Powerlist Creative 30 2025 : Gerard Evenden, Senior Executive Partner, Head of Studio, and Member of the Design Board, FOSTER + PARTNERS, Ranks 18th

The studio features a unique combination of expertise across architecture, engineering, urbanism, interior and industrial design, aeronautics, model making, and filmmaking, functioning much like a compact university of creative disciplines. This collaborative ecosystem allows the team to tackle projects of exceptional complexity and scale. With design at its core, the practice shapes buildings, spaces, and cities through curiosity, innovation, and a deep commitment to thoughtful creation.
FROM START TO SUCCESS
As the Senior Executive Partner and Head of Studio at Foster + Partners, Gerard Evenden leads international teams with a philosophy centered on collaboration, innovation, and regenerative design. He graduated from the University of Wales Institute of Science and Technology and joined the firm in 1991. Over the years, he has led many high-profile projects and cultivated strong, lasting partnerships with clients, collaborators, and his studio’s leadership team—defined by extensive experience and a shared vision.
THE ROAD AHEAD
Looking forward, Foster + Partners is redefining the future of the built environment through advanced digital design, sustainable innovation, and data-driven solutions. The firm remains dedicated to creating cities that are smarter, greener, and more human-centric—setting new standards in global architecture and urban design.
Leading with Impact
Gerard’s leadership and curiosity about new markets have been crucial in expanding Foster + Partners’ global presence, steering projects across North America, Asia, Europe, and Australia. In the Middle East, he has played a key role in significant developments, including the Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi and the sustainable master plan for Masdar City. Earlier in his career, he was instrumental in designing Sarriko Station on the Bilbao Metro, laying the groundwork for his journey as a leader who motivates teams to create architecture with purpose and impact.
PROJECTS
That Define Excellence He continues to redefine architectural excellence through projects that balance technological innovation with cultural sensitivity. His recent award-winning works— including The Lana, Dorchester Collection, and the House of Wisdom in Sharjah—exemplify this harmony. In Saudi Arabia, his ongoing participation in giga projects like Laheq, Shura Island, and Nujuma in the Red Sea further illustrates his commitment to context-driven, environmentally conscious design.
