NELSON Worldwide was named one of the best hospital architects in the U.S. by General Contractors Magazine. Included on Inc 5000’s fastest-growing companies in 2019 and among the top 100 Interior Design giants, the firm specializes in architecture, interior design, and brand strategy and insights for a variety of market sectors including healthcare, industrial, workplace, and retail. Read more here.

As the needs of employees continue to evolve, it is crucial for the spaces that support them to adapt accordingly. Our aim is to create an environment that caters to individual requirements while fostering growth and development.

Recently, our Workplace Practice teammates, Chen Hui Spicer, Alexis Trainor, and Cam Pierce, served as jurors for NeoCon’s “Best Of” program, where they observed the latest emerging trends. These trends highlight a focus on comfortable sensory experiences to address neurodiversity and ensure that all individuals feel supported and included.

Choice Matters: Comfortable Seating

In the dynamic landscape of modern workplaces, prioritizing comfort and providing choices that cater to individual needs and preferences has become an indispensable strategy. The Hightower Flote Lounge Chair was not only named in NeoCon’s Best Of program, it is comfortable, yet supportive and functional. It emulates the comfortable seating people became accustomed to while working from home, recognizing the same sensory experience could be experienced when in the office.

Chen Hui Spicer, NCIDQ, CID, Regional Design Leader

Staying on Task: Flexible Focus Rooms

Traditional private office setups have given way to adaptable and employee-centric approaches. Flexible focus rooms and phone booths like Omniroom by Mute, are an ideal addition for flexible workspace concepts. Recognized for its innovation at NeoCon, it takes flexibility a step further, offering informal work settings that replicate the comfort and familiarity of being at home, promoting relaxation and rejuvenation.

Alexis Trainor, Senior Interior Designer

Sound it Out: Acoustic Excellence

Enhancing the acoustic setting cannot be underestimated in today’s workplace. By improving sound quality within the built environment, distractions can be diminished and stress can be eliminated for employees creating a balanced sensory experience. Gather Acoustical by Wolf Gordon was recognized at NeoCon for offering form and function. As a sustainable wall treatment, it effectively absorbs and diffuses noise, while boasting visually appealing textures, patterns and designs.

Cam Pierce, Interior Designer

The latest Retail Design Institute event in New York was hosted at The Phluid Project in SoHo, a new retail space that claims to be the first gender free apparel store in the world.

The overall space had a cheerful ambiance, with pops of color and fun visuals. The store design is very minimal with high ceilings, white walls and big windows, allowing the merchandise to be the star of the show. Hanging on the wall like art pieces, are The Phluid Project t-shirts, while the rest of the fixtures are white cubes, racks and tables.

The space is not all about the merchandise though, guests are encouraged to stay and relax with a back bar serving coffee and kombucha, a hidden “selfie” nook, and colorful bleachers, allowing plenty of space for guests to hang out and recharge. The store also has an office space in the lower level that can be rented free of charge for events and gatherings.

At the RDI event, founder Rob Smith talked about his inspiration and the desire behind the project – to create a space and atmosphere where everybody can feel free to be who they are. His vision was to create a space where everybody can feel comfortable shopping – remembering the days when boys would feel embarrassed having to walk in the women’s section to try a pair of jeans, in order to fit their style.  For him, it was less about the clothes and more about creating a different retail experience for people that don’t fit in a typical gender description, or consider themselves gender fluid. He admitted he was surprised by the amount of tourists that stop by, from all over the world, to check out the space – realizing most people are just curious to see how a store with no gender division works.

The merchandising itself is organized by style, I recognized a few familiar brands such as Fila and Champion, representing their more casual, summer offerings.  While I didn’t spot many dresses and skirts, there were plenty of loose shirts, crop tops, jeans jackets and tons of sneakers. In addition, the store also sells beauty products, sunglasses, accessories and books. The merchandise and brands change every few months, as does the store layout, so all the fixtures are on casters to make it easy to move in order to create different configurations. The mannequins have been designed to have a less masculine body than the typical male ones, Smith wanted to combine men and women’s body types into one.

Altogether it was a wonderful event, in a great environment. It’s exciting to see a store that opens up a new future for kids that don’t identify themselves with a traditional gender and will finally have a place where they can shop freely without having to choose.

