better together
About GDA
The Global Design Alliance is an international network of design, planning and construction firms who are committed to fostering dynamic growth and change. We are a living 30-year experiment in transparency, resource- sharing, authenticity and creativity that builds trust and develops not only people, but whole companies, who truly are “Better Together.” The GDA intentionally brings together a diverse group of companies to facilitate trusted partnerships and knowledge sharing amongst the most forward-thinking leaders in the AEC industry. Our vision is to:
- skate to where the puck is going;
- nurture familiarity by prioritizing trust and respect;
- engage in provocative and inspiring dialogue;
- seek out diversity of thought;
- and create a safe place to explore new ideas and initiatives
Who we are
What our members say
What I love most about the GDA are the personal relationships. I’ve had the opportunity to develop with inspiring practice leaders from across North America. I learn something new whenever we come together. And whenever I need advice, I know that I can pick up the phone or send out a quick note, and within the hour I’ll have the benefit of their friendly, practical wisdom. Extremely rewarding, both personally and professionally!
Alliiance has been a long-term member of the GDA. Throughout the years, our firm has formed strategic partnerships and we have benefitted from many collaborations with other GDA member firms – and I personally have gained many deep friendships. We constantly have been able to access a deep bench of experience in all practice areas because of the diversity of members within the GDA. Even more so, I have had shoulders to lean on and people to look to for advice during these uncertain times.
I am fascinated and enriched by all of the different ways that the companies within the GDA have chosen to organize themselves. While addressing the same big-picture industry issues, we are each working in a different organizational model. That combination of similarity and diversity enables us to have both well-informed and changeful conversations, tackling topics such as leadership, diversity and inclusion, structure, succession planning and culture in unique ways.
GDA by the numbers
Omaha, NE 2024
GDA member firms will explore critical issues surrounding the designed & built environment during our Fall Symposium. The semi-annual symposium of the Global Design Alliance, hosted by RDG, is an intimate gathering where firm leaders from across North America collaborate on topics relating to the AEC industry and the strategic practice of our firms.
Past Events
See all EventsSan Diego, BC
Omaha, NE 2024
San Antonio Symposium 2023
Vancouver, BC 2023
New York Symposium 2022
Seattle Symposium
Knowledge Communities
Leadership & Human Capital
Members meet monthly to discuss critical leadership and human capital issues that our firms are facing. Topics range from transition and succession planning to professional development to talent recruitment and retention.
Diversity & Inclusion
This knowledge community shares in the deep commitment and fervent desire to bring diversity, equity and inclusion into each of our member firms. The group meets monthly to openly discuss best practices, challenges and also set collective goals that can be brought back in-house of our individual member firms.
Professional Training
Employees of member firms have access to key training opportunities organized by the Global Design Alliance. Recent workshops have included: Total Leadership by Stew Friedman of the Wharton School of Business.
Contact Us
Executive Director
Saskia Dennis-van Dijl joined the Global Design Alliance as Executive Director in 2016. Saskia has served as a practice management consultant to the AEC industry for the past two decades advising firms around the US in the areas of marketing, practice management and strategic planning. In recent years, Saskia has focused extensively on leadership development in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry including a deep commitment to concerns related to diversity equity and inclusion. She was a founding member of the 2014 Equity by Design research project sponsored by AIA San Francisco and now works with companies around the nation on culture and policy development to achieve goals of diversity and inclusion in all aspects.
Associate Director
Brook Wyntergreen Olsen joined the Global Design Alliance in 2014, having served as former Chair for the GDA Marketing & Business Development Community. In 2016, she began the role of Associate Director, supporting the Board and Executive Director by managing the overall operations of the consortium; including financial controller, event management & design, and membership engagement. With 18 years in the design industry, Brook also serves as a liaison for public projects, assisting both owner and design teams in master planning, community engagement and project funding opportunities. She has led marketing & business development departments and worked in project management & project scheduling for healthcare and public projects. Brook holds a Masters in Business Administration and Bachelors of Arts for Architecture and Italian.
Chair of the Board
Jenna Knudsen is the managing principal of Los Angeles-based CO Architects, a nationally recognized design firm focused on large and complex institutional, civic, academic, health sciences education, science & technology and healthcare projects. She has focused on transforming the architectural design and construction environment traditionally dominated by gender-inequity, division and risk-aversion to one that is collaborative, inclusive and trusting. Jenna has driven design and process innovation on high-profile projects throughout the country for institutions such as Palomar Health, UC San Diego, University of Arizona, Arizona State University and Kaiser Permanente. For more than a decade Jenna has been engaged in the GDA, serving on its executive committee since 2022. She is a licensed Architect in the state of California and a LEED Accredited Professional. Jenna earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Southern California, and a Master of Science in Architecture and Urban Design from Columbia University.