Naseera Razak is a distinguished business leader with 18 years of expertise in managing projects through all phases of design and delivery. At Gensler, a global design and architecture firm, she has spent over 16 years working on diverse projects such as corporate campuses, workplaces, and retail spaces. In her current role, Naseera is instrumental in guiding the strategic vision and operational excellence of the office, focusing on client relationships, project quality, and fulfilling client design requirements.
In an in-depth conversation with Women Entrepreneurs Review Magazine, Naseera highlights Gensler’s innovative approach to integrating design technology and sustainability. Drawing from the firm's global portfolio, she explains how to incorporate local cultural elements while upholding global design standards. Discussing specific projects, Naseera emphasizes the importance of creating workplace designs that align with a company’s needs and ethos, while also reflecting its brand identity within the cultural context.
Read the entire article to know more.
As an advocate for the integration of design technology, how do you foresee the role of AI and automation transforming the future of architectural design and workspace innovation?
Gensler has integrated design technology into its process from the beginning. We were the first design firm in India to adopt Revit and BIM while the market was still using CAD. This approach continues with AI and automation, which we believe will revolutionize not just our industry but many others.
AI is not here to replace human creativity; rather, it serves as a tool to enhance efficiency. At Gensler, we are developing patented AI tools, such as G-Fusion, to generate iterative design solutions, streamlining processes. Tasks that once took eight hours can now be completed in three, freeing up time for innovation.
AI will never replace the human touch in design. Design is about creating experiences, and the human mind’s ability to connect and differentiate solutions is irreplaceable. AI relies on human input—our prompts guide its generative solutions.
Historically, technological advancements— from the internet to automation— have enhanced jobs rather than eliminate them. Similarly, AI will streamline repetitive tasks, enabling designers to focus on more creative and strategic work. At Gensler, we view AI as a tool to enrich the experiential aspect of design, not as a replacement for human ingenuity.
What are the most challenging aspects of designing for both environmental sustainability and long-term user well-being? How do you overcome these challenges in large-scale projects?
Climate action is a core belief at Gensler and a key criterion in our designs. We have committed to achieving a net-zero portfolio by 2030. Sustainability is no longer optional—it is imperative. Every client and stakeholder we engage with recognizes its urgency and importance.
Our role extends beyond design—we guide clients to make informed, sustainable choices. While some may initially view green investments as costly, but we demonstrate the long-term benefits, including strong ROI and positive environmental impact. Increasingly, clients align with this vision, transforming our collaboration into a true partnership rather than a persuasion effort.
At Gensler, we integrate technology into design through patented tools like G-Planet and G-Spec. G-Planet facilitates weather, solar, comfort, lighting, and energy analysis, making sustainability discussions data-driven and shifting the focus from cost concerns to tangible benefits. Material selection is also a priority; we champion locally sourced materials over imports to reduce carbon footprints, embedding sustainability in every project.
Well-being is a critical focus, especially post-COVID. It goes beyond providing gyms—it's about fostering healthy lifestyles in the workplace. In India, employees typically spend 10–12 hours at the office, so we design spaces that promote movement, access to fresh air, and natural light. Thoughtful zoning encourages walking, and we activate typically neglected spaces, like fire staircases, by adding visibility and functionality. Transparent fire-rated walls and engaging graphics make staircases more inviting, integrating movement into daily office life.
We also prioritize workspace layout to maximize natural light, keeping cabins near the core and ensuring open spaces near façades. Refuge balconies and terraces are designed to be inviting, promoting outdoor breaks. Air quality monitoring further enhances well-being, providing a tangible sense of safety.
These elements tie back to sustainable design—creating spaces that support both environmental responsibility and human health.
While designing spaces, how do you incorporate local cultural elements while maintaining a global standard of design excellence? Can you share any specific examples?
Balancing global and local perspectives is key to Gensler’s work. We believe we can't be global until we are local. In India, particularly in Gensler Bangalore, our focus is on creating global workplaces in India, not just Indian workplaces.
When global companies set up offices in India, we ensure that employees recognize the company's identity the moment they walk in—whether in Bangalore, Delhi, or elsewhere. At the same time, the space must feel contextual to India. We follow an 80-20 approach: 80% of the workspace aligns with the brand’s global identity, while 20% reflects local influences. This isn’t done superficially—no Taj Mahal murals or arbitrary bright colors. Instead, we integrate Indian elements meaningfully.