CHICAGO — August 15, 2022 — NELSON Worldwide, award-winning architecture, design, and strategy firm, welcomes Robert Cohoon as Technical Leader – Workplace. Robert will work alongside workplace project teams in the Central Region in a technical leadership role to coordinate drawing/document production and implement firmwide drawing standards. Robert will also provide oversight of matters related to code compliance and guide consultants through the design process while coordinating aspects of the construction process.

“Robert’s extensive knowledge of construction technicalities and his successful project portfolio makes him a critical addition to the NELSON team,” says Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at NELSON Worldwide, John “Ozzie” Nelson Jr. “We are thrilled to welcome Robert to the team and excited to witness him mentor and guide teams both regionally and nationwide.”

Robert brings an analytical and problem-solving approach to every project. He is passionate about design, inspired by the architecture around him, and motivated by the beauty and functionality of the built environment. For most of his career, Robert focused on the technical aspects of projects, drawing standards, code compliance, and construction coordination. Robert is excited to work with teammates nationwide on projects that exhibit creativity.

“What drew me to NELSON was their collaborative approach to project development,” says Robert. “NELSON is a firm that works with a network of experts throughout all locations to bring the best solutions to each project. In my new role, I will bring an elevated level of expertise to deliver successful projects while developing the skills and understanding of my teammates.”

Robert has an extensive background working domestically and internationally on nearly every project sector, including corporate, workplace, high technology, K-12 education, higher education, healthcare, aviation, and high-rise residential. He enjoys mentoring young professionals and sharing his knowledge and experience with teammates to help develop their skills and careers—a quality he will fully apply in his new role at NELSON.

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About NELSON Worldwide

NELSON Worldwide is an award-winning firm transforming all dimensions of the human experience through architecture, interior design, graphic design, and brand strategy services. With more than 800 teammates spread 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. Client partnerships across the NELSON network include: Hilton, Macy’s, Comcast, Simon Property Group, Prologis, Yum! Brands, Boston Consulting Group, T-Mobile, Emory Healthcare, SAP Fieldglass, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, Kroger, Hyatt, Bayer, Target, and many more.

At NELSON, our vision is to boldly transform all dimensions of the human experience. Our unique values fuel our culture and inspire us to constantly evolve and innovate. In celebration of our values, over the next few weeks, we’ll be highlighting the experiences that allow us to bring out the best in our teammates and clients. This week, we’re sharing how we THINK BOLDLY. 

As e-commerce continues to alter the way companies do business, we believe that innovative architectural solutions for warehouses and industrial facilities are the answer to meeting the demands of today’s consumers. As a result, one thing is clear:  the future of these developments is vertical. Keep reading to learn about how our team has used “think boldly” to disrupt the industry.

To understand the impact of the e-commerce revolution, look no further than the streets of American cities. Scooters, small delivery vans, and rideshare package delivery cars buzz around in increasingly larger numbers to fulfill the gotta-have-it-now urges of convenience-hungry consumers. The new buzz on the streets is just one symptom of a broader change that is pushing industrial development in new directions.

Our industrial team has spent years with their ears to the ground on this trend, conferring with key real estate leaders, building tenants, city officials, entrepreneurs and even looking abroad to understand how industrial architecture must change to accommodate the realities of retail in the 21st century. As a result, our team designed, developed, and successfully built the first urban multi-story facility with dock two-level loading docks in the U.S.  Our award-winning project for Prologis at Georgetown Crossroads is a success story born from three years of intensive effort. We studied and analyzed a variety of state-of-the-art solutions to produce a first-in-class, trendsetting development.

Prologis Georgetown Crossroads | NELSON Worldwide

Disrupting the industrial landscape, the facility has helped a variety of delivery tenants reduce the cost of the “last mile” or the last leg of a product’s delivery journey. Located conveniently between Seattle-Tacoma Airport and Seattle’s central business district at Georgetown Crossroads, the building’s key innovation is its ability to run loading operations across two levels at once. Not only does this mitigate the cost of expensive urban land, but also transportation costs, by utilizing smaller delivery trucks with quick turn-around. The first story of the 589,000-square-foot facility was designed as a double-loaded,  28-foot-clear distribution space. The third story houses manufacturing and research and development, with three freight elevators, and the entire facility is supported by a detached, three-story parking structure. 

As consumer needs evolve, we look forward to continuing to think boldly.  As pioneers of this new solution, Prologis at Georgetown Crossroads is one of the many instances where our core values came to life and an example of our teammate’s passion for problem-solving, creativity, and curiosity in everything they do.

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Despite concerns about traffic and the impact of the massive Lehigh Valley Town Center, Lower Macungie Township commissioners ultimately felts the mixed-use development would be an economic benefit.

