Gensler Announces New Principals in Texas Offices, South Central Region

Source: Gensler

Three new Principals announced within Gensler’s Houston, Dallas offices

HOUSTON & DALLAS – Gensler, the global design firm, announced today the addition of three new Principals to its South Central region - two were named in Dallas and one named in the Houston office.

 Brooks W. Howell, AIA, based in Houston; Byron Chambers, LEED AP, and Jonathan Kelley, AIA, LEED AP, both based in Dallas; were named new Principals for the firm, effective immediately.

Brooks serves as Firm-wide Leader for Gensler’s Residential Practice Area in addition to directing one of Gensler Houston’s Lifestyle Studios. An experienced project director, Brooks has spent his 24-year career leading mixed-use, residential, retail and hospitality projects of every scale across the country. Brooks also has a broad base of knowledge regarding development and regulatory review processes. He currently serves as an adjunct professor in the Real Estate MBA program at the Bauer School of Business at The University of Houston. He received his Bachelor of Architecture from The University of Texas at Austin. 

Byron serves as a Firm-wide Leader of Gensler’s Sports Practice Area. Having designed everything from NFL stadiums and major league ballparks, to minor league facilities and collegiate venues, Byron’s wide portfolio of work spans the globe and includes La Rinconada Stadium in Venezuela, the Texas Tech Sports Performance Center, Louisiana Tech Joe Aillet Stadium renovations, various softball, basketball, and baseball projects at Texas A&M University, and a number of confidential projects currently underway. Byron holds both a Master of Architecture and a Bachelor of Environmental Design from Texas A&M University.

With 20+ years of architectural experience, Jonathan focuses on the design and design management of sports stadia and arenas. His project involvement spans virtually every aspect from early-design decisions to opening-day ceremonies. Jonathan’s experience ranges from large, high-profile projects for professional sports teams to smaller facilities serving colleges and universities. Jonathan brings a high degree of both enthusiasm and rigor to every project to ensure success and satisfaction to all involved. He earned his Bachelor of Architecture from Iowa State University. 

“With diverse backgrounds and a broad set of experiences, these individuals are experts in their respective fields and are tirelessly passionate about their work for our clients,” said Co-Regional Managing Principal Judy Pesek. “We are excited to see them grow into their new roles as Principals and watch them continue elevating design across our region.”

Co-Regional Managing Principal David Calkins added, “Brooks, Jonathan and Byron’s appointments are a strategic move for our leadership team. Brooks’ knowledge in Mixed-Use, Hospitality, Residential and Retail is invaluable for keeping aligned with much of what’s trending in our markets, while Byron and Jonathan’s depth and breadth of insight and experience in Sports Design is driving the forward-thinking conversation in that arena.”

About Gensler 

Gensler is a global design firm grounded in the belief that great design optimizes business performance and human potential. Our 5,000 practitioners networked across 46 offices use global perspective and local presence to innovate at every scale. Whether we are refreshing a retailer’s brand, planning a new urban district or designing a super tall building, we strive to make the everyday places people occupy more inspiring, more resilient, and more impactful.

Recent accolades: #1 Architecture Firm 2016 Architectural Record; and #1 International Architecture Firm, Green Design Firm, Data Center Design Firm, University Design Firm, Retail Design Firm 2016 Building Design + Construction.