People

2026 Principal and Associate Promotions

LRS is proud to announce the promotion of Amy Smith and Alex Karel to Principal and Magda Gerencer and Eric Kern to Associate.

Amy Smith, Principal.

Amy is a Registered Architect and LEED Accredited Professional who joined LRS in 2002. With a primary focus in Senior Living, she brings extensive design technology expertise and understanding of designing spaces centered on the end-user experience. Amy excels at balancing design considerations with technical requirements throughout the design process. She also mentors designers and coordinates stakeholders to ensure every project achieves the highest standards of functionality, compliance, and long-term value.

Alex Karel, Principal.

Alex is a Registered Architect who has been at LRS for over a decade. He is engaged in emerging design technologies and new tools that enhance and inform his design process. Alex’s broad, multi-sector experience in the commercial office, retail, and civic studios allow him to guide projects with clarity and adaptability, ensuring successful outcomes across diverse building types and client needs. His notable new construction, expansion, and renovation projects include more than 20 prestigious auto showrooms, commercial buildings, as well as county and federal buildings.

(photo unavailable per request)

Magda Gerencer, Associate.

Magda joined LRS in 2014 and is a seasoned Project Manager and LEED Accredited Professional (BD+C). With over 30 years of experience in architecture, she has led a diverse range of projects from large-scale master planning to specialized industrial facilities, managing an impressive portfolio of high-profile work. Magda is committed to creating accessible housing solutions that contribute to economic development, public infrastructure, and community vitality across the region.

Eric Kern, Associate.

Eric is a Registered Architect and has been at LRS for over four years. He plays an integral role in the Bend office contributing to the firm’s project delivery and design excellence. During his time at LRS, he has provided oversight on a multitude of projects which include multifamily housing, car dealerships, hotels, and office buildings.

“We believe the future of our firm is built from the talent already here. These promotions celebrate the depth of expertise, leadership, and potential within our team and reaffirm our commitment to providing clear pathways for growth.”
Janice Sanada, Managing Principal and LRS President

Please join us in congratulating Amy, Alex, Magda, and Eric!

In The News

Building Enclosure Magazine

Office Insight

Leadership Update: Janice Sanada Steps into the Role of President

As we celebrate our 50th year in business, we’re thrilled to share an exciting leadership update: Janice Sanada will assume the role of President, effective January 14th, 2026. Janice succeeds Trish Nixon, who has led the firm as President since 2019. Trish will continue with the firm, shifting her focus to talent development, mentoring, and professional growth across LRS, while continuing to lead our Multi-Family Housing Studio.

Janice joined LRS in 2003 and has been a key part of leadership for more than two decades. She became a Principal in 2013 and Managing Principal in 2021. As President, she will guide the firm’s long-term strategy, support day-to-day alignment across studios, and continue championing design excellence, while maintaining the continuity our clients and teams rely on. With Janice stepping into the President role, Trish will be able to invest more time in mentoring emerging leaders and strengthening professional development initiatives across the firm.

This transition is about continuity and momentum. I’m honored and excited to step into this role and to build on the steady, thoughtful leadership Trish has built over the years. I’m optimistic about what’s ahead and eager to keep strengthening how we work; staying aligned with our long-term vision, supporting our teams, and delivering the detailed, dependable outcomes our clients trust us to provide.
Janice Sanada, LRS President and Managing Principal

Janice brings 30+ years of experience and deep expertise leading complex projects, with a focus on senior living and life plan communities, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and nursing environments. A University of Oregon graduate, she is a LEED Accredited Professional and a licensed architect in Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Maryland, Arizona, and Texas. She is also a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Society for the Advancement of Gerontological Environments (SAGE), and the International Code Council Health Care Committee.

In the News
Office Insights
Portland Metro Chamber
DJC (Subscription-based)
Portland Business Journal (Subscription-based)
Building and Architect of the Year Awards

Amalia Mohr, Dan Purgiel, and Kelsey Loverro Recognized on the 2025 DJC 250 Architecture List

Congratulations to Amalia Mohr, Dan Purgiel, and Kelsey Loverro for making the 2025 DJC Oregon 250 Architecture List. This list recognizes 250 exceptional A/E/C professionals across ten diverse categories who are driving innovation, creating jobs, building communities, and making Oregon a better place to live and work.

