Contract - January/February 2016 - 51

PHOTOGRAPHY: JAMES MICHAEL KRUGER (THIS PAGE); GARRETT ROWLAND (OPPOSITE TWO)

As a firmwide leader of Gensler's consumer products practice,
of things, to be so sensitive, and to react in such a personal and
Heiser recently led the design of new headquarters for consumer
meaningful way. Todd has become the next leader in design for the
Chicago office. And he now has the job and the opportunity to be that behavior research firm dunnhumby in London, and he is currently
working with colleagues on offices for Procter & Gamble. He is also
mentor for a whole new generation of young designers in that office."
Gensler's Chicago office has grown to be one of the largest in the beginning the design process for a new headquarters for the
global firm and is overseen by Nila Leiserowitz, a co-managing principal International Interior Design Association (IIDA).
Although his recent portfolio is focused on workplaces, he has
of Gensler's north-central region. She acknowledges what Heiser's
also completed hospitality interiors for Le Meridien hotels in Oak Brook,
decade of experience at Gensler offers to both the Chicago office and
Illinois, and Columbus, Ohio. For The Joseph, which is the Le Meridien-
the firm. "He is a very special and extraordinary designer with a body
branded hotel in Columbus, Heiser and colleagues created a hospitality
of work that is extremely diverse, creative, and thoughtful. How he
experience unique to the city that was infused with local references
crafts physical space and user experience together is unique and bold.
and contemporary artwork. He is now collaborating with Chinese
His designs have a strong point of view and [maintain the] client
brand through the integration of architecture, materials, and furniture," hospitality company Dalian Wanda Group on a hotel within the
forthcoming Wanda Vista tower in Chicago.
Leiserowitz says. "He drives his designs to unexpected places."
"I like to think about my work to date as a quilt," Heiser says.
"It's a whole series of really interesting projects that don't necessarily
Creating something magical
match but somehow come together in this incredible tapestry that
An example of that extra push in design is the Gratz Center at Fourth
works together."
Presbyterian Church in Chicago, which is the highlight of Heiser's
In the end, with his humble Midwestern roots firmly planted,
portfolio. Located just off Michigan Avenue, the five-story Gratz Center
Heiser credits his colleagues for his success. "I'm always at my best
includes a chapel for 350 people, classrooms, a day school, a library,
when I am surrounded by other creative people. It's not about my work,
a dining facility, multifunction spaces, and a double-height gallery.
it's about our work," Heiser says. "Every day that I walk into the office,
Designed with Gensler Principal Brian Vitale, the Gratz Center has won
I feel like I am a really lucky person because I am surrounded by
numerous awards. The building's beautiful weathered copper exterior
incredibly talented people, and my best work is constantly improved
is complemented by unpatinated copper on the chapel's interior.
by those around me." c
"Fourth Presbyterian Church is probably the most important project
in my career because of all the emotion tied to it. There is something
magical about that space. Our design is a canvas for that emotion
to come out," Heiser says. "It's humbling to be part of a project that
is so transformational for people's lives."
Does Heiser have a particular design philosophy or approach
to design? "I believe design is like improv. You have to take what design
actually throws at you and make it into something," Heiser says. "I love
to say that you can be cautious or you can be creative, but you can
never be a cautious creative. It's important to jump into design headfirst
and really explore possibilities with a certain fearless quality."
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Contract - January/February 2016

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