Design Forecast 2025: The Trends Defining the Built Environment
What are the drivers that will move design forward in 2025? Get a sneak peek at the trends that are shaping the built environment in this video by Gensler, and then tune in to the I Hear Design podcast in January 2025, in which i+s Chief Content Director, Robert Nieminen, will host Gensler Co-CEOs Jordan Goldstein and Elizabeth Brink as guests in an upcoming episode to unpack the global design firm's latest research.
Based on over 100 trends across 33 industries, Gensler identified the five most important and actionable themes to designers and thier clients need to know now and in the year to come. Spanning across mixed-use lifestyle districts, sustainable design, attainable housing, creative building conversions, and the new workplace experience, these trends are annual exploration of the most relevant issues facing the design and architecture industry.
Find out what else is in Gensler’s Design Forecast 2025, a deep dive into what's shaping the future of the human experience and the built environment.
About the Author
Robert Nieminen
Market Content Director
Market Content Director, Architectural Products, BUILDINGS, and interiors+sources
Robert Nieminen is the Market Content Director of three leading B2B publications serving the commercial architecture and design industries: Architectural Products, BUILDINGS, and interiors+sources. With a career rooted in editorial excellence and a passion for storytelling, Robert oversees a diverse content portfolio that spans award-winning feature articles, strategic podcast programming, and digital media initiatives aimed at empowering design professionals, facility managers, and commercial building stakeholders.
He is the host of the I Hear Design podcast and curates the Smart Buildings Technology Report, bringing thought leadership to the forefront of innovation in built environments. Robert leads editorial and creative direction for multiple industry award programs—including the Elev8 Design Awards and Product Innovation Awards—and is a recognized voice in sustainability, smart technology integration, and forward-thinking design.
Robert's work has earned him industry-wide recognition throughout his career, including:
- ASBPE Award (2019, 2018, 2017, 2015)—Best Regularly-Contributed Column; retrofit
- TABPI Award (2017, 2016)—Top 25 Entries, Cover Story; Retail Environments
- WPA Maggie Award (2011, 2010, 2008)—Best Publication, Trade; interiors+sources
- FOLIO: Eddie Gold Award (2022, 2007)—Best Feature Article & Special Section; interiors+sources
- Contributing author of ASID’s 2020 Outlook and State of Interior Design report, as well as The State of the Interior Design Profession (Fairchild Books, 2010), which earned a place on the International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers’ “50 Must Read, Must Have” book list.