Gensler shares two personnel announcements for Houston office

Gensler is pleased to announce Nikki Rafie has been hired as a regional practice area co-leader for strategy; Philip Paratore has returned to the firm as Houston’s hospitality practice area leader with a focus on business development.

Rafie joins Kelly Moore to oversee workplace strategy and design for global corporations, bringing more than 20 years of strategy experience to the region and firm, most recently serving as senior director of global workplace operations at Twitter. Prior to that, Nikki led workplace transformation and real estate portfolio planning for sportswear and technology giants Nike and Intel.

Paratore served in project architect and manager roles with Gensler from 1999-2003 and 2008-2012. He has also worked at 3DI, Structure Tone, Landry’s Development, and Knoll. For the past nine years, Philip was employed as the real estate portfolio and facilities manager of a global engineering firm.

Gensler announces several promotions in Texas

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.

Gensler names new principal, Ken Wiesehuegel in firm’s Houston office

Ken Wiesehuegel has been named principal of the firm’s Houston office.

Ken currently serves as Gensler’s professional services practice area leader for the South Central Region. For more than 30 years, Ken has specialized in law office design and led the client relationships on more than six million square feet of professional services projects across the globe for local, regional and Am Law 100 and 200 firms. He is a registered architect, a registered interior designer, a LEED accredited professional and a current member of the American Institute of Architects.

Gensler adds principal, Todd MacPherson in Houston office

Todd MacPherson has been named principal of the firm’s Houston office.

Todd is a senior designer within the Aviation & Transportation Practice. Past projects include Terminal 6 at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, planning for the new terminal at Brussels Charleroi Airport, and Terminal Expansion at Portland International Jetport in his home State of Maine. He is the firm’s aviation practice area leader for the South Central Region, and is a registered architect, a LEED accredited professional and a current member of the American Institute of Architects.

Gensler adds principal, Vince Flickinger in Houston office

Gensler is pleased to announce that Vince Flickinger has been named principal of the firm’s Houston office.

Vince is a global leader in Gensler’s Energy practice who brings over 20 years of experience in a broad range of project types and roles. His depth of knowledge in corporate workplace design has helped deliver successful projects for clients like BP, Deloitte, Norton Rose Fulbright, Chevron and Johnson & Johnson.

Outside of work, Vince is an active member in several AEC organizations including the Texas Association for Interior Design and the International Interior Design Association.