Perkins&Will

Spaces should be for everyone. That's our driving principle, and it's why we create environments that welcome, empower, and inspire. Universal design isn't just a philosophy for us—it's the core of how we ensure every space is usable and meaningful for people of all abilities. Our process is collaborative and comprehensive. We draw from the 7 Principles of Universal Design, developed at the Center for Universal Design at North Carolina State University, alongside standards from inclusive design advocates like The Kelsey. And most importantly, we directly engage with users with disabilities to inform and improve our work.  Want to learn more? Our own Joanne Koola and Katherine Dailey teamed up with Nicholette Driggs, CFLE, CAPS, DIAD of Disability Advocates of Kent County, Whitney Hill of SPORK!, and Francisco Lasta, OTR/L, Assoc. AIA of GFT to explore how universal design can advance inclusion and equity. You can read "Universal Design in Practice" here: https://lnkd.in/dFD94zBv #UniversalDesign #InclusiveDesign #EquitableDesign

The residential tower Figueira Leopoldo is now complete, offering a new vision for urban living. Developed for MPD Engenharia and Helbor Empreendimentos S/A, the project is located in São Paulo's sought-after Itaim Bibi neighborhood. The design features "suspended homes" that connect residents with nature, balancing city life with natural elements. Designed with flexibility in mind, the building prioritizes natural light, cross ventilation, and expansive city views, while supporting multiple interior layouts. Natural materials and indoor gardens further contribute to a sense of well-being. The building's dynamic facade gives it a distinctive presence on the skyline. Adjustable brise panels, arranged in a gradient from light to dark, provide shade and privacy while creating a subtle sense of movement that reflects the vibrant city around it. #ResidentialDesign #BiophilicDesign #UrbanLiving

We just broke ground on a new model for education and environmental stewardship! Henrico County Public Schools’ Center for Environmental Studies and Sustainability is on track to become the world’s first Living Building Challenge–certified K–12 public school—an inspiring example of learning in harmony with nature. Designed in collaboration with McLennan Design Perkins&Will Bainbridge Island, the Center transforms its curriculum into a living laboratory, empowering students to experience sustainability in action. #LivingBuildingChallenge #Sustainability #SchoolDesign

Aerospace may be reaching new heights, but the real lift-off starts on the ground. Before becoming our firmwide Science and Technology Practice Leader, Ed Cordes, AIA worked at NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Johnson Space Center, designing flight hardware for the International Space Station. Today, he’s focused on a different kind of mission: creating learning environments that prepare future aerospace engineers for an industry that’s as complex and technical as it is fast-evolving. In his latest perspective piece, Ed argues that 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 students learn is just as important as 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 they learn. From the collaborative labs of the The University of Alabama in Huntsville’s Raymond B. Jones Engineering Building to the hands-on, exploratory spaces in Virginia Tech’s Mitchell Hall, universities are reimagining the campus experience to inspire the next wave of aerospace talent. Read the full Q&A: https://lnkd.in/gr4Sy83T

Five of our projects have been recognized in AIA Chicago's 2025 Design Excellence Awards! We’re honored to be celebrated by the second-largest chapter of The American Institute of Architects (AIA), which recognizes the best in design each year. This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the exceptional talent of our project teams and the inspiring partnership of our clients. Congratulations to all involved. 𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 | 𝘏𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘳 𝘈𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥 Rooted in community advocacy, the station reestablishes vital transit access for Chicago’s Near West Side. Thoughtful design elements—such as open gathering spaces, integrated art, and seamless neighborhood connections—underscore transit’s role as a catalyst for equity, opportunity, and community connection. The project was carried out in collaboration with the Chicago Transit Authority. 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐧 𝐄𝐝𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 | 𝘔𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘵 𝘈𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥 Designed to unite researchers and engineers across Fermilab’s 6,800-acre campus, this facility fosters collaboration and efficiency in support of pioneering particle physics research, including the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment. Thoughtfully positioned beside the iconic Wilson Hall, the design takes cues from its historic neighbor while introducing flexible laboratories, open workspaces, and public-facing areas that put science on display. 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐚𝐰 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐦 | 𝘔𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘵 𝘈𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥 Spanning four floors of a downtown high-rise, this design blends refined elegance with high performance. Drawing inspiration from the Wasatch Mountains, the space features warm materials, sculptural detailing, and a striking bronze feature wall. Flexible collaboration zones and event-ready spaces foster connection and deliver world-class client experiences. 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐋𝐚𝐛𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤 | 𝘔𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘵 𝘈𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥 Set on a sloped site, the building combines flexible laboratories, multi-tenant offices, and public spaces. Integrated stormwater systems, bioretention areas, and nature trails enhance the site’s ecology, creating a landscape that supports both people and place. With adaptable research spaces and event-ready gathering areas, Element Labs reimagines the traditional office park as a collaborative, energized environment that fosters innovation and engagement. 𝐇𝐞𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐧 | 𝘔𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘵 𝘈𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥 The new headquarters for Heitman features a double-height arrival space that frames sweeping skyline views, setting a tone of inspiration and belonging. A sculptural stair seamlessly connects two levels, fostering movement and connection across teams. More than an office, the design elevates the everyday experience and reinforces Heitman’s identity as a place where people want to be. Check out all the winners: https://lnkd.in/gg2CiM38

