As healthcare delivery in the U.S. evolves, so do providers’ real estate needs. Stay caught up on trends affecting both healthcare and commercial real estate here, with NELSON’s new Insights series examining where the interests of healthcare providers, brokers, building owners, and landlords intersect with design and planning in today’s market. We’re also taking a close look at this phenomenon in the Southeast, where we now offer expanded resources and expertise in both healthcare and tenant & landlord services.

Top Five Property Features to Accommodate Healthcare Tenants

With healthcare delivery in the U.S. rapidly shifting toward outpatient-centered models, healthcare providers continue to rely more on ambulatory clinics. The commercial real estate industry will have noted this shift in the number of providers seeking untraditional space in retail storefronts and mall settings over traditional medical office buildings. For healthcare systems, it’s a way to minimize costs, provide more convenience to the patient, and accommodate technological advances that have made care delivery more efficient.

However any healthcare provider can attest to the fact that they are not the traditional retail tenant, and retail space does not magically translate to space for medical treatment. In addition to zoning and use considerations, building owners and landlords should be aware of the range of unique space features that healthcare tenants require to provide the best care for patients. By the same token, healthcare providers should be educated on property features that will allow for a smooth transition and avoid costly changes when moving into a new facility.

NELSON’s Southeast region has a long history of assisting building managers, owners, and landlords in positioning their properties for a variety of tenants. In Miami, we are now bringing that commercial real estate perspective to our well-established healthcare practice as we continue to expand our service offerings for our healthcare clients in South Florida.

What should healthcare providers look for in a new property, and what should building owners and landlords target for this unique client type? Here we share our top five tips:

1. Parking and transportation access

A healthcare tenant needs to have sufficient, and preferably dedicated, parking for their patients. Distance to the front door can also be an issue depending on the provider’s specialty (e.g., orthopedic or rehab care will have patients in crutches; geriatric patients have difficulty walking long distances, etc.) For more urban settings, proximity to public transportation, as well as clear pick-up and drop-off space for taxi and ride-sharing services, are key considerations.

2. Location context and adjacencies

The ability to identify the healthcare provider’s identity and brand is extremely important when adjacent to other retail locations and commercial brands. This is especially true for outpatient facilities vs. physician offices. Some tenants may require more prominent locations. Adjacency to related services, such as imaging and labs where the outpatient facility may not provide them in-house, provides significant added value for the tenant and convenience for the patient. Coherent wayfinding and ease of access will further support a strong exterior brand identity.

3. Adaptability of space

Space that allows for flexibility in design, has minimal fixed obstructions, readily accessible water and sanitary lines, and is proportioned to minimize long corridors (square is better than rectangular), is ideal for healthcare settings. Healthcare infrastructure, such as water, power, and telecom, often responds best to a 30’ x 30’ module, although sanitary systems on such a grid will still incur substantial costs. Understanding the load-bearing capacity of the floor should the housing of heavy medical equipment be necessary will be key. Finally, any sustainable design features, including LEED or WELL criteria or certifications, will naturally align with the mission and purpose of healthcare tenants. Providers will capture additional value in passing on the benefits of healthy working environments to doctors and staff.

4. Access to appropriate utilities

Confirm sufficient utility capacity, such as power availability for equipment (e.g. radiographic or procedure machines), or mechanical needs for heat-inducing equipment.

5. Flexible hours of access

Many healthcare tenants require early morning access for procedures or diagnostic testing. Others may require late hours for early evening patient treatments. In multi-tenant buildings, this may translate to necessary adjustments in hours of operation for building systems such as lighting and HVAC, or modifications in security routines and concierge services.

At NELSON, we believe architecture has the power to create a transformative sense of place, supporting communities and strengthening the fabric of cities across the nation and around the world. Recently named the #2 fastest growing architecture firm, we’re celebrating our growth, people, and projects that are boldly transforming architecture. To do so, we’ve created our latest series, “Architecture Spotlight” to introduce you to a few thought leaders within the NELSON Architecture Team.  You’ll not only get an exclusive look at our people, but hear what’s in store for the future.

This week we interview Cheryl Smith, AIA, LEED AP Principal and Studio Director, NELSON Philadelphia.  Keep reading to hear more about her career, knowledge, and expertise in architecture:

Q: What is your role at NELSON and how long have you been an architect?

A: I have over 30 years of experience in Hospitality, Mixed-Use, Office & Retail design. Working out of the NELSON office in Philadelphia, I am one of several Directors for our Architectural Studio. I assist clients with their projects, organize staffing resources and teams, write proposals, answer technical questions, review project documents, and work closely with contractors to see our projects through construction. In addition to my work in the local Philadelphia office, I am a member of NELSON’s Technical Leadership Council helping to develop the best practices for architecture teams across the company. Additionally, I’m collaborating on several initiatives including research on the AIA 2030 Commitment as a member of NELSON’s Sustainability Platform Committee.

Q: Tell us about some of your latest and greatest projects.

