Vaki Mawema

Biography

Vaki is a co-leader of the Baltimore office. He is a coach and a mentor who helps to ensure the borderless connectivity of Gensler’s global talent. His leadership has created an enterprising workplace culture that embodies creative passion, design excellence, exceptional client service, with a focus on growth, leadership, mentorship, and entrepreneurship.

Vaki is recognized as a business leader and a champion of Baltimore, guiding teams behind many of the city’s most significant projects, including the Harborplace’s reimagination, the M&T Bank Stadium renovation, T. Rowe Price’s headquarters, Baltimore Penn Station expansion, and Under Armour’s Global Headquarters, one of Gensler’s most sustainable designs. Vaki chairs ULI’s Placemaking Product Council and co-chairs Gensler's Global Inclusion Committee, advancing anti-racism in the design industry. Named a Baltimore Business Journal Leader in Diversity and a Washington Business Journal “40 under 40,” Vaki frequently speaks on creative leadership, teamwork, and purpose-driven organizational success.

Selected Projects

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Harborplace

Gensler and MCB Real Estate are reimagining Harborplace as a dynamic mixed-use waterfront destination that celebrates Baltimore through inclusive public experiences.

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M&T Bank Stadium

M&T Bank Stadium enters a new era, transforming underused spaces into bold, immersive destinations that elevate Ravens fandom and connect the venue to Baltimore.

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T. Rowe Price | Harbor Point Headquarters

T. Rowe Price’s new Harbor Point headquarters reimagines the workplace, combining hospitality, flexibility, and sustainability across two connected towers.

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Amtrak – Baltimore Penn Station Lanvale Expansion

Consisting of the restoration of the historic head house, a station expansion, new commercial office development, and a network of connective public plazas, Baltimore Penn Station demonstrates how transportation infrastructure can become a catalyst for civic life and urban renewal.

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[FPO] Under Armour Global Headquarters

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Rash Field Pavilion

Rash Field Pavilion demonstrates the power of public space to connect Baltimore with its waterfront through recreation, education, community gathering, and civic pride.

In the News

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[FPO] Harborplace Revamp Promises to ‘Reset the Trajectory’ of Downtown Baltimore

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[FPO] Baltimore's Billion-Dollar Plans to Reinvent Itself

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[FPO] MCB Unveils New Harborplace Details, Including Target Groundbreaking

Vaki's Posts

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[FPO] How African Youth Are Shaping City Futures

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[FPO] Magnetizing People & Places Through the Power of Brand

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[FPO] The “Five I’s” of Design

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[FPO] Is Mass Timber the American South's Best Kept Secret? Not for Long.

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Qualifications and Recognition

Bachelor of Architecture, New School of Architecture and Design

LEED AP BD+C

Chair, National Placemaking Council, Urban Land Institute (ULI)

Member, Downtown Partnership of Baltimore

Hospitality Design Magazine

Leader in Diversity Honoree, Baltimore Business Journal, 2021

40 under 40, 2017

Rising Stars of Real Estate, 2017

Keynote, 2025 Baltimore Infrastructure Summit, “The 5 I's of Collective Leadership”

Keynote, Mayor’s Office of Infrastructure Development Summit in Baltimore.

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Expertise

Cities & Urban Design Critical Facilities Senior Living Sports Mixed-Use