Amalia Mohr became the first interior designer named principal at LRS Architects, a milestone that reflects her 21-year career and the meaningful recognition of interior design within architecture. Her leadership is rooted in compassion, curiosity, and collaborative team building. Amalia is also deeply engaged in the community, serving on multiple civic boards and advisory committees and contributing to the profession through her involvement with IIDA Oregon.

Dan Purgiel is a longtime leader at LRS Architects whose four‑decade career has shaped the firm’s practice and Portland’s senior living design landscape. Known for advancing thoughtful, operationally grounded design, he has helped elevate both project innovation and firm culture through a strong emphasis on mentorship, leadership development, and succession planning. Deeply committed to knowledge sharing, Dan has contributed to regulatory advancement at the national level and regularly engages with professional and industry organizations to improve standards in senior living design. His collaborative, interdisciplinary approach has influenced generations of architects, reinforcing LRS’s values of curiosity, accountability, and collective growth.

Kelsey Loverro is a senior associate at LRS Architects whose 11-year career reflects a commitment to collaborative design leadership and professional growth. An NCIDQ-certified interior designer, she plays a key role in shaping firm culture as chair of LRS’s Mentorship Committee, fostering connection and development across teams. Kelsey’s approach to leadership is grounded in partnership and shared success, emphasizing close client engagement and thoughtful collaboration with project teams to bring complex design visions to life. She also extends her leadership beyond the firm through service as co-chair of the Marketing Committee for CREW Portland, supporting advocacy, visibility, and advancement for women in the commercial real estate and design industries.

View entire list of honorees here: Oregon 250 – Daily Journal of Commerce

Welcoming Jen Miglioratti, LRS Business Development and Marketing Director

We are pleased to welcome Jen Miglioratti, Director of Business Development and Marketing to LRS! In her new role she will collaborate closely with firm leadership, principals and studio teams to further define and amplify the LRS Architects brand, champion business development efforts and guide strategic planning across all market sectors.

I’m thrilled to join LRS Architects. The firm’s dedication to design excellence, community impact, and a collaborative culture aligns perfectly with my values. I look forward to partnering with the talented teams here to advance the brand and support continued growth.
Jen Migliortatti, LRS Business Development and Marketing Director

With more than two decades of experience leading strategic marketing, brand development and growth initiatives for architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) organizations, Jen brings a dynamic blend of vision, leadership and industry insight. She most recently served as National Marketing Pursuits Manager at Swinerton and previously led integrated marketing initiatives at Säzän Group, Inc., and directed marketing communications and business development processes at LeChase Construction. Jen Miglioratti received a degree in Communication and Media Studies from the Rochester Institute of Technology.

Jen’s proven ability to unite teams, strengthen brand presence, and drive measurable results makes her an exceptional addition to our leadership. Her expertise will play a key role as we continue to expand our impact and advance our mission of creating thoughtful, innovative, and enduring places.
Michelle Statt, LRS Managing Principal

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Cascade Business News
Oregon AIA

Janice Sanada Featured in BD+C’s Top 10 Trends in Senior Living Facilities

This month, Janice Sanada was featured in the Building Design + Construction Magazine to discuss the top 10 trends in senior living facilities. Through prioritizing resident wellbeing, community connection, and innovative design solutions, architects are exploring how to respond to changing demographics and resident expectations. Clients are increasingly investing in energy efficient systems and durable building materials while opting for flexibility and choice of amenities. Communities are seeking different ways to embrace holistic well-being and sustainability across the board. Additionally, outdoor space and accessibility remain key factors for Senior Living facilities.

Janic Sanada, Managing Principal at LRS states, “Architectural layouts that support flexible living allow for shared-use or short-term personalization, which is a great way for seniors to connect with extended family, explore new locations or enjoy favorable climates throughout the year.”

Business Development Specialist Lauren Evans Receives Cascade Business News Accomplished Under 40 Award

LRS Architects is proud to announce that our very own Lauren Evans was one of 20 recipients to receive the Cascade Business News 2025 Accomplished Under 40 award. This award is given to accomplished young professionals who have excelled in their careers and have dedicated their time to giving back to the Central Oregon community.