A: Over the next few months, we will be wrapping up the design and construction of the W and Element Hotels, a dual-brand, 755 room skyscraper hotel opening in downtown Philly in March 2020. Other new work includes two new high-rise buildings in the Philly. It’s an exciting time in the life of these projects as we see them rising out of the ground, seeing the team’s hard work finally come to life.

On-going work includes the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City where we have been fortunate to work with them since we were first awarded the project 20 years ago!

Q: What is your favorite architecture trend of today?

A: A favorite growing trend of mine is designing higher performance buildings. These are buildings that are more sustainable to our environment; reducing energy and water usage, and helping to reduce our embodied carbon footprint. This encompasses designing buildings with improved thermal performance and proper window to wall ratio, transforming existing structures for new use, using green roofing systems, and implementing modular systems to reduce material waste.

Q: What advice would you give a young architect?

A: I often advise young architects to follow their passion, have fun, and get involved in their community.As a young architect, I had volunteered to be a mentor for students participating in an afterschool high school program called the ACE Mentor Program where we introduced students to careers in architecture, engineering and construction management. It was both humbling and rewarding and I made connections that will last a lifetime. If there is a program like this available in your area, I highly suggest participating.

Q: What do you think the future holds for architecture? 

A: The future holds opportunities for architects to improve the environment for future generations. I really believe that the way we practice architecture and the way buildings are constructed today will and must dramatically change during the next 5 to 10 years. Disruptive technologies should offer leadership opportunities for architects in the future as the integration of complex building systems will still be necessary. In the future, perhaps our virtual models are not only used for design presentations, performance modeling, and overall design integration, but also for logistics, real-time pricing, procurement, and fabrication? How we do this depends not only on the future direction of the technology disruptor but also, how we embrace the technology changes.

Q: What is the biggest challenge the architecture industry faces today?

A: One of today’s biggest challenges is managing risks, as today our building designs are more complex with little construction advances.  When not managed properly, this can cause lots of problems, but incorporating best practice tools through an integrated design process will help in managing or overcoming those risks.

Q: What sets NELSON apart from other architecture firms?

A: It is the quality of the people at NELSON that differentiate us from other firms as we focus on transforming diverse practice areas into unique experiences for people. Since becoming part of NELSON, I have been amazed at the level of giving and thoughtfulness of everyone, as well as how respectful and considerate everyone is among each other. These great people qualities instill engaging team collaboration in an integrated design approach which leads to holistic solutions for our clients.

Meet Amanda Smith, Senior Director of Brand Marketing at NELSON Worldwide. Amanda will develop and execute a holistic marketing strategy that builds awareness for the NELSON Worldwide brand.
 

Q: What inspired you to get into architecture/design/engineering/the work that you do?

Textiles. They were everywhere when I was growing up – my mother was a dressmaker, and my godmother was the design director for a well-known textiles manufacturer. I spent weekends with my mom in fabric stores going through hundreds of bolts of fabric, exploring textures, and learning what fabrics, trims, and notions were used for what. My love for fabric spawned into a passion for color theory, finishes and materials, FF&E, and in the long run, the impact of good design on the human experience.

My shift to brand marketing and strategy was a happy accident. Working for a small company early in my career as a retail design consultant, I was exposed to the inner workings of the business, including the marketing and sales process. As a result, I immediately gravitated to the balance of creative and analytical thinking and how brand positioning, SWOT analysis, audience segmentation, content development, and more could impact brand perception and the bottom line.

Q: Where did you grow up?

I was born 25 miles outside New York City and relocated to the Midwest with my family when I was eleven. At this point in my life, I consider myself 75% Chicagoan and 25% New Yorker, but proud to have been influenced so greatly by both cities. For the last 18 years, I’ve called Chicago my home, where I reside with my husband, son, and newest family addition, Dutch, our rescue pup.

Q: Have you ever been disappointed by something that happened at the time, but ended up being really good for you?

During my FIDER (now CIDA) portfolio review, a pipe burst in the room where student work was reviewed. My portfolio sustained catastrophic damage, and I lost two years’ worth of work. Additionally, I wasn’t selected to continue in the program. Not knowing what was next, I went home that summer, rebuilt what I could from my portfolio, and looked to apply to other schools. Ultimately, I returned to the school I attended previously where a semester later, I was invited to rejoin the interior design program.

Yes, it was disappointing, but through it all, I learned to manage crises, muddle through, and make difficult decisions. It also forced me to evaluate where my creative talents were best suited. I wasn’t the best at sketching or rendering, but I could absolutely sell a concept. Nearly twenty years later, I still love working in the A&D community and continue to thrive by collaborating with creatives.

Q: What is a song or album that helps pump you up or get excited?

First, this is a loaded question for someone who grew up in a house with an extensive collection of vinyl and music piped into every room. Second, I’m a hockey mom, so “hype music” is a big topic in our house. However, a solid single for any day would be “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” by The Rolling Stones. As for albums, there are just too many great ones, and I’m always up for discovering new ones.

