2 min read November 2023 — In an interview with Invest:, Kelly Cathey, co-managing director at global design and architecture firm Gensler, shared how excited the firm is about its investment in the Nashville community and shaping the city’s growth. She also discussed effective strategies for hybrid mentorship and how Gensler is continuously inspired by client requests that push conventional boundaries.
What opportunities do you see for Gensler in the current state of the industry?
I understand that there’s uncertainty in the market and sometimes this uncertainty can lead to a negative perspective. However, I believe that, especially for a new office like ours, this uncertainty brings a wealth of opportunities in the Nashville market.
Our office is young in the grand scheme of our company’s history and the current market conditions have driven us to be more agile and adaptable. In the past, during the boom times, it was easier to focus on a specific niche and continue doing what we were already good at. But the current market ambiguities have caused us to pivot and broaden our horizons.
This need to adapt and learn new things has sparked creativity and innovation within our team. Some of the most creative ideas emerge when we step out of our comfort zones and embrace new challenges. As such, we’re actively exploring new opportunities in the market, and we’re excited about the fresh perspectives and directions it’s leading us . While the uncertainty can be daunting, it’s also a source of growth and expansion for us as we look ahead.
How have recent design trends related to hygiene, entry points and air ventilation impacted your design process in the past couple of years?
It’s interesting to see how technology has become an integral part of how we design everything. What was once an innovative injection of technology into our daily lives has now become an expectation.
The marriage of technology and design has left a lasting impact on how we experience our environments. We’ve moved beyond just touchless entry and are now delving into curated digital experiences that profoundly influence how we access and control our home environments. The work environment, too, has shifted to be more tech-based than place-based. This does not necessarily mean it’s entirely virtual but rather that technology plays a significant role in shaping how we work.
This integration of technology into design has become a consistent thread across all practice areas, including hospitality, industrial, healthcare, higher education and the sciences. As we move forward, this trend is evolving and influencing the way we experience the world around us.
Considering the impact of technology on office spaces and remote work, how has this affected the concept of mentorship and how are you navigating this?
I believe that all of us have had to adapt to this shift to what I like to call “hybrid life” because this hybrid approach has intertwined various aspects of our lives to the extent that the lines between work and personal spheres have become blurred.
When it comes to mentorship, it’s about building professionals every day, particularly in a growing team like ours. To effectively navigate this, we must shift our mentality about effective communication. The heart of mentorship lies in the ability to connect with people both internally and externally. While virtual technology supplements mentorship in this regard, it excels at curated and planned interactions.
What’s missing in the virtual space are those informal, unplanned instances of connectivity. It’s those chance encounters and unexpected conversations that often lead to influential and important connections. These unplanned moments are essential for relationship-building, both professionally and personally.
In terms of mentorship, it’s not that the concept has changed but, rather, how we cultivate it has become less formal. People are seeking choice and experience in their relationships and mentorship needs to adapt to these evolving parameters. These relationships should grow organically, free from a rigid framework imposed by someone else. The shift in mentality lies in embracing the less scripted, more spontaneous aspects of building relationships and mentorship in this hybrid world.
Do you find yourself surprised by client requests that push you toward adopting innovative and new approaches?
Absolutely, every day, which is why I’m passionate about my work. In our profession, the path is far from linear. As designers and architects, much of our inspiration and innovation does not solely originate from us. Instead, our role involves active listening, experiencing, questioning and unearthing new perspectives. To excel in our work, we need to be inquisitive and constantly push the boundaries of conventional thinking. Our goal is to synthesize information into a unique solution tailored to each specific scenario.
The real treasure lies in recognizing anomalies, those unique elements that have not been contemplated before. These anomalies become the fertile ground for the next groundbreaking experience. I find great joy in being surprised and, in turn, surprising others. This is why I’m so dedicated to what I do.
What’s next on Gensler’s agenda that you are particularly excited about in Nashville?
At Gensler, our focus is on what’s next, especially concerning our investment in this community., Our next steps involve refining our focus and making significant headway in key areas that will profoundly impact the city.
Our commitment extends to engaging in conversations about the broader aspects of planning and infrastructure. We’re particularly interested in areas such as housing and other strategic components of the real estate and design industry. These aspects play a crucial role in not only shaping how a city grows but also how it stabilizes and keeps its unique identity.
Gensler has a global reach with extensive resources that collect data on cities worldwide, providing us with valuable insights. We aspire to be a proactive and influential force in the decisions that will guide Nashville’s growth in the future. This prospect is truly exciting for us.
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