This year, retail brands are facing new challenges as shoppers return to stores and have a new outlook on fulfilling their holiday shopping lists after the height of the pandemic. Brands must rapidly evolve to stand out among competitors by ramping up their holiday strategies both online and in-store.

This holiday season we are sharing key insights that will drive retail transformation into the new year. Download the full report today.

Restaurants are more than just a place to eat. They are where we gather, connect, and spend time with loved ones. For decades, we’ve been dining in and driving through these eateries, but what happens when these experiences are taken away from us? And what will the industry look like after COVID-19?

There are many factors that will shape the future of food and beverage, but at a minimum, the industry will be led by low touch and high impact experiences. Download the report to uncover the top four insights that will influence the future of food and beverage.

The COVID-19 pandemic spurred an overnight disruption to our daily lives—driving unprecedented shifts in every business sector. As hubs of commerce that span almost every sector, shopping centers and mixed-use properties will be forced to juggle a myriad of “new norms.” Download the report to uncover six key shifts that will drive the future of the retail and mixed-use industries.

At NELSON Worldwide, we believe that thoughtful design choices can unlock significant value for civic and justice facilities—value that serves not only operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness but also the well-being of individuals and communities. In our Civic & Justice Studio, we are committed to creating environments that address complex social issues while delivering functional, cost-effective solutions that empower local communities.

The Issue at Hand

The mental health crisis within U.S. jails and prisons is well-documented. Studies estimate that 20% of jail inmates and 15% of state prison inmates have serious mental health conditions, making these facilities some of the largest providers of inpatient mental health care in the country. Additionally, many facilities are outdated, with the last major construction wave occurring about 30 years ago, leading to infrastructure that struggles to meet the growing needs of the inmate population.

The Three-Door Jail: A New Model for Justice Design

To address these challenges, NELSON Worldwide has developed the “Three-Door Jail” concept, pioneered by our Business Development Leader, Ken Ricci. This model represents a shift from traditional incarceration practices, integrating three strategies—Diversion, Deflection, and Detention—to create a more effective, compassionate, and economically beneficial system. By addressing the root causes of criminal behavior and tailoring responses to individual needs, the Three-Door Jail aims to reduce incarceration rates, alleviate overcrowding, and cut operational costs.

Door 1 — Diversion 

Diversion focuses on redirecting individuals away from unnecessary time in custody. With facilities designed to include magistrate offices and hearing rooms on-site, the process allows for immediate redirection to community services or programs as needed. This pathway not only reduces time in jail but also connects individuals with critical resources that address underlying issues, potentially preventing further encounters with the justice system.

Door 2 — Deflection

Deflection focuses on the crucial intersection of mental health and criminal behavior. Individuals in need of a mental health evaluation can meet with caseworkers who then direct them to appropriate mental healthcare facilities. This approach ensures that those struggling with mental health issues receive the treatment they need rather than being funneled into the jail-to-prison pipeline system. By providing targeted support, Deflection lowers long-term incarceration rates and fosters a system that values treatment over punishment.

Door 3 — Detention

For those who must be held, the Detention door reimagines traditional jail spaces with design elements that promote dignity and rehabilitation. Using normative design principles, these spaces replace bars with secure glazing, incorporate natural light, and provide quality furniture, creating a more humane environment that respects the individual. Such settings are proven to contribute to better outcomes, supporting rehabilitation rather than perpetuating a cycle of incarceration.

Real-World Applications of the Three-Door Model

The Three-Door Jail concept is more than an idea; it’s a practical approach being implemented in facilities across the U.S.:

Diversion: has been a cornerstone in projects like the Montgomery County Restoration Study, which co-locates critical agencies such as Law Enforcement, Health and Human Services, and the Public Defender’s Office to facilitate immediate redirection to support services.

Deflection: This is reflected in the Master Plan for the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office, which includes a mental health facility and additional resources to meet the needs of individuals requiring care beyond incarceration.

Detention: principles were applied in the State of Hawaii’s Women’s Community Correction Center, where the design prioritizes open spaces and family visitation areas, contributing to a more rehabilitative and supportive environment for detainees.

A Future Path

The Three-Door Jail is a forward-thinking approach to justice design that directly addresses the challenges facing today’s facilities. By focusing on diversion, deflection, and a reimagined approach to detention, this model not only aims to reduce overcrowding and operational costs but also to foster a justice system that serves the public responsibly and humanely.

In a world where resources are limited and public scrutiny is high, the Three-Door Jail demonstrates that value-driven design can positively impact individuals and communities alike. Through thoughtful, evidence-based design, NELSON Worldwide is unlocking a new era of justice that supports both fiscal responsibility and the dignity of every person involved.

Student housing is at a crossroads, with growing demand and rising expectations from students and universities alike. The difference between a property that thrives and one that falls short often hinges on the strategic decisions made during the design phase. Smart design isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about creating spaces that maximize profitability while meeting the expectations of students, parents, and universities.

NELSON Worldwide specializes in designing housing developments that balance profitability, market demand, and resident satisfaction. Here’s how innovative design transforms underperforming layouts into thriving, revenue-generating communities.

Efficiency Equals Profitability

In student housing, every square foot matters. The goal is to achieve more from less — more functional living areas, more communal spaces, and more flexibility in the same footprint. Efficient layouts prioritize density without sacrificing livability, ensuring spaces meet the needs of residents while generating maximum revenue. Shared kitchens, multi-use common areas, and modular unit designs are just a few examples of how smart planning can transform square footage into tangible value.

At Middle Georgia State University (MGA), NELSON developed programming and conceptual design services for a three-story, 310-bed student housing facility. The design maximized views of the campus lake and included private and shared two-bedroom, one-bath units, along with student life spaces for studying, gathering, and collaboration. The exterior was designed to complement the campus aesthetic while supporting the university’s strategic and master plan goals. This efficient use of space and thoughtful planning demonstrates how smart design creates a balance between functionality and student satisfaction.

When units and shared amenities are designed with intentionality, developers can reduce wasted space, optimize operations, and increase revenue per square foot.

Amenities That Work for Students

Amenities are no longer an afterthought in student housing — they are essential for attracting residents and staying competitive in a crowded market. Spaces that support academic success, wellness, and community-building are key. Co-working lounges, fitness centers, and vibrant outdoor spaces can help foster connection and enhance the overall resident experience.

At 3720 Chestnut Street, a Fitwel-certified, 30-story mixed-use residential tower in University City, Philadelphia, NELSON Worldwide served as Architect of Record, collaborating with Design Architect SITIO. The project includes 420 apartments tailored for graduate students, with “Smart” living units designed to meet their needs. The development also features 4,000 square feet of retail space, underground parking for 40 vehicles, and storage for 142 bicycles. This mix of smart unit designs and comprehensive amenity spaces supports both academic success and urban living.

Well-designed, multi-functional spaces aren’t just beneficial for students; they are also strategic investments for developers, improving lease renewal rates, retention, and overall profitability.

Adapting to Market Realities

Student housing developments must adapt to a variety of market demands, from urban campuses to sprawling suburban universities. Flexible designs that address diverse housing typologies, including high-density living near urban campuses or garden-style housing for suburban schools, are critical for success.

It’s also a reality that sustainability is an expectation these days, and it goes beyond simply reducing a building’s carbon footprint. Features such as energy-efficient systems, water-saving technologies, and sustainable material choices can lower operational costs while appealing to eco-conscious students and their families. Smart design anticipates these needs, integrating green infrastructure that future-proofs properties and contributes to long-term operational efficiency.

Understanding the needs of students, universities, and communities — whether that’s collaborative study areas, secure bike storage, easy commute to job opportunities or entertainment options, green infrastructure or proximity to campus amenities — all of these features ensure housing remains competitive and desirable.

Learning from Multifamily Trends

Student housing can draw valuable lessons from the broader multifamily market, where creative solutions and cutting-edge designs have been successfully implemented to attract diverse tenants. For example, Broadridge Philly Apartments, designed by NELSON Worldwide. This property is one of the most amenity-driven residential properties in Philadelphia, and it demonstrates how innovative amenities and community-focused planning can transform residential spaces.

Located in one of the nation’s fastest-growing residential markets, Broadridge was designed to appeal to a broad renter base by offering uniquely crafted units and an impressive array of modern amenities. These include private pods and breakout conference rooms for remote workers, as well as podcasting booths for the increasing number of content creators. Beyond individual features, the project transformed a former food desert into a thriving cultural hub, benefiting both its residents and the surrounding neighborhood.

This type of approach showcases how thoughtful design can meet modern demands while fostering vibrant, inclusive communities. By adopting similar strategies, student housing developers can integrate cutting-edge features and community-focused design to meet evolving expectations and drive profitability.

The Bottom Line: Design That Delivers Results

Maximizing profit per square foot in student housing requires strategic, intentional design choices. By optimizing layouts, leveraging community-driven amenities, and integrating sustainable features, developers and universities can create housing that meets market expectations while achieving long-term financial success.

NELSON Worldwide’s expertise demonstrates how thoughtful design transforms student housing developments into thriving communities that deliver value to both residents and stakeholders.

While digital banking continues to surge, physical branches are far from obsolete. Instead, they’re evolving into high-value service centers—spaces where personal connection, financial guidance, and brand identity converge. But this transformation isn’t just about a fresh coat of paint or installing a self-service kiosk. It’s about driving intentional, lasting change across people, processes, and places.

