attending next year's AI Summit can sign up to receive registration alerts. Article content BST GLOBAL Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content
The Guardian
4 days ago
- Business
- The Guardian
US regulator dismisses suit against Binance in latest crypto-friendly move by Trump
The US on Thursday voluntarily dismissed its civil lawsuit against Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange. The move extends the new, friendly approach to cryptocurrencies of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), a major financial regulator, since Donald Trump re-entered the White House. A joint stipulation of dismissal signed by lawyers for the SEC, Binance and its founder, Changpeng Zhao, was filed in the Washington DC federal court. Its dismissal is with prejudice, meaning the SEC cannot pursue the case again. The SEC said that dismissing the enforcement case was appropriate 'in the exercise of its discretion and as a policy matter'. In a statement, a Binance spokesperson called the dismissal 'a landmark moment. We're deeply grateful to [SEC] Chairman Paul Atkins and the Trump administration for recognizing that innovation can't thrive under regulation by enforcement.' An SEC spokesperson declined additional comment. Trump promised during his 2024 White House run to be a 'crypto president', becoming the first major presidential candidate to accept crypto donations, and pledged to reverse an industry crackdown overseen by Atkins' predecessor, Gary Gensler. The SEC has since withdrawn or put on hold many cryptocurrency enforcement cases. Trump himself has launched a cryptocurrency and hosted a dinner for the coin's top holders. The SEC sued Binance and Zhao in June 2023, accusing the exchange of artificially inflating trading volumes, diverting customer funds and misleading investors about its surveillance controls. Binance was also accused of unlawfully facilitating the trading of several cryptocurrency tokens that SEC leadership during Joe Biden's administration believed should have been registered as securities. The case was separate from Binance's November 2023 guilty plea and $4.32bn criminal penalty for violating federal anti-money laundering and sanctions laws through lapses in internal controls. Zhao himself pleaded guilty to money laundering violations, stepped down as CEO and was released from prison last September after serving a four-month sentence. In February, the SEC dismissed a separate enforcement case accusing Coinbase, the largest US cryptocurrency exchange, of arranging trading in at least 13 unregistered tokens. The crypto industry has long chafed over regulatory efforts to apply federal securities laws to digital assets, with many companies likening tokens to commodities. Classifying tokens as securities would require cryptocurrency companies to register with the SEC and disclose more to investors. Atkins said on 12 May that developing a regulatory framework which establishes 'clear rules of the road' for issuing, trading and safekeeping crypto assets, while discouraging lawbreakers, would be a key priority.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Marriott International to introduce St. Regis Hotels & Resorts brand in Costa Rica
Marriott International has announced a partnership with Solana PA to introduce the St. Regis Hotels & Resorts brand to Costa Rica. The St. Regis Papagayo is expected to commence development in July of this year and aims to open its doors in early 2027. The upcoming resort, set to span 20 hectares on the Gulf of Papagayo in the Guanacaste region, will offer 120 hotel rooms and 143 residential units. The design is influenced by local culture and the ocean, aiming to provide luxury experiences for both guests and residents. The St. Regis Papagayo is planned to feature six dining venues, including Casa Club for casual gourmet dining, The Cliff with Japanese and Costa Rican fusion, a Beach Club & Grill, and the signature St. Regis Bar & Speakeasy. Additional amenities will include the St. Regis Library, multiple swimming pools, a spa, a beach club, as well as 7,750ft2 of indoor and 2,475ft2 of outdoor event space. Located strategically between Panama Bay and Culebra Bay, just a 25-minute drive from Liberia International Airport, the resort will feature 634 linear yards of beachfront, offering guests views of the Gulf of Papagayo. The project emerges at a time when Costa Rica is experiencing a surge in demand for luxury travel experiences. The renowned Mexican architecture firm Sordo Madaleno has been tasked with bringing this vision to life, alongside several other luxury resort projects for Marriott. Gensler Mexico City is the principal interior design firm for the project, with Maat Handasa spearheading landscape architecture. TalentChef will provide food and beverage consultancy, while Ana Ramirez of Ancestral Handmade Hotels is selected as the wellness consultant. Real estate investment banking firm GFG Securities advised Solana PA on the St. Regis agreements and the project's financing. The St. Regis brand already boasts six landmark hotels and resorts in the CALA region, and the St. Regis Papagayo is set to mark a significant step in Marriott's luxury expansion in Costa Rica. Marriott International Caribbean and Latin America (CALA) Development vice president Uriel Burak said: "This extraordinary development underscores our continued commitment to expanding our luxury portfolio in key destinations across the Caribbean and Central America.' "Costa Rica continues to experience growing demand for high-end travel and residential offerings, and we are proud to work with Solana PA, S.R.L. to bring the first St. Regis hotel and residences to Costa Rica." Solana partner Alberto Halabe said: 'We are honoured to bring the iconic St. Regis brand to Costa Rica and to create a landmark destination in one of the most exceptional oceanfront settings in the region.' 'This project reflects our deep appreciation for Costa Rica's natural beauty, cultural heritage, and environmental stewardship. Together with Marriott International, we look forward to delivering a resort and residential experience that embodies the spirit of Pura Vida through the unmatched elegance and service of St. Regis.' Marriott International has also recently signed an agreement to extend the St. Regis brand to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. "Marriott International to introduce St. Regis Hotels & Resorts brand in Costa Rica" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Zawya
