David Briefel

Biography

David is a global leader of Gensler's Climate Action and Sustainability practice and Sustainability Director based in New York. He advances climate action through high-performance projects, portfolio-wide strategies, research, and standards that help the design industry scale measurable environmental impact.

With experience spanning sustainability consulting, workplace design, adaptive reuse, and mission-critical facilities, David translates ambitious environmental commitments into practical design solutions. His completed work includes the AIA COTE Award-winning Etsy Headquarters and Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice, as well as Google at St. John's Terminal. He spearheaded the Gensler Product Sustainability Standards, an open-source framework for high-volume architecture and interior material categories, and has led research on data-driven design and embodied carbon. David is a frequent speaker at Living Future, the AIA, Climate Week NYC, and Greenbuild.

Building regenerative cities requires recognizing the full ecosystem of stakeholders and coming up with new and accelerated ways of cooperation across stakeholders.

Selected Projects

project

Google at St. John’s Terminal

Google at St. John’s Terminal transforms a 1930s-era freight terminal into a vibrant, purpose-built workplace that trailblazes new standards for the future of work.

project

The Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice

The holistic renovation transforms the Foundation’s workplace and public spaces and is a manifestation of its mission: to promote the inherent dignity of all people.

In the News

News

Metropolis

The magazine recognized Gensler Climate Action Studio Director David Briefel as 2025's Sustainability Leader Winner at the Planet Positive Awards, in honor of his impact in driving industry transformation through both built work and systems change.

News

[FPO] Gensler’s Product Sustainability (GPS) Standards are a step toward a more circular economy and less carbon-intensive industry

News

[FPO] Mass Timber Construction: The Carbon Sequester

David's Posts

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[FPO] Scaling Circular Design: Key Policies, Standards, and Strategies

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[FPO] Three Principles for High-Impact Sustainable Design Guidelines

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Qualifications and Recognition

Master of Science, Interior Architecture, Pratt Institute

Bachelor of Science, School of Hotel Administration, Cornell University

LEED Accredited Professional

LEED Accredited Professional Building Design and Construction (BD+C)

LEED Accredited Professional Interior Design and Construction (ID+C)

Member, Urban Green Council

Member, Architecture for Humanity

2025 Metropolis Planet Positive Award, Sustainability Leader

2023 Power Players in Climate, Energy and Sustainability

Speaker, International Living Future Conference (2026);

Panelist, Design for Freedom at Grace Farms (2026);

Moderator, Climate Week NYC Circularity in Action (2025); Moderator, CoreNet NYC Sustainability and Project Certifications (2025);

Panelist, New York Build Conference (2025);

Presenter, Greenbuild International Conference + Expo (2023); Presenter, AIA Conference on Architecture (2022)

MindfulMaterials, Board Member

Expertise

Climate Action & Sustainability Strategy Office Developers