Mr. Rene Cruz

René Cruz: Shaping Architectural Excellence with Vision and Leadership

René Cruz is more than an architect; he’s a visionary leader who has left an indelible mark on the architectural landscape of New Jersey. As the Studio Director and Senior Associate at Gensler’s Morristown office, René specializes in hospitality and office building development, where he brings over 27 years of architectural expertise to the table.

In his role, René oversees every aspect of project development, from strategy and design to management and technical assurance. His keen understanding of the hospitality and office sectors allows him to align building design with operational and organizational procedures, driving marketplace awareness and success for his clients.

René’s leadership style is characterized by his immersive approach and commitment to collaboration. He works side-by-side with his teams, encouraging creativity and innovation to deliver out-of-the-box solutions that meet project deliverables, all while adhering to strict timelines and budgets.

Beyond his professional responsibilities, René is deeply involved in fostering the next generation of architects, construction managers, and engineers. Since 2009, he has served as a board member and team leader for the ACE Mentor Program of New Jersey. Through project-driven activities, René mentors aspiring professionals, sharing his knowledge and passion for the industry to inspire future leaders.

René’s dedication to excellence and mentorship has not gone unnoticed. He has been recognized by NjLocalties for his outstanding contributions to the architectural community, embodying the values of trust, integrity, and innovation that the publication celebrates.

René holds a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Technology from the New York Institute of Technology, providing him with a solid foundation in the technical aspects of architecture that he applies to his work every day.

Outside of work, René finds joy in spending time with his family. He enjoys vacations with his wife, Katina, and their two children, Kai and Nikalette. Their home in Vermont serves as a peaceful retreat, and they often embark on adventures in their RV, living off the fat of the land and creating cherished memories together.

René also has a passion for Latino music, which runs in his blood as his late father was a musician. He finds solace and inspiration in the rhythms and melodies that remind him of his heritage.

Additionally, René coaches his son in soccer and is a supportive presence in his daughter’s passion for dance. He takes pride in nurturing their talents and helping them pursue their dreams.

As NjLocalties celebrates individuals who make a difference in their communities, René Cruz stands out as a leader in the architectural field, shaping the built environment with vision, expertise, and a commitment to mentorship. His contributions to the industry and dedication to fostering the next generation of professionals make him a true asset to New Jersey’s architectural community.

 

At Gensler, the value of our work stems from its positive impact on the human experience. We are a dynamic and collaborative design firm uniting creativity, research, and innovation to solve complex problems for our clients. Our work challenges conventional ideas about architecture and the built environment. We aren’t just designing buildings — we are reimagining cities and places that make a difference in people’s lives. Founded in 1965, Gensler has built a team of 6,000 professionals who partner with clients in over 100 countries each year. Everything we do is guided by our mission: to create a better world through the power of design.