Diane Hoskins, global co-chair at international architecture and design firm Gensler, joined the REIT Report podcast to review themes from Gensler’s 2026 design forecast. The impact of AI on design processes, the importance of human experience in architecture, and the evolving needs of workplace design in a post-pandemic world were among topics covered.
Hoskins also looked at adaptive reuse as a strategy for urban vibrancy and the critical need for climate resilience in future designs. She emphasized the importance of investing in human experiences.
“It's about creating value, being ahead of some of these curves,” Hoskins said, while also focusing on investing in humans and in places “where experiences matter, because that's really where value is going to be.”
Some of Hoskins’ observations during the interview include:
- AI is transforming the design process, making it more agile and responsive.
- Post-pandemic, there is a growing dissatisfaction with unassigned seating in workplaces.
- Learning and collaboration are becoming key drivers for office attendance.
- Adaptive reuse is crucial for addressing urban housing shortages.
- AI can help simulate building performance and user interactions.
See below for a sample of images from Gensler's Design Forecast 2026:
