Gilbert is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Bareng Corporation, where he leads projects that focus on schools, affordable housing, and essential services while partnering with public and private entities to create long-term, impactful spaces.
His career began at Gensler, where he started as an intern, and soon after, he joined Mangini Associates Inc. Over his 20-year career at Mangini, Gilbert rose through the ranks from intern to corporate partner and played a major role in leading the design and construction of California public school facilities throughout multiple counties in the southern San Joaquin Valley, well known as the Central Valley. Along the way, he co-founded a high school internship program in 2010, helping students gain hands-on experience with real clients while working with College of Architecture and Environmental Design students from his alma mater, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and industry professionals from local businesses and government agencies. This initiative impacted over 500 students and, with Gilbert’s leadership, played a major role in securing a $15 million county-wide grant to expand the education+careers philosophy even further.
In January 2024, after two decades focused on architecture, Gilbert decided to transition into the broader real estate development and finance industry. He launched Bareng Corporation to focus on community-driven projects, bringing his expertise as a licensed architect to tackle global challenges.
Gilbert Bareng
We spoke with Gilbert after he completed Affordable Housing Essentials: How to Design, Develop, & Finance Properties Growing Cities Need in September 2024. He had also taken Real Estate Development Fundamentals and Real Estate Finance Fundamentals in June 2024, and Real Estate Investment Strategy & Data Analytics in May 2024.
This was the third program you’ve taken with David Smith. What makes David stand out as an instructor?
I’m sure my colleagues would agree that David Smith is truly inspiring, stimulating, and brilliant. Across six total days and three courses, he provoked countless “aha” moments, each expanding my understanding. His unique way of connecting real-world insights to complex real estate development, finance, and affordable housing concepts made everything feel clear and practical. I especially valued the in-person case study workshops, where we could apply our learning to hands-on projects and problems.
“David’s vast experience and connections make him not only an exceptional instructor but a mentor I deeply respect.”
You have taken programs with us both online and on campus. How has your experience been learning with us in these different formats?
I really enjoy on-campus learning – meeting people face-to-face, shaking hands, and working together in groups builds strong bonds and relationships. That said, the quality of live online sessions is right up there with in-person. The host and instructor offer direct interaction, immediate feedback, and a comfortable learning environment. Being able to stay home, save on travel, and balance family time is truly invaluable. It feels like I’m getting the best of both worlds with each format and am grateful that both options are available for us.
You are in the midst of a professional transition from architect to real estate developer and financier – please share what compelled you to make this change.
As an architect, I viewed myself as a friend to education, supporting students, teachers, and staff by designing safe, practical, and affordable public school facilities for underserved communities in California’s San Joaquin Valley. Over the past 10 months, however, after stepping away from the stability of my 20-year architectural career, I’ve found a bigger purpose.
“I want to serve humanity, tackling urgent global issues like affordable housing and driving positive change for disadvantaged communities on a broader scale. I have found that Harvard’s GSD Executive Education programs provide me the resources, information, credibility, and skills to attain that vision.”
You have noted in past programs that you wish to enable greater synchronicity between housing and public buildings. Is there a project you are currently working on that epitomizes this new approach?
My partners and I are designing a sustainable system that enables public agencies like school districts to develop affordable, accessible neighborhoods for families in need. These communities will have the convenience of homes and essential goods and services nearby – public schools, retail, healthcare, daycare, and senior housing – making life easier for families. Beyond improving the quality of school facilities, our proposed system will provide opportunities for students and adults to advance their careers by offering scholarships in perpetuity.
“Our goal is to boost social and economic growth at a massive and natural scale, build strong public and private relationships, and empower residents to build generational wealth.”