Gensler has announced several promotions in its Austin and San Antonio offices: Principal John Houser, Managing Director/Principal Michael Rey, and Design Director/Principal Travel Albrecht.
John is known for his attention to client needs and his problem-solving ability fueled by inspired, creative thinking. He enjoys creating spaces that are as beautiful as they are comfortable, efficient, and purposeful.
John’s passion for design originates from his interest in architectural history, engineering, and the desire to create real-life works of art in the community. His design concepts are rooted in creating unique experiences and incorporating equity for both the client and the community.
While at Gensler, he has led planning and design efforts on projects including the University of Texas at Austin Moody Center and basketball practice facility, Block 16 + Austin Convention Center, 823 Congress building repositioning, The Orchard public art installation, and the Circuit of the Americas redevelopment master plan.
Michael Rey is the managing director of Gensler’s San Antonio office. He has 20 years of architecture, business development and project management experience. He has worked on a variety of building types, spanning civic, commercial, educational, hospitality, multifamily and urban design, which includes projects such as the UTSA National Security Collaboration Center and School of Data Science, ProjectMEND headquarters, an organization that supports veterans, the Alameda Theater, a historic Mexican-American venue, the San Antonio Zoo animal hospital, and ChildSafe facility, which serves children who are survivors of abuse.
Michael’s previous roles include senior principal and VP of operations at Overland Partners, lead architect for Jacobs San Antonio, as well as launching his own firm in 2011. He has taught at UTSA’s School of Architecture and currently serves as chair of their advocacy and advisory council. He is also passionate about educating and inspiring children and is an active supporter of organizations like the Boy Scouts of America, KIPP, San Antonio Sports Foundation–Healthy Kids, and Snack Pak 4 Kids SA.
Michael received a bachelor’s in environmental design from Texas A&M University, followed by a Master of Architecture from Yale University.
As a design director at Gensler Austin, Travis Albrecht is a highly sought after resource within the firm for his design vision and expertise in sustainable design and planning. Since joining the firm in 2008, he has been involved in many of their significant projects, as well as helped foster the growth of the office.
His experience spans a vast array of project types, from commercial office buildings and mixed use to education and master planning. Some of his notable projects include: 500 West 2nd (Google Tower), Block 164 Office Tower, The Domain Northside, The Fairmont Austin, Fifth + Tillery, Hilton Austin Overhead Walkway, the Moody Center (UT basketball arena and events center) and UPCycle.
Travis is also involved in strategic planning and thought leadership on topics including digital design, design resilience, and design purpose.
Travis received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Texas at Austin.
