Biography
As Gensler’s Global Director of Large Projects, Grant combines strategic design leadership, client relationship expertise, and proven project management experience to guide large, complex projects worldwide.
With over 35 years of experience, Grant has served as Co-Regional Managing Principal of Gensler’s North Central Region, and as a Chicago Office Managing Director, a leader of the Firm’s Mixed-Use / Entertainment and Critical Facilities practices, and a Project Management Firmwide Leader.
Partnering closely with clients, Grant leads complex corporate headquarters, large mixed-use, adaptive reuse / repositioning projects globally, including the Shanghai Tower, where he served as executive project director. In Chicago, his iconic work includes the redevelopment of the Old Post Office, the Willis Tower Reimagining, and the new flagship for the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.
Grant serves on the Board of Directors for World Business Chicago, the CAC Development Council, and ULI Chicago’s Product Council, and is active with the Economic Club of Chicago, the Council on Vertical Urbanism, and the University Club of Chicago. He is past president of both AIA Chicago and the AIA Chicago Foundation.
Building strong relationships with clients and communities is at the heart of my work. I enjoy diving into complex challenges, rolling up my sleeves to develop thoughtful strategies, and partnering with others to create solutions that leave a meaningful, lasting impact.
Selected Projects
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In the News
Qualifications and Recognition
Bachelor of Architecture, Iowa State University
Urban Design Theory Program, University of Bath
Registered Architect: Minnesota, Iowa, Ohio, Indiana, Missouri, Kansas, Michigan, Washington, Tennessee, Florida, Illinois, Wisconsin
Chicago Certified Energy Professional
Chicago Self Certified Architect
LEED Accredited Professional BD+C
NCARB Certified
Fellow, American Institute of Architects (AIA)
Chicago Product Council Member, Urban Land Institute (ULI)
Board Member, World Business Chicago
Chicagoans of the Year for Architecture, 2019
2026 Presenter, Talking Tall, Illinois Institute of Technology Architecture Masters of Tall Building and Vertical Urbanism Program
2025 Panelist, Chicago Build Conference, “The Critical Role Architects play in Fire Protection and Human Safety”
2024 Guest Speaker, Chicago Build Conference, “Innovating the Building Industry with Data Driven Insights”
2024 CTBUH Steering Committee Workshop Building Flexibility Research Project, London
2024 ULI Chicago Product Council, mHub Site Tour and Project Presentation
2024 AIA Chicago “Behind the Scenes” Feature Article, Chicago Architect, Grant C. Uhlir
Contributor, ACE Mentorship Program Chicago
Contributor, DIFFA Chicago
Member, University Club of Chicago
Member, Economic Club of Chicago
Development Council Committee Member, Chicago Architecture Center