Antoine Bryant’s tenure as Detroit’s planning director will soon come to an end, but his impact on the city’s future continues to resonate. Beginning December 16, Bryant will step into a new chapter as co-managing director of Gensler’s Detroit office, sharing the title with John Waller and leading a team of 30 architects and designers. He sees this move not as a departure from Detroit’s transformation but as an opportunity to influence it from a new vantage point.
Bryant, who arrived in Detroit from Houston in 2021, brought with him a bold vision for equitable development and inclusive planning. His leadership at the city’s Planning and Development Department has been defined by his commitment to ensuring that Detroit’s growth benefits all its residents. During his tenure, he oversaw the initiation of the city’s first new master plan update in 15 years, a process he regards as crucial for shaping Detroit’s urban future.
Reflecting on his decision to leave city government, Bryant shared that his transition to Gensler came after thoughtful consideration and discussions with the firm over the fall. “As I move to Gensler, it’s really quite invigorating to now play a role using my design background as well as planning to be able to look at how the city transformed urbanistically and to ensure that all of our residents are able to benefit from the phenomenal architecture the city has,” he said.
Gensler, a global design and architecture powerhouse, has deepened its footprint in Detroit through high-profile projects, including advising on General Motors’ $1.6 billion-plus redevelopment of the Renaissance Center. While Bryant declined to discuss specifics about the RenCen project, he emphasized the firm’s wide-ranging expertise and its growing presence in Detroit. “You’re going to see us around,” Bryant said. “We’re going to have a lot of work on workplace interior and auto dealership space. Gensler as a whole has over 30 disciplines that we work in, so there’s going to be opportunities for us to really grow the practice and stake a strong claim here in the Detroit market.”
Bryant’s leadership at Gensler will undoubtedly intersect with many of the initiatives he championed as Detroit’s planning director. He pointed to several highlights of his time with the city, including large-scale efforts like Henry Ford Health’s new campus in the New Center area and the redevelopment of the Fisher Body No. 21 building in Milwaukee Junction. These projects, alongside the master plan update, signal the kind of transformative change Bryant has advocated for—change that prioritizes community needs while embracing architectural excellence.
Even as Bryant prepares for his new role, his commitment to Detroit remains steadfast. He will continue advising the city during the transition to new leadership in the Planning and Development Department. Mayor Mike Duggan has nominated Alexa Bush, a former city planning official and current head of The Kresge Foundation’s Detroit initiatives, as Bryant’s successor. Bush’s nomination reflects a continuity of leadership and a shared vision for Detroit’s development.
For Bryant, the move to Gensler is also a chance to address some of the systemic challenges he encountered in city government. He noted the importance of city planners becoming more involved in development projects earlier in the process, particularly in hospitality and retail sectors. “I would argue an opportunity to get involved in our larger developments even sooner,” Bryant said. “We can be reactive in how our city develops, or we can be proactive, ensuring that uses match context and also match the perceived and ideal future for the city and for that neighborhood.”
This proactive approach to planning aligns with Bryant’s broader philosophy of equitable development. His vision has always been rooted in the belief that Detroit’s revitalization must benefit its residents, not just its investors. As he steps into his role at Gensler, this commitment will continue to guide his work, influencing the projects and partnerships the firm undertakes in the city.
Bryant’s departure also serves as a reminder of the ongoing work required to build a city that reflects the aspirations of all its communities. From neighborhoods shaped by historical disinvestment to areas on the cusp of revitalization, Detroit’s planning efforts must remain grounded in equity and inclusion. Bryant’s leadership has been a crucial part of advancing that vision, and his legacy will likely inspire those who follow.
As Bryant begins this new chapter, the city he leaves behind faces both opportunities and challenges. The transition in leadership at the Planning and Development Department marks a moment to reaffirm Detroit’s commitment to thoughtful and inclusive urban planning. With Alexa Bush poised to step into the role, the city has the chance to build on Bryant’s work and continue pushing for a future that honors Detroit’s rich history while embracing innovation and growth.