At NELSON, we understand that guiding change—especially in a change-fatigued industry—requires more than bold ideas. It takes strategic thinking rooted in empathy. That’s why we apply design-thinking methodologies to help organizations navigate incremental, moderate, or transformational shifts aligned with their unique goals. For banks, this means treating branch redesign as more than a spatial refresh; it becomes a lever for cultural and operational evolution.

Understand the Need for Change

Transformation starts with an understanding of what’s driving the shift. Customer behaviors are evolving. Digital tools are handling everyday transactions, leaving in-branch visits for moments of complexity or trust.

For example, in Downtown Minneapolis’ Bell Bank, leadership found that most branch visits weren’t transactional. Instead, customers sought personalized advice. This changed their thinking, from optimizing for efficiency to designing for meaningful human interaction.

Define Measurable Objectives

Once the need is clear, banks must set focused, measurable goals. Whether improving customer satisfaction, increasing digital adoption, or boosting associate engagement, these objectives must support broader business strategies.

Boston’s Metro Credit Union, for example, piloted a MetroFirst Financial Digital Plus to enhance client relationships across their branch network to boost digital engagement in underperforming markets. Their goal: a 20% increase in digital onboarding. By aligning design with service goals, they exceeded the target in six months. Sometimes, rather than a change to the space, a new approach to how customers are engaged on the service side is warranted.

Engage Stakeholders Early

Successful change requires early buy-in from employees and customers. People support what they help build. Because of their proximity to the customer, associates can flag operational blind spots, as customers reveal what matters most in real experiences.

This collaborative approach strengthens outcomes and builds trust. When change feels inclusive, teams are more likely to champion the process.

Create a Clear Change Plan

Change isn’t improvised: it’s most effective when planned. A robust roadmap should outline responsibilities, training, resource needs, and timing. Physical redesign is part of the solution; new tools, staffing models, and communication strategies are also critical.

One national bank in our legacy portfolio developed a regional playbook, detailing everything from customer scripts to localized marketing. This evolving guide ensured consistency without stifling local flexibility.

Roll Out in Phases

Large-scale change is best handled in phases. Pilot programs let banks test and adjust before going wide. They also create learning opportunities and early wins to build organizational momentum.

Pilot branches often become internal showcases for proof of concept that drives adoption and confidence across teams.

Communicate Consistently

Clear communication keeps everyone aligned. Employees and customers alike need to understand the purpose of the transformation, what to expect, and how it connects to the broader mission.

Leaders should be visible and vocal. Regular updates, in-person visits, and frontline engagement reinforce the message and signal commitment at every level.

Track Progress and Adapt

What gets measured improves. Banks should monitor KPIs like Net Promoter Scores, digital adoption rates, and employee satisfaction. Data allows for agile adjustments and validates what’s working (and what’s not).

According to a 2023 Accenture study, banks that continuously tracked post-launch performance saw a 21% higher return on branch innovation. Paired with qualitative insights from customers and staff, this creates a powerful feedback loop.

Reinforce New Behaviors

Transformation doesn’t end on launch day. Sustaining change requires reinforcing new behaviors through training, support, and recognition. It’s about embedding the new mindset into culture.

Maine’s Bar Harbor Bank launched an internal program called “Every Encounter Matters,” highlighting moments of standout service. This helped connect daily action to brand purpose, keeping teams engaged and aligned.

Rethink the Branch Experience

Today’s most effective branches are built around human moments. Whether applying for a loan or planning retirement, customers seek trust, not just speed.

Design should reflect this. Open layouts, private consult zones, and digital integration points create seamless, emotionally intelligent spaces. Branches across our portfolio now include concepts like financial “wellness pods” and community lounges, which help to drive engagement and inspire conversation and solutioning.

Empower Associates

Memorable customer experiences begin with empowered employees. Staff need the right tools, clear growth paths, and consistent training. When associates feel supported, they deliver better service.

One of our regional banking client’s training initiatives led to a 30% increase in employee satisfaction. That boosts retention and directly improves customer experience.

Manage Change at Scale

Scaling branch transformation across a network requires strong portfolio management. Banks need to prioritize initiatives based on strategic value and coordinate teams across geographies.

Standards from the Project Management Institute (PMI) underscore the need for structured governance. Clear oversight ensures alignment, avoids duplication, and keeps local projects on track with enterprise goals.

As the role of the branch continues to evolve, success hinges on more than just design; it requires a clear vision for change and a strategy to support it. By aligning people, processes, and place, branch transformations can then drive loyalty, deepen relationships, and strengthen their brand for the future.

The real estate industry experienced a high-performing first half of 2022, but declining transaction volume and fluctuating rates have left the market unstable. Real estate prices are tanking, deals are falling through, and lenders are wary. For transactions that make it to the closing table, the assets are limited. To pivot alongside an evergreen market, investors are turning to adaptive reuse.

