Elevating Building Value

As cities grow and change, the needs and expectations for modern buildings shift as well. Whether you’re aiming to breathe new life into an existing space or create a standout landmark, we’re here to help elevate your property.

Our design studio focuses on creating spaces that positively impact both physical and mental well-being, utilizing research-based WELL Building Standard principles. We design environments that foster comfort, productivity, and overall wellness, ensuring every occupant benefits from a thoughtfully crafted space.

In today's competitive real estate market, buildings must offer more than functionality. To thrive, properties must create experiences that resonate with occupants' evolving needs and desires. Strategic location and thoughtfully designed amenities are crucial to creating truly desirable properties.

How can we design spaces that enhance a building's value while fostering relaxation, productivity, and enjoyment?

Let's explore this further.

Genslers new LA Office - Desgined by Gensler

First off, location. The right address is crucial for any building. People want spaces that are easily accessible, whether commuting to work or exploring the neighborhood. Choosing a location near public transportation and pedestrian-friendly streets enhances a building's convenience and appeal. Studies show that easy access to public transit and walkable amenities can lead to increased physical activity and improved quality of life.

Beyond location, curb appeal matters. Elements like modern signage, a welcoming entrance, and landscaping can significantly impact how people perceive your building. Exterior features such as gardens contribute to human health by providing access to outdoor space, which has been shown to improve mental well-being.

Dynamic amenities like fitness centers, rooftop gardens, co-working spaces and on-site retail are essential for creating a vibrant and engaging building experience. Studies show that people in healthy buildings with these features tend to be more satisfied with their work environment. This applies to both commercial offices and high-rise residential buildings. When employees or residents are happy and healthy it benefits the whole company or community.

Let’s break down some of the key amenities to consider:

Cafe

Creating a cafe that can shift from day to night with an expansive lounge that can easily adapt to various needs and changes is key. Modular and adaptable furniture as well movable partitions allow for changes in the space to be seamless.

Buildings that become community hubs encourage events, workshops, or even casual gatherings to bring people together. A strong sense of community leads to higher tenant satisfaction, increased collaboration and a more vibrant building overall.

Co-Working Space

Along with cafes and common spaces, providing tenants with access to proper technology and ergonomic furniture can truly activate the space and enable diverse activities.

Space for conferencing on the ground floor of a building can increase foot traffic and create a bustling atmosphere.

Francis House, office designed by Gensler for Endelman UK, London Office

Fitness Center

To encourage an active lifestyle, consider amenities like fitness centers, with space for rotating group classes. Bike storage to encourage active commuting and showers/ lockers are a valuable asset as well.

Green Space

Incorporate outdoor areas, like rooftop gardens or courtyards, to promote well-being and connection to nature. If no space for a fitness center is available opt for outdoor fitness structures, like pull-up bars and step up boxes.

TMC Helix Park, Beacon Properties in Houston, TX

Retail

Experiential retail design invites guests to partake in an immersive experience, and share their experiences.

There are so many different retail options to choose from, basic, every day convenience to gifts and one-of-a-kind goods, all of which can be a source of revenue for the building owner.

Concierge Services

Services like dry cleaning and package handling, can significantly enhance the tenant experience.

By providing convenience and saving time, these services contribute to a higher quality of life for residents and can increase tenant satisfaction and retention.

Spiritland's headphone bar, designed by Felix de Pass, in Mayfair, Central London.

Designing spaces that are both functional and inviting is essential for the success of your building. From high-quality finishes to thoughtfully designed common areas, every detail contributes to the creating a space that people love.

Incorporating natural elements or reclaimed local materials adds depth to your space and further ties in the local community.

Windows and natural lighting play a crucial role as well. Studies show that natural light can boost mood, increase productivity, and even support better sleep.

Design your spaces to maximize natural light whenever possible. Beyond aesthetics, consider energy-efficient windows that regulate temperature and reduce your buildings environmental impact.

PURO Hotel - designed by Paradowski Studio, Kraków Old Town, Poland

Through these strategies, we integrate cutting-edge wellness principles into the fabric of your building, making it a haven for everyone who walks through the door. Our goal isn’t just to meet the needs of modern spaces - it’s to completely exceed expectation by creating healthy, sustainable and truly engaging environments.

The Malin, co-working club, Nashville location, designed by in-house team

In addition to dynamic amenities, modernizing your buildings infrastructure is key to attracting and retaining tenants. Things like automated lighting systems, that sync with circadian rhythms, high-speed internet and smart building management systems all contribute to a better tenant experience. These features not only make life more convenient, but they can also increase the value of your property.

Upgrading systems like electrical, plumbing, and HVAC enhances functionality and energy efficiency. By leveraging space utilization technology to monitor usage over time, building owners can make data-driven decisions to improve efficiency and tenant satisfaction.

When you invest in creating amazing amenity spaces, it’s not just about attractive tenants, it’s about increasing the overall value of your building. When you focus on things like community, wellness and a little bit of luxury, you create a building that stands out from the crowd. Buildings like this are the future of commercial real estate.

Reference List

Durand CP, Andalib M, Dunton GF, Wolch J, Pentz MA. A systematic review of built environment factors related to physical activity and obesity risk: Implications for smart growth urban planning. Obes Rev. 2011;12(5):e173-82. doi:10.1111/j.1467-789X.2010.00826.x

Hartig T, Mitchell R, de Vries S, Frumkin H. Nature and Health. Annu Rev Public Health. 2014;35(1):207-228. doi:10.1146/annurev-publhealth-032013-182443

Larsen L, Adams J, Deal B, Kweon B-S, Tyler E. Plants in the workplace the effects of plant density on productivity, attitudes, and perceptions. Environ Behav. 1998;30(3):261-281.

Brown, R. (1988, September). Proof positive: Plants clean the air. Interior Landscape Industry, pp. 8-12.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Creating Equitable, Healthy, and Sustainable Communities: Strategies for Advancing Smart Growth, Environmental Justice, and Equitable Development. 2013. https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2014-01/documents/equitable-development-report-508-011713b.pdf.

RWJF. FROM VISION TO ACTION: measures to mobilize a culture of health. 2015:90.

Conklin AI, Forouhi NG, Surtees P, Khaw KT, Wareham NJ, Monsivais P. Social relationships and healthful dietary behaviour: Evidence from over-50s in the EPIC cohort, UK. Soc Sci Med. 2014;100:167-175. doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2013.08.018

Task Force on Community Preventive Services. Physical Activity: Creating or Improving Places for Physical Activity. The Community Guide. https://www.thecommunityguide.org/findings/physical-activity-creating-or-improving-places-physical-activity. Published 2001.

Figueiro MG. Disruption of Circadian Rhythms by Light During Day and Night. Curr Sleep Med Reports. 2017;3(2):76-84. doi:10.1007/s40675-017-0069-0

Bluyssen PM, Roda C, Mandin C, et al. Self-reported health and comfort in “modern” office buildings: First results from the European OFFICAIR study. Indoor Air. 2016;26(2):298-317. doi:10.1111/ina.12196

U.S. Green Building Council. Building Product Disclosure and Optimization - Material Ingredients. https://www.usgbc.org/credits/new-construction-core-and-shell-schools-new-construction-retail-new-construction-healthc-189. Published 2018.