2025-Innovators in Commercial Real Estate-Tobias Keyl of gmp Architects

Impact Highlight: Describe a recent program, initiative, or process implemented by you and the impact on your firm, organization, or community. In 2022, we launched gmp’s Green Dialogue, a framework that simplifies complex sustainability standards into 23 core principles applied at the start of every project. Used internally and with clients, it sets shared sustainability goals and fosters transparent discussions from the outset. The tool streamlines communication, clarifies ambitions, and ensures sustainability is an integral, actionable part of each design process.

Beyond Buildings: How do you see innovation in commercial real estate creating a broader impact on communities and the people who live and work in them? Innovation in commercial real estate extends beyond façades — it shapes how buildings engage their communities. By integrating semi-public or “third” spaces, architecture can invite the public to gather, interact, and connect beyond a building’s core function. At gmp, projects such as the Gasteig HP8 Isarphilharmonie demonstrate how flexible, inclusive design can transform architecture into a social catalyst within the urban fabric.

Corporate Culture: How does your organization foster a culture of innovation among employees and leadership? At gmp, innovation grows from open dialogue and collaboration. Design is problem-solving, and the best ideas emerge when architects, engineers, consultants, and clients work together as equals. This collective exchange allows experiences to cross-pollinate, encouraging teams to explore new solutions rather than rely solely on proven ones — fostering a culture where creativity, curiosity, and technical excellence continually advance our work.

Innovative Outlook: Where do you see the biggest opportunities for innovation in the commercial real estate sector? The greatest opportunities for innovation lie in how we construct and operate buildings. Prefabrication, modular systems, and automated methods are transforming efficiency and precision. At gmp’s CSCEC Headquarters in Guangzhou—a 584-foot high-rise—integrated shading, ventilation, and energy-harvesting systems enable near-zero-carbon operation. Such approaches guide the way toward a more adaptive, responsible built environment.