As the Business Development Specialist at LRS Architects, Lauren leads business development for the Bend office to drive local growth and visibility. She has a proven track record of driving growth through strategic marketing and business development, increasing community engagement, and enhancing brand identity. Lauren contributes to LRS’s Charitable Giving Committee and is a part of the Leadership Bend Class of 2026. Known for her compassion, empathy, and dedication to excellence, Lauren stands out for her ability to uplift others, foster collaboration, and communicate with authenticity.

LRS is an Oregonian Top Workplace for the Tenth Consecutive Year

We are proud to share that LRS Architects has earned a place on The Oregonian’s Top Workplaces list for 2025! The accolade marks the tenth consecutive year LRS has received this recognition. Each year, The Oregonian collaborates with Energage LLC to survey employees at businesses across Oregon and Southwest Washington to identify great places to work and “reveal the jobs employees love.”

Thank you to our awesome staff – not only for participating in this survey and lifting up our firm for the tenth consecutive year – but also for making LRS such an amazing place to work.

Our commitment to our employees and our core values:

Work-Life Balance: LRS Architects understands the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life. This commitment to work-life balance has resonated with employees and contributed to their overall job satisfaction.
Employee Morale: The firm places a significant emphasis on boosting employee morale by creating a positive and empowering work environment. Open lines of communication and a sense of belonging among team members have played a pivotal role in this regard.
Flexibility: Recognizing that life can be unpredictable, LRS Architects provides flexibility for its employees, allowing them to better manage their work responsibilities alongside personal commitments.
People-First Approach: The core of the firm’s success lies in its people-first philosophy. Every team member is valued and empowered, creating a cohesive and inclusive workplace culture that fosters collaboration and innovation.

LRS strives to create a fantastic work environment and support our team members in pursuing their passions outside of the office. This commitment to holistic well-being helps employees thrive both personally and professionally.

Thank you to The Oregonian for recognizing local firms that prioritize their employees’ voices and well-being. LRS strives to set a positive example for businesses everywhere by prioritizing a people-first approach that leads to sustained success and excellence in the workplace.

View the entire list of firms honored in 2025 here.

Amalia Mohr Selected for Leadership Portland Class of 2026

LRS Architects is proud to announce that our very own Amalia Mohr has been selected for the Portland Metro Chamber’s Leadership Portland Class of 2026! She joins the ranks of this prestigious program that has amassed nearly 800 local alumni dedicated to serving the Portland community. Amalia is a Principal and Senior Interior Designer at LRS and a leader in the commercial office and workplace studio. She has years of experience spearheading award-winning designs for civic, retail, and workplace environments – she will be a fantastic addition to Leadership Portland, and we are excited to see what she accomplishes in our community.

This year’s Leadership Portland class consists of 50 professionals representing a broad range of businesses, nonprofits, and public sector organizations. For the next year, participants will be immersed in the Portland community learning about key issues and opportunities facing the city.

Congratulations, Amalia! Read the Portland Metro Chamber’s full announcement here.

HR Daily Advisor profiles LRS Human Resources Manager Joshua Cansler

We are proud to share that LRS’ very own Joshua Cansler is profiled this month in HR Daily Advisor! From human-centered design to human resources, people are at the heart of everything we do at LRS, and we are fortunate to have Joshua’s expertise, wisdom, and advocacy.

“We’re also seeing a lasting shift in how employees view work. People are prioritizing flexibility, mental well-being, purpose, and values alignment more than ever before. These drivers will continue to influence how organizations attract, engage, and retain talent. HR must be ready to meet these evolving needs with empathy, agility, and innovative strategies… the future of HR will require us to blend technological savvy with a renewed focus on the employee experience—staying rooted in our core values while adapting to a changing world.”

Read the full profile and Q&A with Joshua at this link!

LRS President Trish Nixon talks multifamily housing development in new DJC Oregon interview

This month, LRS President and Managing Principal Trish Nixon spoke with the DJC Oregon about multifamily housing development in the Portland Metro area. Between the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation and interest rate hikes, and local inclusionary zoning requirements, LRS has seen some big shifts in the Portland multifamily housing marketing in recent years. We’re seeing lots of exploratory activity in the market-rate housing world, and a real focus on affordable work within the city.