For instance, local materials and craftsmanship play a key role. In Karnataka, Channapatna toys and furniture are well-known. By incorporating Channapatna furniture into collaborative spaces, we create subtle, authentic Indian cues. Similarly, textiles and fabrics used in upholstery, blinds, or wall panels become cultural touchpoints and conversation starters among employees.
Culture extends beyond aesthetics. In India, food is central to social interactions. Unlike in the U.S., where lunch is often an individual activity, Indian workplaces have "lunch gangs"—groups that eat together daily. Our café spaces accommodate this cultural nuance, fostering community and collaboration.
Ultimately, the workspace serves as a canvas to reflect a brand’s vision and values. The 80-20 approach allows us to merge global identity with local authenticity, ensuring that spaces feel both familiar and uniquely Indian.
When designing large-scale spaces, how do you ensure that the design remains adaptable and scalable over time, particularly in industries or organizations with rapidly changing needs? How do you anticipate future shifts in how spaces will be used?
Gensler believes in research-based design solutions. We invest 18% of our annual profit into research and have a dedicated research institute in New York. This team studies industries worldwide, publishing insights on emerging trends and key challenges our clients face.
One of our major publications is the Design Forecast, which compiles survey findings and industry trends. This resource is freely accessible to the public.
For example, in workplace design, understanding industry-wide trends is crucial. Post-COVID, workspaces have changed dramatically. Today’s workforce is the most diverse ever, spanning multiple generations—baby boomers, millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha—each with distinct workplace expectations. The challenge is to create environments that support universal experiences, where every employee feels represented and can bring their authentic self to work.
A key shift we observed was the overemphasis on collaboration spaces. Many offices allocated vast areas for collaboration, only to find them underutilized. Our research showed that successful workplace design depends on understanding how employees truly work. That’s why our process begins with a workplace strategy phase, engaging clients and stakeholders to determine their specific needs. By analyzing these patterns, we create adaptable and scalable solutions tailored to each business.
Flexibility is also key—workspaces must be able to evolve quickly. Post-COVID, firms are navigating fluctuating office attendance, making adaptable spaces essential. Offices must accommodate varying occupancy levels, from 20% on some days to 100% on others. Designing for these fluctuations ensures long-term efficiency.
Ultimately, workplace design is about understanding a business, how its people work, and ensuring the space remains flexible and adaptable to future changes.
How do you ensure that each project feels connected to the brand’s identity, while also respecting the unique cultural and environmental context of each location?
A key aspect of today’s workforce is how different generations have had distinct expectations from their workplaces. For baby boomers, hierarchy mattered—having a private cabin symbolized success. Millennials, influenced by companies like Google, sought work-life balance with open spaces and recreational areas.
The current generation, the most diverse yet, prioritizes alignment with a company’s vision. If an engineer in India is choosing between Google and Microsoft, the actual work may be similar, but the decision hinges on which company’s mission resonates more. Workspaces now serve as canvases to communicate that identity, ensuring employees feel proud and connected to their firm.
For example, displaying a mission statement creatively in an office corridor constantly reinforces company values. Employees should feel they are part of a larger impact. Environmental graphic design, material choices, and branding play a crucial role in conveying this narrative. Graphics are not an afterthought—they are integral to the design process, shaping an employee’s journey from the first point of entry.
A notable example is the 7-Eleven office in India. Since 7-Eleven was unfamiliar to many local employees, the design had to introduce the brand experientially. The entrance was designed to evoke the energy of a highway, mirroring the brand’s presence as a pit stop in the U.S. A Slurpee machine, a signature 7-Eleven element, sparked curiosity and engagement. Instead of relying on large logos, the office design subtly immersed employees in the brand identity.
Successful workspace design balances global brand identity with local cultural nuances. Every corner of the office should reflect the company’s values while ensuring relevance to the regional context.
Last Word
Each of us in Design for Eternity plays a crucial role in driving change in society. We are privileged to be in a position to shape spaces and influence experiences. Space is an integral part of life—from birth to death, we are surrounded by it, whether at home, in the city, or at work. As designers, we have the power to make these environments exceptional or unpleasant.
At Gensler, we emphasize creating a better world through design. I urge all leaders to reflect on how they can use design to make a positive impact—on the people we work with, those we work for, our families, and every living being around us. Design is a powerful tool, and we must harness it daily to create meaningful change.