26-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Gensler launches City Pulse 2025
New data from 33,000 residents worldwide reveals how cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi can turn attraction into long-term loyalty Based on insights from 33,000 residents in 65 cities across six continents, including deep participation in Dubai and Abu Dhabi Attraction and retention are not the same. Cities must understand both to ensure long-term vitality. Place attachment is a resilience strategy. Emotional connection keeps residents rooted, even when affordability or services fluctuate. The future-ready city isn't the most built, it's the most connected. Community, identity, and belonging drive urban success. Dubai, United Arab Emirates — Gensler, the global architecture, design, and planning firm, has released its City Pulse 2025 report, a global study first on urban migration and place attachment. Based on insights from 33,000 residents in 65 cities across six continents, including deep participation in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the report provides city leaders with a people-first alternative to traditional city rankings. The survey reveals that while cities in the UAE top global charts in satisfaction, future growth will require deeper investment in community, identity, and belonging to retain residents over the long term. Tim Martin, Co-Managing Director & Principal at Gensler Middle East, said: 'UAE cities are some of the most admired globally for their quality of infrastructure and ambition. But as we look to the future, especially with Vision 2071 and 'We the UAE 2031' in mind, the challenge is not just to attract talent, but to root it. Long-term city vitality will depend on how emotionally connected residents feel, to their neighborhoods, to public life and to the idea of staying for decades.' City Pulse: A New Framework for Measuring Urban Vitality City Pulse 2025 is the first global index to frame cities as emotional ecosystems, not just economic engines. It offers an alternative lens for assessing city performance, one focused on how people feel about where they live, rather than simply what services are provided. In an era shaped by climate risk, affordability pressures, and demographic shifts, the study presents a new framework for understanding how cities can attract, and more importantly, retain people over the long term. The findings reaffirm that attraction and retention are not the same. While many cities are successful in drawing new residents with jobs, safety, and amenities, the factors that lead to people staying are different, driven by emotional connection, belonging, and place attachment. The study also reinforces Gensler's commitment to impact-led, city-scale urban design that is informed by robust research into what residents actually want from their cities. Through this work, Gensler aims to support city leaders and planners in shaping communities that are resilient, connected, and future-ready. Dubai and Abu Dhabi Rank Among the Most Satisfying Cities Worldwide According to the survey, 91% of Dubai residents and 92% of Abu Dhabi residents say they are 'satisfied' or 'very satisfied' with their city - among the highest satisfaction scores globally. In comparison, satisfaction in London stands at 76%, Tokyo at 63%, and New York at 69%. Yet satisfaction alone does not ensure retention. The City Pulse 2025 report reveals that the strongest predictors of residents staying long-term include feelings of pride, joy, and a sense of home. In contrast, practical aspects such as healthcare quality or job opportunities ranked much lower in determining whether people choose to stay. Affordability and Belonging Are the Next Frontiers While UAE residents value safety, infrastructure, and opportunity, affordability is emerging as a key consideration, mirroring global concerns. The report identifies cost of living as the single most important factor globally when deciding to move to a new city. For the UAE, this is particularly relevant as the country continues its efforts to attract and retain global talent under national frameworks like the Golden Visa and UAE's Talent Pass. As competition intensifies, offering a compelling value proposition, both economic and emotional, will be essential. Tim Martin added: "If the last two decades were about building world-class infrastructure, the next era must be about building world-class belonging. A truly magnetic city is one people don't just move to, it's one they stay in, raise families in, and feel deeply connected to. That's the opportunity for the UAE." To explore the full global report, visit: About Gensler At Gensler, the value of our work stems from its positive impact on the human experience. We are a dynamic and collaborative design firm uniting creativity, research, and innovation to solve complex problems for our clients. Our work challenges conventional ideas about architecture and the built environment. We aren't just designing buildings — we are reimagining cities and places that make a difference in people's lives. Founded in 1965, Gensler has built a team of 6,000 professionals who partner with clients in over 100 countries each year. Everything we do is guided by our mission: to create a better world through the power of design. About the Gensler Research Institute The Gensler Research Institute is dedicated to advancing knowledge on the relationship between design, business performance, and human experience. Through global studies and local insight, the Institute provides strategies that drive impact in a fast-changing world. Media Contact: Rochelle Alphonso rochelle@
