Gail McCleese, the founder and sensory director of sensitori, has spent 37 years elevating Houston’s hospitality landscape through a unique, human-centered design philosophy. McCleese specializes in creating commercial environments that connect people to place through light, texture, and biophilic elements.

Her exceptional work earned national recognition at the 2025 rd+d Awards, where she won for Best Full-Service Restaurant Design for Turner’s Cut and Best New Concept Launch for Annabelle Brasserie. Additionally, she recently completed London House, a luxury high-rise residential tower that has significantly enhanced resident experience and asset value.

McCleese is distinguished by her innovative business model, which recruits former mentees and independent designers to collaborate on high-profile projects, enabling them to build their own practices under her guidance. A long-standing member of NEWH and the ACE Mentorship Program, she is a dedicated advocate for the next generation of design professionals.

Her sensory-driven, ethically responsible approach ensures that each project is not only a commercial success but also a meaningful destination that fosters connection and leaves a lasting impact on the community.