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
GDA offers me the opportunity to be intentional about deepening my network within the design community. The small group fosters authentic relationships both personal and professional, and we openly exchange knowledge through the lens of our diverse perspectives. It’s incredibly energizing to be a part of a dynamic group of leaders furthering the reach of innovation across the industry.
GDA symposiums create a moment of pause to look forward and check in with a close-knit, trusted group of AEC industry leaders who come together for open, candid conversations around the most pressing issues facing global practice. We dig into the challenges of the moment, ask the tough questions, and collaborate on practical solutions—all with the goal of pushing ourselves to lead with vision and purpose.
I recently had breakfast with a wonderful client of ours. He told me that the team is doing a great job and that he was extremely impressed with his visit to our project partner’s operations in New York. He also, unprompted, shared that Kitchell and Shop have a ton of similarities with our approach to projects! It was pretty cool to hear and I wouldn’t have connected the dots without the GDA.
GDA by the numbers
Portland, Ore 2025
This fall’s GDA Symposium, hosted by Biohabitats, is about purpose—how we each find and follow our “North Star” as leaders in times of change. Over four days, we’ll reflect, connect, and learn through workshops, conversations, tours, and shared meals. We’ll ground ourselves in place, learn from one another, and practice leading with clarity and authenticity.
The Global Design Alliance (GDA) is an international network of design, planning, and construction firms committed to fostering growth and change. For over 30 years, the GDA has been an experiment in transparency, resource-sharing, and creativity. We bring together a diverse group of companies to build trusted partnerships and share knowledge across the AEC industry—always with the belief that we are “Better Together.”
Past Events
See all EventsNew York City, 2025
Portland, Ore 2025
San Diego, BC
Omaha, NE 2024
San Antonio Symposium 2023
Vancouver, BC 2023
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
Cyrice Griffith is the Executive Director of the Global Design Alliance, bringing more than 30 years of senior leadership and consulting across high-profile institutions in architecture, design, and the arts. As a trusted strategic advisor and Certified Design Futurist (CDF), Cyrice has led cross-firm practitioner cohorts, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and inclusion-centered programs that strengthen culture, collaboration, and industry impact.
Her career includes senior director roles with the Los Angeles chapters of both the Urban Land Institute and the American Institute of Architects, where she oversaw operations, member engagement, and the launch of the new education and community-impact initiatives, including UrbanPlan workshops and the nonprofit Architecture for Communities Los Angeles.
Cyrice’s work has engaged hundreds of AEC professionals in knowledge-sharing, amplifying best practices, leadership development, and public understanding of the built environment. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, completed executive study in architecture and spatial design at the Royal College of Art, holds a master’s degree in Cultural Policy & Management from City University of London with a focus on urban regeneration, and a communications and social psychology degree from the University of Southern California. Cyrice maintains an active consulting practice leading strategic foresight workshops for creative nonprofits and AEC-sector firms and organizations.
Director of Operations
Brook Wyntergreen Olsen joined the Global Design Alliance in 2014, having served as former Chair for the GDA Marketing & Business Development Community. Today, Brook serves as the Director of Operations, supporting the Board and Executive Director by managing the overall operations of the consortium; including financial controller, experiential design, and membership engagement. With 19 years in the design industry, Brook also serves as a liaison for public and private projects, assisting both owner and design teams in master planning, community engagement and project funding opportunities. She has led marketing & business development departments and has worked in project management & project scheduling for healthcare and public projects. Brook holds a Masters in Business Administration from Portland State University and Bachelors of Arts for Architecture and Italian from University of Oregon.
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.