Diane Thorsen

Diane Thorsen, IIDA, LEED AP ID+C, WELL AP, Hospitality Leader, Design Director, Principal at Gensler, is recognised as one of the industry’s most influential voices shaping the future of interior architecture and hospitality design. With a career spanning more than three decades, she has built a reputation for delivering design excellence rooted in a deep understanding of people, place and purpose.

Based in Gensler’s Dubai office, Diane leads the firm’s global hospitality practice, guiding multidisciplinary teams to create impactful, human-centric environments, internationally. Her approach is grounded in the belief that great design begins from within by fully understanding a client’s vision, culture and operational needs, and translating these into meaningful spatial experiences. Since relocating to the Middle East in 2008, she has demonstrated a nuanced sensitivity to the region’s cultural context, consistently delivering projects that reflect local identity while meeting global standards.

Diane’s portfolio spans hospitality, mixed-use, workplace and residential environments, with a particular strength in large-scale, complex developments. Her work is distinguished by meticulous attention to detail, a strong emphasis on craftsmanship, and an integration of local art and materials. Under her leadership, Gensler’s hospitality studio has evolved into an award-winning collective of thought leaders, known for innovation, collaboration and design rigour.

Her design philosophy is anchored in human-centric and sustainable thinking, supported by a structured and highly detailed process that enables creativity to thrive within clear strategic frameworks. This balance has allowed her to successfully deliver projects across diverse budgets, timelines and client requirements, while maintaining consistently high standards of quality and experience.

Diane holds a degree from the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture at the University of Johannesburg and has further specialised in sustainable design. She is a LEED and WELL Accredited Professional, reinforcing her commitment to environmentally responsible and wellness-driven design. A Registered Interior Designer with the IIDA, she also contributes to the next generation of designers through her role on the advisory board of the American University in Dubai.

Alaya at Tilal Al Ghaf is an ultra-luxury residential community in Dubai developed by Majid Al Futtaim, featuring high-end Grand Villas designed in collaboration with the renowned architecture firm Gensler. Gensler, known for sustainable and innovative designs, brings a "conscientious architectural strategy" to Alaya, incorporating natural elements and high-quality materials to create "light-infused" spaces. The community features 4–6-bedroom villas (Grand Villas) with sizes ranging from 5,908 sq. ft to over 9,500 sq. ft. Gensler's design for Alaya villas has achieved a 'BREEAM Very Good' rating, focusing on sustainable materials, natural lighting, and energy-efficient systems like 24KW photovoltaic arrays.

The project is widely considered one of the top luxury villa developments in Dubai, emphasizing a balance between nature and modern, high-end living.

Diane’s design philosophy is rooted in a human-centred, research-driven approach that prioritises the experience of people within space. She believes that successful design begins with a deep understanding of a client’s vision, culture and context, shaping environments from the inside out to ensure they are both meaningful and functional. This is complemented by a strong emphasis on collaboration, where continuous dialogue between client and design team informs every stage of the process, allowing ideas, materials and forms to evolve organically into cohesive solutions.

Her approach to creativity balances rigour with exploration. Drawing inspiration from disciplines such as art and fashion, Diane integrates innovation through materials, storytelling and spatial experience, while maintaining a structured and highly detailed methodology that ensures clarity and consistency in delivery. Functionality remains central, with each project designed to align with operational needs, usability and long-term performance, creating spaces that are not only visually compelling but also efficient, sustainable and adaptable.