HiP Awards > People > Designer: Lifetime Of Hipness: East Coast

Photo: Courtesy of Gensler

EJ Lee, a Design Principal at Gensler New York, is known for her elegant, timeless design solutions that bring clarity and refinement to complex projects. With 30 years of experience, she has shaped interiors that blend sophistication with functionality across sectors with a strong focus in designing for the financial sector including client like Morgan Stanley, Deutsche Bank, Nomura, Wells Fargo, Blue Owl and Flag Star. Her work consistently balances beauty with purpose, earning the trust of iconic brands like Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, L’Oréal, and The New York Times. Her design leadership is marked by a thoughtful, human-centered approach that enhances both the experience and performance of a space. At the Acibadem Healthcare campus in Istanbul, she led the interiors for the headquarters, hospital, and children’s pavilion—each infused with calm, graceful gestures. From tulip-shaped columns framing garden views to curved forms, soft lighting, and cultural motifs like Cappadocia’s hot air balloons, the design communicates serenity and care at every scale. In New York, EJ guided the transformation of a global pharmaceutical company’s headquarters at Hudson Yards and a dynamic concourse and pavilion at Bryant Park. Each project is an example of restrained elegance—clean lines, curated materials, and meaningful visual cues that reflect the client’s identity. The Bryant Park pavilion’s fritted glass and diagrid structure subtly reference the client’s brand while blending into the urban fabric with quiet sophistication. EJ’s portfolio is unified by her ability to translate complex needs into clear, elegant outcomes. Her interiors are not just beautiful—they’re enduring, contextual, and deeply intentional. Recognized in publications like Interior Design, Fast Company, and The New York Times, EJ continues to mentor emerging designers and speak at industry events. Her work embodies a design philosophy rooted in beauty, humanity, and long-term impact—creating spaces that resonate both aesthetically and experientially.