The future of business, it turns out, is all about brainpower. Yet the data reveals a significant gap in how we currently support it: for every trillion dollars spent in the wellness industry, only 3% is directed toward mental health. That’s a missed opportunity, especially given that an estimated one in five adults experiences a mental health disorder each year, affecting performance, decision-making, and creativity. This #WorldMentalHealthDay, we’re taking a closer look at how workplace design can better support cognitive well-being. Our “brain healthy design” framework draws on research in neuroscience and psychology to create environments that strengthen neuroplasticity, foster psychological safety, and build overall brain capital. Swipe to explore key strategies for brain healthy design, and dive into the full article “Architecture of the Mind,” by our own Dr. Debbie Beck, Ed.D., MPA, FACHA, and Hala El khorazaty: https://lnkd.in/gRxtk9kz #MentalHealthDay #MentalHealthAwareness #BrainHealth 

The school year started with a ribbon cutting at the new William E. Carter School in Boston, Massachusetts, marking a groundbreaking step in disability inclusion. This Boston Public Schools location serves students ages 3 to 22 with significant, complex developmental and medical challenges. It embodies the belief that every student deserves an educational environment designed to unlock their full potential—to communicate, connect, and thrive, regardless of their abilities. Designing for this community offered a rewarding opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students, faculty, and caregivers. The celebration was filled with excitement, gratitude, and pure joy as the students were officially welcomed into their new school. Boston’s Mayor Michelle Wu spoke, thanking the project partners and Carter community members for their collaboration. “We are beyond excited to welcome Carter students to this new, upgraded school building,” said the mayor. “Students thrive when they are supported with learning spaces that respond directly to their needs.” Congratulations to all involved in this milestone achievement, including Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), City of Boston Public Facilities Department, Boston Public Schools, and the Mayor’s Office—together, we made dreams a reality. First photo courtesy of Boston City TV | #BackToSchool #DisabilityInclusion

The final episode of #Inhabit Season 4, "Hot to Healthy," is now available. It explores how artists are taking on one of today's most pressing issues: extreme heat. Public art is becoming both a refuge and a teaching tool, with pieces like Harbor Fog and Heat Blooms actively cooling cities while inspiring real change. In this episode, you’ll hear from experts like Boston University's M. Patricia Fabián, an Associate Professor of Environmental Health; public health scientist and former singer-songwriter Tasha Golden, PhD; and our own Tyrone Marshall, Senior Research Lead in our Atlanta studio.    The season closes by examining art's potential as a climate solution and leaving us with a final thought: design is a future planet intervention. Listen wherever you get your podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gZFgzkNn 𝘐𝘯𝘩𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘱𝘰𝘥𝘤𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘯   𝘈 𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 SURROUND Podcast Network 𝘐𝘭𝘭𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘣𝘺 Julio Brenes  Erika Eitland, MPH, ScD Kimberly Seigel #InhabitPodcast #PowerOfDesign #DesignPodcast #Architecture #DesignResearch #ClimateAction #ExtremeHeat #PublicArt

A transformative transit project is underway in Canada. We're proud to be part of it.  As members of the Trillium Rail Partners consortium, we’ve joined forces with Hawkins\Brown and Architecture49 Inc. to deliver the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension (ECWE) in Etobicoke and Mississauga. The project calls for seven new stations stretching from Mount Dennis to Renforth Drive, with potential additional facilities near the airport.  The extension will connect five major transit services—Metrolinx UP Express, Kitchener GO Train, Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), MiWay, and GO Transit buses—improving regional mobility and giving people faster, easier ways to travel across the city. What this means in numbers:  • Up to 69,700 daily riders will use the extension.   • 37,500 more residents will gain direct access to transit.   • 23,600 additional jobs will be within reach by transit.  “We’re excited to have the opportunity to bring our Canadian transit team together to launch another transformational project,” says Jeff Doble, our Director of Transportation Design. “Collaborating with partners, connecting with communities, and delivering extraordinary transit experiences is what drives our team!”   Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gUqKuTza

𝘋𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘵𝘩 This #WorldArchitectureDay, the UIA - International Union of Architects challenges the architectural community to look at "strength" in a different light. Beyond just durability, strength is found in a building’s ability to adapt and serve a community for generations. At Perkins&Will, we believe this means integrating resilience and sustainability into everything we do. See how we bring these values to life in our work: 1. SoLo in Whistler, British Columbia 2. VanDusen Botanical Garden Visitor Centre in Vancouver, British Columbia 3. Brentwood Station in Burnaby, British Columbia 4. University of Minnesota Bell Museum in St. Paul, Minnesota 5. Western Washington University Kaiser Borsari Hall in Bellingham, Washington 6. Massachusetts General Hospital Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Charlestown, Massachusetts #Sustainability #DesignForStrength #ResilientDesign