Gene McDonald

Gene McDonald has devoted his career to finding opportunities for lasting design within tough parameters and constraints. He comes to HASTINGS from the Chicago office of HED (Harley Ellis Deveraux), where he was a principal and market sector leader. He has led and designed successful projects, both public and private, throughout the nation and beyond and his understanding of programming and planning is equally matched by his desire to deliver a beautiful building design.

Gene received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Kentucky and his Master of Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania. He practiced and studied in both Lexington, Kentucky and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, prior to moving to Chicago, Illinois.

In addition to guiding and delivering great projects, Gene believes that mentorship and thought leadership in the architecture industry are critically important. He frequently participates in conferences and panels related to residential and educational design and contributes writing to trade publications. These written contributions allow him to tap into current thoughts and pedagogies and continue to influence the greater architecture community.

Gene is an active member of multiple organizations, including Urban Land Institute (ULI), Society for College and University Planning (SCUP), Association of College and University Housing Officers – International (ACUHO-i), American Institute of Architects (AIA), and US Green Building Council (USGBC). He maintains annual NCARB certification and is currently licensed in multiple states.

In his personal life, Gene raises five children with his wife, and they enjoy travelling and exploring new places as a family.