Geno has more than 30 years of experience as an architect and has worked extensively on mixed-use and retail center design and planning, drawing on urban place-making principles to create public areas that encourage people to gather, socialize, and shop.

The hiring is a homecoming for Geno, who first joined ELS as a project architect in 1991. After 19 years with the firm, he became a sole practitioner before joining Gensler as a design director and regional practice area leader for retail centers. He has considerable expertise in designing, expanding, renovating, and repositioning retail and mixed-use properties. His clients have included Westfield, Simon Property Group, General Growth Properties, and Madison Marquette. In addition, he has directed the design of recreational, educational, performing arts, athletics, and community facilities.

Recent projects include Market Street Place in San Francisco, the repositioning of Pacific Place in Seattle, and retail and mixed-use projects in Shanghai, Sydney, Kyoto, Sao Paolo, and Costa Rica. At ELS, he will lead the retail and mixed-use portfolio, including the recently awarded Fashion Outlets Los Angeles project for Macerich.

A registered architect, Geno is a member of Contract magazine’s Editorial Advisory Board, a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers, and a past member of the AIA East Bay’s Board of Directors. He received his bachelor’s degree in environmental design from the University of Colorado in 1982 and his master’s degree in architecture from U.C. Berkeley in 1986.