Gerardo’s professional training and leadership in public interest design, have allowed him to spearhead Chicago’s most innovative planning and urban design efforts.

In his prior leadership roles in city government, he was responsible for ensuring that Chicago’s economic development goals were supported by thoughtfully designed buildings that enhance neighborhoods where it matters most: on the streets and sidewalks where people live and work. Gerardo’s planning and design leadership has supported over $14B in economic development for the City of Chicago - characterized by community-driven engagement and the use of design excellence as an economic development tool.