Steven is an engineer and urban systems and infrastructure strategist widely recognized for delivering creative, value-led district, campus and city solutions for an ever-changing world. In his role, he focuses on connecting the technical world of complex urban systems with people-based solutions. He works across scales finding systems solutions across traditional boundaries of buildings, campuses and cities. Steven has a rich history of creating unique solutions to assist his clients in meeting their high-performance, economic and strategic missions. Steven Baumgartner founded Baumgartner Urban Systems Strategy (BUSS) after over two decades with global integrated design, engineering, planning and architecture firms. BUSS is a one-person consultancy building collaboratives and integrated approaches with system thinkers to address our greatest challenges. Steven is on Van Alen Institute’s Climate Council and the ULI Sustainable Development Council.

Solving complex problems in the built world is my passion. I believe that the role of Architecture and Design is to improve the human condition in our communities and beyond. In my over 17 years at Gensler, I have been fortunate to lead award-winning base building and interiors projects for a variety of dynamic clients. My past experience spans Workplace, Corporate Headquarters, Mixed Use, Government and Education. As a Design Manager and leader in the Office Buildings Practice Area, I guide and mentor our talented teams to deliver impactful and resilient design. I began my career in Gensler’s New York Office and after 9 years made a move to my home state and Gensler Charlotte. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Art from Wake Forest University and a Masters in Architecture from the University of Texas at Austin. I enjoy volunteering in the community and am committed to learning something new every day.