Gensler names Noval as co-managing director

Boston, MA Gensler has appointed Fran Noval as co-managing director of the firm’s local office. She will work alongside Jared Krieger to continue driving the firm’s mission of design excellence, innovation, and client success.

“I am honored to step into this role and contribute to the continued growth of the Boston office,” said Noval. “Our team’s passion and dedication inspire me every day, and I look forward to partnering with our wonderful clients and colleagues to advance impactful design.”

Noval succeeds Jeanne Nutt, who has served as co-managing director since 2000. Under Nutt’s leadership, Gensler grew from a 35-person studio to a 150-person office, delivering transformative designs for major clients, including Verizon, Mass General Brigham, the Boston Globe, Putnam Investments, Morgan Stanley, Nixon Peabody, and PwC.

Her ability to foster deep client relationships and mentor the next generation of leaders has had an enduring impact on the firm and the broader design community.

With nearly 30 years of industry experience and a record of delivering complex, large-scale projects, Noval upholds the highest standards of design excellence and strategic vision, ensuring that every project meets and exceeds client expectations. Since joining Gensler in 2007, she has established herself as a trusted leader, guiding teams on high-profile headquarters projects for some of the region’s leading companies, including Foundation Medicine, Sanofi, Verizon, MathWorks, Mass General Brigham, and Reebok.

“Noval is an outstanding leader with a deep commitment to both our clients and our teams,” said Jared Krieger, co-managing director of Gensler Boston. “Her ability to navigate complex projects with precision and clarity, while fostering a culture of trust and accountability, makes her the perfect fit for this role. We are excited for the future of the Boston office under her leadership.”

Beyond her project work, Noval has been instrumental in shaping the firm’s Design Management best practices across the Northeast region. She plays a pivotal role in managing global client accounts and has held regional leadership roles in client relationships and design synergy. Her mentorship and dedication to fostering leadership within the firm have elevated the next generation of designers and architects.

A recognized thought leader in the real estate and design industries, Noval has been actively involved in CoreNet New England, serving on the Community Reinvestment and Programs Committees, and mentoring through Women in Design initiatives. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology and a Master of Architecture from Columbia University.