Biography
Tom Ito built Gensler’s Hospitality practice from the ground up, and three decades later, he’s still shaping how the world experiences hotels. As a Principal in the firm’s Los Angeles office, he leads a global team known for elevating hospitality design on an international scale.
Tom launched the practice in the late 1990s with a renovation of the Beverly Hills Hotel & Bungalows, then went on to lead major projects including the Regent Beverly Wilshire, the Marriott Waiohai Beach Club, the Kimpton Hotel, and the Beverly Hilton. His background as a designer, project architect ,and project manager gives him a rare, full-picture understanding of hospitality work, from concept through construction. He has a knack for turning a client’s vision into something distinct, functional and real. A registered architect, Tom sits on the AIA Design Awards Committee. He was elected to the AIA College of Fellows in 2016 and inducted into the Hospitality Design Platinum Circle in 2025, recognizing his lasting influence on the field.
Hospitality design aspires to enhance guests’ lifestyles through transformational experiences delivered in beautifully designed spaces that engage the senses, embrace cultural influences, and promote healthy living, fostering a lasting sense of belonging.
Selected Projects
Qualifications and Recognition
Bachelor’s Degree, University of Southern California
California
LEED Accreditation, BD+C
Memeber, American Institute Of Architects (AIA)
College of Fellows, AIA
HD Platinum Circle Inductee
“Well-Being for the Guest and the Bottom Line,” New York University International Hospitality Industry Conference; “Hospitality Development,” Southern California Design Forum