Marriott and Gensler Leaders: Design Drives Business Success

WHO:

Fast Company - Jordan Goldstein and Anthony Capuano are the CEOs of Gensler and Marriott International, respectively.

Inc - Alberto Hernandez is the chief growth officer of Opella.

WHAT:

Fast Company - Goldstein and Capuano began collaborating on a project eight years ago when Marriott selected Gensler to design its global headquarters.

Fast Company - Capuano stated that the most frequent words from guests regarding their wants are "local and authentic."

Fast Company - Capuano mentioned that the previous Marriott headquarters was a million square feet on six floors and had a government feel.

Inc - Hernandez sends 10 to 11 people to the Cannes Lions Festival each year to gather insights for strategic planning.

WHERE:

Fast Company - The Marriott global headquarters is located in Bethesda, Maryland.

Inc - The Cannes Lions Festival takes place in Cannes, France.

WHEN:

Fast Company - Goldstein and Capuano began working together on a pilot project 10 years ago.

Inc - Hernandez's team develops a seven-point plan after attending the Cannes Lions Festival.

WHY:

Fast Company - Goldstein noted that the focus of conversations with CEOs about architecture has shifted from cost to talent and innovation.

Fast Company - Capuano emphasized the importance of architecture and design in creating a sense of place for guests.

HOW:

Fast Company - Goldstein and Capuano discussed the importance of design thinking in business and how it can foster collaboration and innovation.

Fast Company - Capuano described how the new headquarters design encourages "unintended collisions" among employees from different disciplines.

Inc - Hernandez's team determines three strategic focus areas before attending Cannes and arranges meetings based on those themes.

(UPDATED June 29, 2026 12:26 UTC)

Jordan Goldstein and Anthony Capuano, the CEOs of Gensler and Marriott International, have been collaborating since Marriott chose Gensler to design its global headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland, eight years ago. Capuano highlighted that guests frequently express a desire for experiences that feel "local and authentic," while also noting that the previous headquarters had a million square feet of space and a government-like atmosphere. Meanwhile, Alberto Hernandez, chief growth officer of Opella, sends a team to the Cannes Lions Festival each year to gather insights, which they use to develop a seven-point strategic plan for the company.