CNBC
22-05-2025
- Business
- CNBC
How girl who loved Legos went from MIT back to the perfume counter to CEO of multi-billion dollar design firm
As a kid, Diane Hoskins always loved building. Legos, Barbie Dreamhouses, the racecar sets that her brother got but didn't have the patience to put together himself when it took reading along with an hour's worth of instructions. "Whatever it was ... I just love putting things together and building things," Hoskins, global co-chair of architectural firm Gensler, told CNBC's Julia Boorstin in a recent CNBC Changemakers interview. That childhood building bug also made Hoskins the atypical example of a person who knew exactly what they wanted to do from an early age. "It led me to want to be an architect," said Hoskins, named to the 2025 CNBC Changemakers list for her role at Gensler, where she served as co-CEO for two decades and is now global co-chair. Founded in 1965, Gensler employs 6,000 people across 57 locations in 16 countries, and generated close to $2 billion in revenue last year. While she said her passion for building as a child "became a drive that just felt right," Hoskins did not take an exactly linear path to the top of the world of architecture. She shared with CNBC some of the lessons learned on the journey to the top of her profession. Once Hoskins graduated from MIT and had mastered all of the basic skills to be a professional architect, she went to work in her "dream job" at a firm run by a genius in the field. That genius was the worst boss she could have ever hoped for starting out in her career, she now says. The story, which Hoskins shared last year in an MIT commencement address, was a warning to the current generation of students that their vision of an ideal architecture experience may be more difficult to find than they realize and it's an important lesson about being prepared to pivot quick, and even pivot away from a long-sought path. "You buy into this mythology of working in the office of 'fill in the blank' architect, who you believe is the epitome of architecture. ... I went to work for one of those architects and found it to be not creative, and basically all about that person and what they wanted and not about the ideas of anyone else on the team," she told Boorstin. And quickly, she realized, "I don't want to do this. I won't live my career as the support cast of someone else's vision," Hoskins recalled. She moved back to her family's home in Chicago and went to work at the perfume counter at the department store Marshall Field & Company. Even though she had an MIT degree, she said that decision made her feel "extraordinarily independent and satisfied." "It was about saying no to something I know was not right for me, even if it might have checked a lot of boxes on what kids in college think is the right job path," she said. Eventually, a former classmate came into the store one day and suggested during a conversation that Hoskins apply to her firm. It was a huge firm that had the exact opposite approach of the one she quit, with team-driven projects involving people from various backgrounds and countries. "It wasn't in the service of a particular architecture ego that was at the center of the pyramid," Hoskins said. This belief has turned into a guiding model at Gensler, where Hoskins was co-CEO before she became co-global chair in 2024. "It's a bit of the antithesis of the CEO ethos, the commander at the top, the pyramid and all that thinking," she said. "We believe strongly in collaborative leadership," she added. At Gensler, that is not only at the CEO level, but co-chairs in every leadership role within the firm, co-regional heads, and co-leaders in "every domain of work practice areas," she said. Even once Hoskins was established in architecture, she left to get her MBA because she wanted to learn from the perspective of her clients and what was driving their needs in real estate development. "I left the profession again," Hoskins said. "I had the courage to follow an inner path rather than expectations." Learning about real estate, and also studying business and management theory and concepts in competitive strategy, including the work of Michael Porter and Peter Drucker, gave Hoskins a "deep thinking on how business works," which she says has benefitted her ever since. There will always be a framework involving a budget, schedules, a team of people, and maximizing resources, but Hoskins says growing an organization's skills and learning beyond a core sector focus, such as architecture, is critical. Every business, Hoskins says, needs to be about innovation today. "Business can't run on yesterday's premise," she said. "Innovation is the thread in every single business enterprise today." That goes for the sector most closely associated with innovation, too. "Solutions need to be framed by more than one discipline," she said. "More people in our tech companies would benefit from having been in other domains," she said, "bringing more perspective to these tools across our daily lives." And in Hoskin's view, that is true for all professions. The path to success, she says, is often about not coming at it "from a single set of ideas."
