Project countries abroad.
The United Kingdom, the People’s Republic of China, the United Arab Emirates, and Japan.
Country with the largest percentage of work and the expectation for the most work.
China.
Defining global project.
For Gensler, it’s the GCHQ in Cheltenham, UK. Our design for one of Britain’s major intelligence and security organization, the Government Communications Headquarters, modernized their facilities, organization, security, and created a workplace that brings together a formerly far-flung operation of 50 buildings. As sustainable as it is secure, the “doughnut”-shaped building includes an open-plan workplace, a restaurant, shops, cafes, a gym, a glass-roofed walkway, double-skin interior and an interior garden. To our great delight, Queen Elizabeth took place in opening ceremonies.
The negotiation of fees internationally.
In our experience, it’s not so much negotiating fees as it is collecting them. We’ve learned that the true business hurdle is in receiving payment.
Getting paid promptly.
We’ve learned to define a retainer in our original proposals, to articulate clear contracts, and specifically outline all project deliverables. All aspects of payment, work and process must be crystal clear from the onset.
The frustrations and rewards of international practice.
Again, our frustration lies in arranging payment and receiving funds from international clients.
Our international clients offer exceptional design opportunities, whether that opportunity lies in substantially larger scale projects, or in planning projects that enable us to define truly new living environments.
Staffing projects abroad.
Our staffing approach varies by country. For our China opportunities, senior leadership is typically provided from our US offices combined with local talent in our Shanghai office. For projects in the Middle East, our London office completes the work, and is leading the establishment of a local office in Dubai. In Japan we have both senior design and local talent in place to meet our clients, demands.
Licensure issues and governmental regulations.
Gensler’s projects in China are done in collaboration with licensed design institutes of China, who meet all government requirements for licensure. In Japan, we have licensed Japanese architects on staff.
Projections for further growth of international practice.
Gensler continues to pursue international opportunities in numerous countries. We are currently working on projects in: Brazil, Germany, China, Guam, Korea, Singapore, New Zealand, India, The Netherlands, France, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, Kuwait, Canada, Mexico, and Costa Rica.
Anti-American sentiment.
Honestly, this has not been an issue for Gensler.
Trends in global architecture and design.
The main trend Gensler has seen is in large-scale design opportunities.
