Diane Thorsen, Design Director and Principal at Gensler Middle East is the global leader of Gensler’s hospitality practice and is based in Dubai. Diane is passionate about innovative solutions in interior architecture and believes that excellent design starts with understanding a client’s vision and culture to design from the inside out.

from the inside out. Her strong leadership skills coupled with her extensive experience spanning over 30 years have resulted in an award winning design studio. Most notably, her designs for international workplaces, hospitality, healthcare, and mixed-use developments exhibit attention to detail, a love of local art, and quality of craftsmanship. Her work is guided by a design approach focussed on human-centric design, creativity, collaboration, and a forward thinking perspective with a structured, detailed process. Diane is a key influencer in the Middle East, having been here since 2008 and is admired by clients, peers and her teams. She can frequently be found delivering keynotes at major industry events and mentoring sessions at universities. She is also the leader for Gensler’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives, supporting the firm’s mission to shape and lead DE&I in the Middle East. She is committed to guiding and developing young talent, resulting in her being on the advisory board at Heriot-Watt University and The American University Dubai as well as multiple other youth-related programs.

Diane is a graduate of the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture from the University of Johannesburg South Africa, as well as a LEED Accredited Professional, a WELL Building Accredited Professional, and a Registered Interior Designer within the IIDA.