Read more with The Morning Call here.

Inspired by WELL Building Standards, we’re bringing our workplace design expertise back home to you. We are sharing 10 tips to create better work environments at home that prioritize your health, well-being, and happiness.

Tip #1: Keep water where you are. If you have multiple re-usable water bottles, put them in the areas you are spending most of your time. Mimic WELL Building Standards by increasing the number of locations you have access to water. If it’s where you are, you’ll drink more of it.

Tip #2: Put “move” time on your calendar. Make sure to actually block out time on your calendar so you’ll receive the reminder to get up and start moving. Do you need some free inspiration? Check out this round-up of free online classes.

Tip #3: Go on a walk. In many areas, you can take a walk around your neighborhood while still practicing social distancing. A great way to get off the beaten path is to find nearby local hikes on AllTrails.

Tip #4: To reduce the number of grocery trips you are making, check out the longest-lasting fresh produce to stock up on, and get the most bang for your buck.

Tip #5: Make sure you’re sitting or standing correctly while working. Check out these reminders to make sure you have the ideal body posture throughout the day.

Tip #6: As the temperature starts to warm up, open the windows if you’re able. Not only will it increase your outdoor air intake, but the sounds of outside can lower stress, cortisol levels, and blood pressure.

Tip #7: Use the 5-4-3-2-1 Method.  If your brain is stuck on the “worry” setting, try this method of emotional grounding. Find:

• 5 things you can see
• 4 things you can touch
• 3 things you can hear
• 2 things you can smell
• 1 thing you can taste

Tip #8: Try video conferencing. While a lot of us aren’t comfortable on camera, it helps us feel connected and less isolated when we are able to see and visually interact with our coworkers, friends, and family.

Tip #9: Focus on starting and completing tasks. A sense of purpose and progress can help when things feel out of control. Try downloading a free to-do list app like Any.do, Todoist, or Google Keep.

Tip #10: Know when to log off. Shut down and stop working when you would normally leave the office. Although that can be challenging in our always connected world, you’ll need a good work-life balance even more since your work is now home with you all day.

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COVID-19 is not only changing the way we live, it’s changing the way we work. With much of the country, and world, facing uncertainty, remote working can feel like an added burden on top of an already stressful situation.

Deep. Breaths.

We are in this together and NELSON designers from across the country are sharing their favorite workplace tips, tricks, and recommendations to create an at-home office environment that feels comfortable, functional, and uniquely you.

It might not be ideal, but it’s the new normal, so let’s make the best of it!

Create a dedicated space that’s functional

Whether you have access to a private room or you’re working within 500 square feet, make sure to carve out a dedicated space to work (that’s not your bed), so you are able differentiate your work hours with your personal time.

• Try to create a space away from other activity (you don’t want this to be a multi-functional space, if possible).
• Make your space comfortable and ergonomic. Some furniture companies have even been loaning out ergonomic desk chairs to help the transition.
• Consider your table/desk and chair height. Your legs and arms should be bent at a 90-degree angle to prevent back aches and carpal tunnel.
• Use a stool under your feet (or box, yoga block, or whatever you have handy) if your chair is too high, to bring your legs to the right position.
• Your computer screen should be an arm’s length away from you and should be placed even farther if you have a larger-than-normal screen size.
• Your eyesight should be straight forward at the screen (your eyes should be at center or 1/3 from the top of the screen), not looking down to prevent headaches. Prop up your screen with books if it isn’t high enough.
• Consider your background for video calls. Try to avoid messy or busy-looking backdrops, instead look for bookcases, organized shelving, or solid colored walls. It’s also good to have a consistent light source, either a window or lamp to the side of you, but not behind you which will make you hard to see on camera.
• Try and keep your work surface clean and organized.
• Have a notepad handy to capture meeting minutes, reminders, and ideas as they come to you throughout the day, so you don’t have to get up.
• Choose a well-lit area and think about adding a task light for additional exposure.
• If possible, face a window so you have access to natural light and a stimulating view.
• Surround yourself with plants or flowers. If you don’t have indoor plants, pick greenery from your yard, purchase a bouquet at the grocery, or even utilize fake plants to replicate the feeling of the outdoors.
• It is also important to remember all our WELL initiatives when working from home… to learn more check out our latest post on how to stay WELL while remote!

