Design Strategist - Data Analytics + Insights

Design Strategy at Gensler is focused on enabling transformation. Our creative and collaborative approach, supported by data and intelligence, enables impactful change and evolution of our clients’ organization, culture, and environment.

Our practice in New York is growing and we are looking for a talented design strategist to focus on data-driven projects across our broad range of services including workplace strategy, real estate portfolio strategy, generating user insights, and performing behavior analytics. We’re focused on developing holistic real estate and design strategies for a wide range of influential organizations, such as major corporations, healthcare providers, cultural institutions, real estate developers, and universities. We are looking for early career applicants with an entrepreneurial spirit who are eager to learn how data and insights can empower our client relationships and evolve our practice.

Your Role

As a Design Strategist, you will collaborate with teams working to develop and deliver meaningful insights through a blend of quantitative and qualitative strategies. You will learn how to leverage client data from a range of sources to evaluate current conditions and develop solutions that support our clients’ objectives. Your work will span a wide range of scales, from pilot projects that test new ideas to strategies rolled out across the globe. You’ll participate in research efforts, synthesize data and feedback, and develop innovative future state concepts and solutions.

What You Will Do

On projects, as a Design Strategist you’ll:

• Collaborate closely with Strategy Leads and Directors on work sessions with internal teams, clients, and other stakeholders
• Assist in the planning and performing of user research and data collection activities
• Help develop analytical methodologies for solving business problems to make portfolio or enterprise-level decisions
• Analyze large scale qualitative and quantitative data sets to determine impact on business goals, organizational culture, or performance criteria for spatial design
• Support projects that explore data modeling and statistical analysis (e.g., clustering, regression) to uncover workplace patterns
• Assist in building automation tools to increase efficiency and scalability for clients
• Interface with Gensler ‘s Design Technology team to orchestrate complex, multi-sourced data analysis and management
• Collaborate on developing scenarios (with plans, data, feedback, relevant precedents, etc) to illustrate a range of relevant solutions, based on the research, that meet client objectives
• Support project findings through compelling presentations, reports, posters, videos, websites, etc.
• Interface with Gensler design studios to ensure the seamless transition of design strategy into design implementation

Your Qualifications

You’re passionate about the built environment and its impact on individuals and organizations. You are curious, analytical, and creative, eager to explore how data can uncover stories about how people work, connect, and use space. You:

• have experience with research methodologies and activities, and can with work with both qualitative and quantitative data
• are curious about how data connects to human behavior, culture, design, and space
• enjoy open-ended exploration, digging into data to uncover insights that were not obvious at first
• are a clear communicator and presenter of ideas, findings and/or point of view
• are an enthusiastic collaborator and are able to work successfully with a range of other disciplines who complement your experience
• are a critical and creative thinker, with a solution-oriented mindset
• respond proactively and thoughtfully to feedback from clients and colleagues
• can graphically visualize information and ideas, able to effectively use charts, and graphics to represent and communicate findings and complex ideas
• can draft strong narratives in support of graphical findings/insights

Your background and experience:

• 0-2 years of relevant professional experience in data-driven research, strategy, or design
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in architecture, interior design, environmental design, urban design, real estate, design strategy, organizational development, organizational psychology, or similar fields
• Coursework in Math, Statistics, Economics, Computer Science, Engineering, or other quantitative fields is a plus
• Proficiency in data analysis, visualization, and management
• Proficiency in Excel/Google Sheets
• Proficiency with data modeling, clustering, or regression analysis
• Proficiency in data visualization platforms such as Power BI, Tableau, or Looker is a plus
• Experience working with Power Query or Google App Script
• Experience working with workplace performance data and survey data is a plus
• Familiarity with Python (numpy/pandas/sklearn), R, or SQL is a plus
• Familiarity in Adobe Creative Suite

To be considered, please include 2-3 project examples that demonstrate your qualifications as described above and a cover letter as part of your submission.

The base salary range will be estimated between $75,000 - $83,000 plus bonuses and benefits and contingent on relevant experience.

Life at Gensler

At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions to “Well-being Week,” our offices reflect our people’s diverse interests.

We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice annual bonus opportunities. Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets.

As part of the firm’s commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.