The increasing political and social division in the United States has deeply impacted Danish architecture firm Gehl Architects, which has now seen five public projects canceled and several employees in the U.S. expressing fear for their safety and visa status.
Danish Architecture Faces Uncertainty in the U.S.
The political climate in the United States is generating increasing anxiety among international professionals, and Gehl Architects—a leading Danish-American urban planning firm—has found itself directly affected by shifts in U.S. policy under Donald Trump’s administration. Known for reimagining public spaces in major cities like New York, the firm’s CEO, Helle Søholt, says the atmosphere for operating in the U.S. has changed drastically in recent months. The team feels worried but keeps working to improve cities.
Established in 2000, Gehl Architects has 120 employees globally, with 40 based in U.S. offices in New York and San Francisco. Working in cities around the world to promote human-centered design and sustainable urban spaces, the firm made headlines in 2009 for transforming Times Square into a largely car-free plaza with red-painted pedestrian paths and expanded seating areas. Even with problems, the Danish architecture firm keeps making cities greener and nicer.
Projects Canceled Amid Political Shift
Since Trump returned to power, the firm has experienced growing tensions around its work in the U.S. Five publicly funded projects have been canceled, all of which incorporated elements related to social development, public inclusion, or diversity. These canceled engagements came just months after the U.S. administration rolled back support for DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) initiatives, viewing them as misaligned with national interests.
Instead of planning long-term strategies, projects are now being handled month-to-month due to political unpredictability. Some U.S. municipalities have halted bidding processes to revise project descriptions in ways that better align with new federal policies, often replacing concepts like “sustainability” and “inclusion” with less politically charged terms such as “resilience.” This linguistic shift reflects a broader ideological change affecting how urban planning is framed and executed in the country.
Employee Anxiety Hits New Highs
The leadership at Gehl Architects has been forced to take extra measures to support its U.S. staff, many of whom are expressing unprecedented levels of concern. Some employees have requested temporary transfers to the Danish branch, citing stress over travel restrictions, shifting visa rules, and fears of being scrutinized at international borders.
Tensions are not limited to internal employee well-being. External collaborators have even advised company executives to take precautionary measures when entering the country. Ahead of her next trip to New York, Søholt was told to leave phones containing social media apps in Denmark due to increasing surveillance risks.
These apprehensions are underscored by the company’s involvement in urban and social development projects—areas now closely examined by federal agencies under the new administration. Employees fear that their work, or even their nationality, could draw unwanted attention in the evolving political environment.
Broader Business Implications
The challenges faced by Gehl are not isolated. The United States is Denmark’s largest export market, and thousands of Danish companies operate or invest there. However, Trump’s second term has introduced new barriers. For example, Denmark’s exports to the U.S. reached $17.5 billion in 2023, but many now fear that protectionist trade policies and unpredictable tariffs could jeopardize further growth.
While the firm remains committed to maintaining its DEI values, it is actively re-evaluating project frameworks and client engagement strategies. Leadership now meets weekly to assess risks and adapt swiftly to changes in the policy landscape.
Looking Beyond American Shores
Faced with restricted growth prospects in the U.S., Gehl Architects is beginning to explore new markets with a focus on cities and countries that welcome inclusive and sustainable urban planning. While the firm does not plan to withdraw from the U.S., it anticipates slower growth and fewer opportunities in the coming four years under current political conditions.
For now, Gehl continues to navigate daily uncertainty while holding firm to the philosophy that made it globally respected: cities should be built for people, not just cars or commerce. But as political rhetoric clashes with these ideals, the realities of doing business and run a Danish architecture firm in the U.S. have never been more complicated.
