The complaint details what Minaya describes as a deliberate campaign to marginalize him. In November 2023, a Gehry partner allegedly told Minaya that senior architects were "overpaid" and younger workers weren't paid enough, according to the suit12.

That same month, Minaya was removed from a project at downtown's Colburn School and replaced with two architects in their twenties, the lawsuit states. He was reassigned to reviewing blueprints, work "well below his qualifications," despite having been promoted in 2014 to senior associate architect—the highest position at the firm other than partner12.

The firm continued hiring younger architects, mostly in their twenties, while Minaya remained relegated to blueprint review through his termination in June 202412.

When Minaya was laid off, he was told it was due to lack of business. However, the lawsuit alleges he knew of at least 10 active projects within the company and believed he could have been assigned to any of them12.

When Minaya complained he was being terminated because of his age, a Gehry partner allegedly responded: "We are really sorry. It's business. You can stay for another four weeks," according to the suit12.

Minaya believes he was the oldest architect at Gehry Partners and the only employee laid off12.

Frank Gehry, now 96, established his practice in 196212. The firm evolved into Gehry Partners LLP in 2001 and currently employs over 120 people34. Along with the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Gehry has designed the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial in Washington12.

A representative for Gehry Partners did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the lawsuit12.

Minaya seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages for lost earnings and emotional distress12.