Subscribers can check out the interview at this link, and you can learn more about LRS’ affordable and market-rate projects – recent and upcoming – on our website here.

Celebrating the journeys of our women leaders at LRS, and their visions for the future

Women’s History Month 2025 has been an exciting one at LRS this year! We were thrilled to announce that our firm officially received our national certification as a women-owned business (WBE) through the WBENC. We were also very proud to have Senior Associate Mary Fierros Bower featured in BE Magazine’s annual spotlight on women industry leaders.

This year, we hosted our first annual LRS Women’s History Month luncheon with a panel featuring accomplished women leaders and emerging professionals from across the office: Principal Janice Sanada, a Managing Principal and co-leader of the Senior Living Studio; Senior Associate Mary Fierros Bower, a project manager in the Civic Studio; Senior Associate Kelsey Loverro, an interior designer whose work includes Multi-Family Housing, Retail, Commercial Office + Workplace, and Auto; and interior designer Hayley Blair, whose work includes Commercial Office + Workplace and Civic. Managing Principal Michelle Startt served as our moderator, leading a rousing conversation about panelists’ paths to architecture and design, the challenges they’ve overcome on the career path, and their hopes for the future of women in our industry.

Highlight moments:

In a poll of the audience of 50+ LRS staff at the event, only two reported knowing a woman in the architecture field before choosing this career. Our panelists noted how important it is to be visible in this profession, so that the next generation can see what’s possible and dream bigger.
Moderator Michelle Startt, who is also celebrating her 26^th year with LRS this month, noted that she was one of only three or four women total who worked at LRS when she first started. We’ve maintained a close-to-50/50 gender balance on our staff in recent years – a huge change!
Panelists noted that while it is still common to be the only woman on the job site, the demographics of the industry have changed tremendously, in architecture and in the related AEC fields we collaborate with regularly. It is increasingly common and thrilling to be part of teams with a greater balance of women in leadership and management roles, both on the architectural side and among our subconsultants.
Women have been part of the principal group and the ownership of the firm for many years, and women achieved a majority ownership for the first time in 2021. Our portion of women’s ownership is a fully organic element of our perpetually evolving leadership group; in 2025, it’s 68%, but we embrace that this may not always be the stat. LRS is proud to be a place where women’s contributions are valued and their talents invested in by firm leaders – men and women alike.

Thank you to Janice, Mary, Kelsey, Hayley, and Michelle for sharing your stories with us!

2025 Promotions: Meet our new Associates and Senior Associates!

LRS is proud to announce the promotion of six architects and designers in 2025!

Matt Dreska, Senior Associate.

Matt is a Registered Architect and LEED Green Associate who has been with LRS since 2011. He is a rising leader in our Bend office, and brings extensive experience with affordable and market-rate multifamily housing across the Pacific Northwest. Matt’s notable projects include the Magnolia II in Portland, and three upcoming affordable housing projects in in Central Oregon – Wickiup Station in La Pine, Trinity Place in Sisters, and 9 Peaks in Bend.

Amy Hjelte, Senior Associate.

Amy is a Certified Construction Documents Technologist (CDT) and Certified Construction Specifier (CSI) who joined LRS in 1997. As a specifications specialist, she has supported a wide variety of projects in the civic, senior living, multifamily housing, retail, and commercial sectors for nearly three decades. Her work touches projects of all sizes and scales, including Parkview at Terwilliger Plaza in Portland, the Bunk House Hotel in Madras, and multiple anchor projects on the Vancouver Waterfront.

Alex Karel, Senior Associate.

Alex is a Registered Architect who has been with LRS since 2011. He brings a unique balance of civic, commercial, and auto dealership design experience, with projects across the West Coast from Oregon to Alaska. Alex’s recent, notable projects include Washington County’s Wingspan Event and Conference Center in Hillsboro, a major expansion for the ilani Event Center in Ridgefield, and the upcoming Swickard Anchorage Mercedes-Benz Van Center.

Kelsey Loverro, Senior Associate.