Stick to a routine

Creating a routine and sticking to it can add normalcy during this time of uncertainty. Consider these tips to help you form a routine while working from home:

• Develop a new routine as soon as possible and stick to it! Developing new habits will help you adapt to and normalize your new work environment (this can also help other family members better adjust to the change).
• Make sure you wake-up and go to bed at your normal hours.
• It is easy to lose track of time, so think about setting an alarm for breaks, meetings, or quitting time.
• It helps to get ready for the day as if you were going into the office (get out of those pajamas).
• Set a hard schedule for a lunch break and make sure to get up, walk around, and disconnect from work.
• Just like a normal day at the office, make sure to stay connected – embrace video conferencing and webcams so you can see your teammates, clients, and partners.
• It is OK to schedule online social time to have conversations with no agenda (or better yet a virtual happy hour at 5:00) … everyone needs a break throughout the day.
• Finally, make sure to give yourself something to look forward to at the end of your workday – whether that’s a glass of wine, video game time, or walking your dog in silence, let that be a daily celebration.

Take advantage of the perks

While it might be hard to look on the bright side during this time, remote working allows us the added benefit of freedom. We have the ability to customize our work experience – whether that’s with music, scent, or location. Make sure you take advantage of it.

• Don’t underestimate the power of scent. Light a candle, get an oil diffuser, or use incense. Finding a calming scent can help you reduce stress, to create your own Zen moment in your day.
• Play music that inspires you, calms you, or energizes you.
• Walk around while on a conference call, go outside to write an email, or sit on a comfy couch while reviewing a document – we have the ability to customize our work environment.
• Exercise at lunchtime or take your kids out to play. Remember a healthy body equals a healthy mind, so don’t forget to get some fresh air.
• Write, draw, or express creatively about the experience. Someday, this will be the story you and your kids will tell their kids or grandchildren.

Stay inspired

Just because we’re trapped inside, doesn’t mean we should stop learning. Check out some of the great resources below to stay motivated, curious, and creatively inspired!

• Take up to 12 virtual tours of some of the world’s most famous museums.
• Check out MailChimp’s #SupportTheShorts, a project that includes free online streaming of short films that were due to screen at SXSW, but never had a chance due to coronavirus.
• Listen to a new creative podcast like Clever, Design Matters, or 99% Invisible.
• Thanks to Creative Boom, you can download and print a fresh, new coloring book from some of the biggest names in the creative community, to give your mind a break (adult-approved).
• Want more tips on how to successfully work from home? Check out LinkedIn’s new Remote Working Series with curated content to set yourself and your teams up for success.
• Check out our Creative Fuel posts for on-going creative inspiration from the entire NELSON Worldwide team!

This post is a collaborative effort from NELSON teammates: Amy Leigh Hufford, Jenniffer Torres, Roslyn zumBrunnen, Holly Williamson, Hector Fernandez, Danijel Pocanic, Alan Dandron, and Nicole Keeler.

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We all can agree that technology has greatly affected the way we work. The days of handwritten requests, oversized portfolios, and piling stacks of physical documents are long gone. Laptops, tablets, and smart phones have replaced pens and papers. Renderings are done solely through computer apps, and social media has become an acceptable way to communicate information and ideas. Ringing true in the realm of interiors, this notion explains the many ways that designers are conducting their current workloads.

Take for example the design story of The Tie Bar. Tucked away in an industrial loft in Chicago’s Fulton Market, the offices of this popular retailer are warm, expressively urban, and reminiscent of a men’s club. However, it wasn’t always this way. After deciding on a big move, The Tie Bar retained the services of NELSON to design their vintage brick-and-timber style location, making it more representative of their brand. They sought a hip space that would not only house employees but would also act as a way to showcase their bright and colorful line of men’s accessories.

Rather than sticking with just traditional-styled meetings to complete the visioning sessions, the team worked virtually using the social media site, Pinterest, to develop the design concept. NELSON teammates and executive members of The Tie Bar team pinned their ideas to various boards to accurately depict their vision. From there, the NELSON team developed multiple design charrettes, presenting them in-person as a way for the client to see and feel the fabrics, patterns, and designs.

After productive back-and-forth online conversation and necessary face-to-face meetings, the team decided upon what are now the completed offices of The Tie Bar. Through the use of social media and in-person meetings, a 6,000 square foot loft was transformed into a fun, practical environment with different compartments for various working styles. The casual yet industrial feel layered throughout the loft presents employees with an opportune space to both work and play. The final outcome is a true depiction of how technology and social media are greatly impacting the working world today.