Adaptive reuse is exactly what it sounds like. It is a shift from demolition and destruction to repurposing existing structures. The practice has become prevalent as the inventory of choice properties and vacant sites reduces, according to GlobeSt. Not to mention, adaptive reuse satisfies the emerging demand for sustainable development and the need for efficient use of resources across the built environment. The reuse of building materials involves saving a high percentage of embodied energy. Finding new uses for older structures significantly reduces the energy consumption associated with demolishing a structure and building a new one to replace it. This is especially important as a large part of a building’s carbon emissions comes from its materials, from fabrication and delivery to assembly, as reported by ArchDaily.

The term “adaptive reuse” emerged and gained popularity during the mid-1970s and was introduced to address the increased anxieties about finite natural resources and development space. However, the practice dates back further than that, and some of the earliest examples are traced back to the Renaissance. Fast forward to the 21st century, adaptive reuse presents vast opportunities for communities, developers, and architects to find renewed purpose in vacant, underutilized, or even historically-significant structures. In recent decades, the types of projects carried out have significantly evolved. From urban industrial spaces into artist’s lofts to vacant retail anchors into massive mixed-use developments, the ability to tap into other spaces such as office, food and beverage, residential, and healthcare solidify a promising future for many communities.

Today, millions of square feet of interior spaces sit vacant each year. According to the Harvard Business Review, the government alone owns an estimated 45,000 underused or underutilized buildings, plus abundant surplus land. Not to mention, e-commerce is at an all-time high, and hybrid/fully-remote working is evidently here to stay—resulting in vacant retail and office properties. Fortunately, developers have taken over empty structures, repositioning and rebranding them completely, while others have repurposed the spaces they have to be used in ways that are more conducive to the current environment. Depending on the configuration of the existing space, retailers can repurpose vacancies in a manner that requires minimal disruption to the original infrastructure of the building. Some ways retailers are repurposing spaces and adapting to the evolving times include focusing on malls for medicine, commercial office spaces for multifamily residential, dark anchors for fulfillment centers, and malls for mixed-use developments.

Although adaptive reuse has proven to be an efficient way to revitalize communities and cater to a new generation of consumers, there are key factors to consider when evaluating whether a project is financially feasible. An existing building will likely have a strong foundation and a structurally-sound core, but if it doesn’t, adding steel reinforcement, beams, ties, or connections to supporting beams and foundation can be a significant cost. Thus, finding a building that is structurally adaptable fit for the end product is imperative. Aside from the internal framework of a building, wiring, plumbing, ventilation, and other infrastructure systems must be considered. There is a chance that everything will have to be torn out completely and re-installed to bring the systems up to code. According to GlobeSt, this single factor can determine the financial feasibility of a project. A thorough inspection and testing are required to ensure that adaptive reuse is the best option.

In addition to the possibilities we’ve witnessed thus far, adaptive reuse presents an opportunity for creative thinking and a chance to give back to communities, especially in underserved neighborhoods where services or resources are lacking. In addition to retail, mixed-use, healthcare, and industrial, architects are exploring the viability of converting obsolete office buildings to other potential uses, such as affordable housing, schools, and labs.

Given the significant change in consumer behavior and a yo-yoing real estate market, it is up to developers, urban planners, and architects to master plan communities that are resilient and flexible and look towards the future. With sustainability being a massive driving force behind strict building codes and practices, adaptive reuse is not expected to slow down soon. Last year, New York City passed the most ambitious climate target in the country—aiming to achieve carbon neutrality and 100 percent clean electricity by 2050, according to NYC.gov. As other cities follow suit, sustainable building practices such as adaptive reuse will be the go-to choice when building new is not an option. Putting sustainability aside, the fluctuating real estate market is driving developers to target underperforming or misaligned assets in dense urban markets—providing a much-needed product to the surrounding community.

As with all practices, adaptive reuse also comes with its own set of challenges. Due to their nature, these projects present complexities not found in other real estate development projects. Developers must ensure that existing structures can feasibly be transformed to accommodate new uses. Before construction can begin, developers must address and resolve a variety of roadblocks, including those relating to structural, environmental, land use, parking, and traffic circulation, reports REBusiness Online. However, the challenges are often outweighed by the benefits.

A growing population, a warming planet, and a pandemic have, without a doubt, propelled new building practices and methodologies to satisfy changing consumer lifestyles. And although adaptive reuse is not suitable for every renovation, the opportunities it presents for community revitalization are endless. Environmental and economic sustainability, decreased public and social costs, urban renewal, and preservation of local identity and sense of place have made it easy for developers to elect the practice over demolition whenever possible.

By Mark Levine, Managing Vice President, and Cheryl Smith, Vice President at NELSON Worldwide