Minneapolis, MN — February 20, 2020 — Award-winning architecture, design and strategy firm NELSON Worldwide announced today the appointment of Jim Nevada as Chief Financial Officer. As a current NELSON Worldwide board member with more than two decades leading world-class, rapidly-growing companies, Nevada joins the firm with a strategic and operational mindset to maximize the firm’s annual growth and profits.

“Jim offers the rare opportunity to add an executive that, like our organization, does not fit neatly into a box. While he has the very best of financial acumen, he is a broadly skilled executive who will advance the strategic aspects of our enterprise while still keeping the focus on the people that make our business successful,” said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NELSON Worldwide John “Ozzie” Nelson Jr. “Jim will most definitely be a key strategic advisor to me and our board as we continue to achieve our ambitious future objectives.”

Jim Nevada joins NELSON Worldwide from WSP Global, an $8 billion international AEC firm where he successfully led the environment sector. During his tenure, Nevada grew its division at an annual rate of 32 percent while improving EBITDA margins from less than 15 percent to 23 percent. Throughout his nearly 20-year career in architecture, engineering, and construction, the executive has built a reputation for aligning business and financial metrics to support business strategy and high growth.

“I am thrilled to join NELSON Worldwide as Chief Financial Officer and work toward a more seamless organization that benefits our teammates as much as our clients,” says Nevada. “In my new role, I hope to adopt a more people-centric approach to finance, allowing creativity to remain the cornerstone of the NELSON brand, while still driving our business forward.”

NELSON Worldwide was the #2 “Hot Firm” in 2019 recognized by Zweig Group, honoring the fastest growing firms in the AEC industry.

About NELSON Worldwide

NELSON Worldwide is an award-winning firm delivering architecture, interior design, graphic design, and brand strategy services that transform all dimensions of the human experience, providing our clients with strategic and creative solutions that positively impact their lives and the environments where they work, serve, play, and thrive. Our collective network includes more than 1,100 teammates in 25 offices, combining industry experience, service expertise, and geographic reach to deliver projects across the country and around the world. Client partnerships across the NELSON network include: Saks Fifth Avenue, Comcast, Hershey’s, Kroger, Simon Property Group, Macy’s, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, SAP Fieldglass, Hilton, Target, T-Mobile, Dick’s Sporting Goods, American Girl, YUM! Brands, and many more. Visit www.nelsonworldwide.com to learn more.

Media Contact:

Caroline Saba
Associate Vice President
UpSpring PR
T: 646.722.8146
E: caroline@upspringpr.com

Georgia Building Authority (GBA), Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission (GSFIC), and the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) have selected award-winning architecture, design, and strategy firm NELSON Worldwide as architect of record and design architect for a new Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) facility in south Georgia. The largest project ever built by the State of Georgia, this correctional facility will provide secure infrastructure, modern technology and improved conditions for incarcerated individuals. This project win is representative of NELSON’s growing Civic, Community, Justice and Education (CCJ&E) practice across the country and marks the state’s first prison in over 20 years.  

“I attribute this win to the great relationship and trust we built over the years with GBA, GSFIC, and GDC along with our phenomenal team we’ve structured at the firm to design this new historic project for the State of Georgia,” says Brad Ewing, CCJ&E regional practice leader, associate principal and project director. “In all of our designs, we take a humanistic approach to create secure and safe spaces that improve the human experience in the built environment. We are thrilled GBA, GSFIC, and GDC have chosen us as partners to pave a new path for correctional facility design in the state.” 

The state-of-the-art, high-tech secure facility is expected to be approximately 800,000 square feet of housing, kitchen, and laundry, as well as spaces dedicated to religious, education, and vocational programs. It will also contain medical and mental health components for inmate wellness and treatment, particularly to support the aging population.  

In its approach, NELSON has conducted an in-depth analysis on current state prison population needs to determine how to best transform the facilities to be more treatment oriented, sustainable, self-reliant, and technologically advanced. With this project, NELSON endeavors to set a new precedent for correctional and detention facilities moving forward. The project will directly support the local economy, creating opportunities for local employment in the Davisboro area and beyond. 

Additional project partners include CGL, HDR, Jericho Design Group, Hansen Architects, Shear Structural, Thomas & Hutton, Conway & Owen, Barnsley Construction Group, Fisher Engineering, Contour Engineering, and SSA Food Service Design +Consulting. Construction is anticipated to begin in November 2023.  

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About NELSON Worldwide

NELSON Worldwide is an award-winning firm, boldly transforming all dimensions of the human experience through architecture, interior design, graphic design, and brand strategy. With more than 700 teammates across 20 offices, the firm’s collective network provides strategic and creative solutions that positively impact where people work, serve, play, and thrive. The team combines industry knowledge, service expertise, and geographic reach to deliver projects across the country and around the world. Visit www.nelsonworldwide.com to learn more.