Empowering Women: Robin Klehr Avia, FIIDA of Gensler
This week for our Empowering Women feature, we are delighted to share one of the interior design and architecture industry’s most accomplished and talented women – Robin Klehr Avia, Regional Managing Principal at Gensler.
When asked about her career, Klehr Avia’s reply speaks directly to her admirable drive and ambition! “I think I might’ve been an artist or a painter, “ she said, “but I felt like I needed to do something where I could make a living.”
In 1980 Klehr Avia set off to make her living by joining Gensler, the world-renowned global architecture, design, and planning firm, as a junior designer and the company’s 24th employee. Her passion and drive led her to work her way up, and in 2002, she became the Regional Managing Director of the Northeast, managing nearly 1,000 employees in eight offices. In addition to her core responsibilities as Director, she is also a member of the firm’s Executive Committee and the Board of Directors and Management Committee. A born leader, Klehr Avia plays a key role in setting strategic visions for the firm and directing high-profile projects for influential organizations such as Condé Nast, The New York Times or The Ford Foundation.
Beautiful, functional, and innovative are just a few of the words that can be used to describe Klehr Avia’s extensive portfolio of projects for which she has won countless national design awards and that have been featured in numerous top publications, such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Interior Design.
Klehr Avia’s impact on interior design goes beyond her extensive work at Gensler though. She is also an inspiration and role model for the next generation of female interior designers! And thus, a well-deserving awardee of the KOKET Empowering Women to Know status!
For a little insight on Klehr Avia, we looked at a recent article by The Real Deal, where she shared a list of things she keeps at her desk, the place where the design magic unfolds. A pair of red suede Christian Louboutin heels (a brand all empowering women should own) and purple orchids (KOKET’s favorite flower!) reinforced our love for Klehr Avia!
According to The Real Deal,
“The designer shoes were a gift from her colleagues. “I expected to get, like, a gavel or something,” she said. Instead, they “scoured,” calling “every shoe department of every department store until they found a pair of red shoes.” The color was intentional: Red is the company’s official color.”
And –
“Purple orchids are Avia’s signature flower. Her house and desk are never without them. Although the flower has become a bit of a cliché, she is unapologetic about the choice. “I like beautiful things,” she said.”
Cheers to Robin Klehr Avia’s achievements. May they be an inspiration to all women and a reminder that hard work, dedication, and passion can lead to great success!
Who are your favorite Empowering Women? Let us know in the comments!
