The Book
Art’s Principles reveals the blueprint behind one of the most successful professional services firms, giving career-minded individuals the tools they need to excel in business. The book covers the essentials of leadership, talent acquisition and operations, while outlining the creative strategies that propelled a small business into one of the largest and most admired in its industry.
This guidebook is full of well-tested ideas that are applicable to someone running a small, medium or large professional firm — or running any project where people, profit and customers matter.
Endorsements
Art spent a lifetime building not only one of the world’s best architectural design firms, but a great professional services enterprise. The lessons he has set down will serve a generation of leaders who are seeking to create the best professional services firms for the 21st century.Martin Koffel Chairman & CEO
URS Corporation
Art’s Principles is such a gift to all of us and gives us yet another reason to admire Art Gensler. His firm's success has been nothing short of amazing. Reading this book helps illuminate why Gensler has had such an impact at the intersection of design, architecture and business. There is so much detailed practical knowledge here for all individuals, regardless of industry. It is a must read.David Kelley Founder and Chairman
IDEO
For years, CEOs have wanted to know the secrets behind Art Gensler’s success in building the #1 design firm in the world. Here they are in the form of the Principles that guided his leadership — principles, as he often said, that he never learned in architecture school. There is no “silver bullet” here. Rather these are principles which, taken together, define the culture of the Gensler firm.Jim Edgar Edgar, Dunn & Company and Brand Paradigm LLC
Art Gensler is the original design thinker. His experience building a successful client-focused, design-centric, international firm is relevant for students, architects, designers, entrepreneurs, and business leaders. This book has valuable lessons for anyone who cares about developing businesses that are not just profitable, but also innovative, sustainable, and meaningful.Stephen Beal President
California College of the Arts
Art always asks lots of questions with a unique sense of humor. As a result his products turn out to be exactly what you want, and the process is fun. He then gives credit to everyone but himself. From our experience, this has created the culture of Gensler which has allowed it to grow successfully for so many years.James E. Rohr Retired Chairman and CEO
PNC Financial Services Group
It is a must-read for anyone working in or trying to build a professional services firm – which is a very large part of the global economy. Architects and designers may be interested, but the lessons Art describes apply to law, accounting, advertising, business consulting, and many other firms.Martin Manley Executive Director
Hult International Business School
Latest News
Fortune
Art shares the most important lesson Steve Jobs taught him
Inc. Magazine
Art Gensler praised for finding the keys to employee happiness
San Francisco Gate
This feature story highlights the many milestones of Art’s career
Forbes
Art’s Principles co-author Michael Lindenmayer authors a column on Art, the “Learning Leader”
Interior Design Magazine
Interior Design Magazine’s editor in chief brings her camera crew to Gensler’s San Francisco office for a chat with Art
Building Design + Construction
This in-depth article covers Art’s story from family-owned business to largest architecture firm
Teknion: Design Does Matter
In this video, Art shares advice on client relationships and stresses design’s potential to make the world a better place