Kelsey is an NCIDQ certified interior designer who started her career with LRS in 2014. An organized and creative designer, Kelsey has contributed to a wide range of projects in the hospitality, automotive, multifamily housing, workplace, and retail sectors, including some of the firm’s most award-winning projects. Recent projects Kesley has contributed to include the Jaguar Land Rover Technology Center in Portland, Alta University Place in the Tacoma area, and the new Travel Portland Visitor Center. Kelsey is an active member of the Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Network’s Portland Chapter, and she was named a DJC Oregon Phenom in 2024.

Paul Kurth, Associate.

Paul is NCARB-Certified and a Registered Architect, and has been with LRS since 2012. He has served in a variety of roles at LRS and his diverse project experience encompasses automotive, workplace, retail, religious, and senior living design. Paul’s most recent projects include Holman Lexus in Vancouver, Porsche Studio Portland, and a warehouse facility for Leatherman. He is an active volunteer with Portland’s ACE Mentor Program.

Zach Freund, Associate.

Zach is a Registered Architect with certifications from NCARB and the Earth Advantage Sustainable Homes Professional (SHP) program. His work includes a variety of projects in the workplace, multifamily housing, industrial, and retail sectors, and he has honed an expertise in historic structures, including renovation and adaptive reuse. Zach’s recent projects include upcoming renovations for The Clifford affordable apartments, St. Mary’s Rectory, and St. Joseph’s Hall in Portland.

“These six professionals’ collective experience and knowledge of architectural design best practices will aid LRS Architects in continuing to expand and remain an industry leader. We congratulate each of them on their respective promotions and look forward to many more successful years of collaboration in delivering the top-quality projects our clients have come to expect.” – Trish Nixon, Managing Principal and President of LRS

Please join us in congratulating Matt, Amy, Alex, Kelsey, Paul, and Zach!

In the News

Office Insight

Commercial, Construction & Renovation Magazine

Cascade Business News

Inclusive design principles fed by Maslow’s hierarchy of needs | DJC Opinion by Britney Hale and Jenny Baines

We are proud to share that LRS interior designers Jenny Baines and Britney Hale, Associate, have a new guest column published in the DJC Oregon! Jenny and Britney have pioneered our firm’s research and application of inclusive design strategies, ranging from Trauma-Informed Design to accessibility to the psychology of biophilia, and more. In this new piece, they share their insights about incorporating Maslow’s hierarchy of needs as a framework to design supportive, fulfilling workplace environments.

DJC Oregon subscribers can check out the article online at this link. Non-subscribers are also welcome to learn more about Britney and Jenny’s work on our website – they published a three-part blog series on this topic recently called “Blueprint for Inclusivity,” based on their presentation for the International Facility Management Association’s 2024 Symposium.

Blueprint for Inclusivity Pt. 3: Responsive Design Framework Case Study

By Jenny Baines and Britney Hale | Adapted from their presentation “A Blueprint for Inclusivity – A Human Centered Design Process” delivered for the IFMA Oregon & SW Washington Chapter in Ridgefield, Washington. This piece is the third in our series discussing inclusivity, human needs, and Trauma-Informed Design (TID) in office and workplace design. Check out Part 1: Applying Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs As A Design Lens and Part 2: Trauma-Informed Design Applications for the Workplace to learn more.

In our previous installments of this series (linked above), we’ve explored topics related to inclusivity, human needs, and Trauma-Informed Design (TID). But how, as architects and designers, do we integrate all these ideas into our work? How do we design to exemplify these values and bring them to life in the real, built world? That’s where a responsive design framework structured around human needs and experiences comes in.

As designers, we work with a variety of organizations with vastly different purposes, missions, and work cultures. At LRS, we work with engineering firms, product design firms, law firms, global tech firms, government agencies, and non-profits. We’ve designed everything from corporate headquarters to regional satellite offices and local tenant improvements. Each project and client is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

In workplace design, we see employees as the secret ingredient. When it comes to company culture, mission, and values, employees are invaluable subject matter experts. As workplace designers, it is our job to leverage the knowledge of our clients and their staff, asking the right questions to spark new ideas and applying what we learn.

We start with the big questions: What are your must-haves in a new office space? Are you all about collaboration, need your personal bubble, or crave some lounge spaces that simulate you’re at home environment? If you have the choice to work at home or at the office, which type of space encourages you to make the drive into work?

For a recent project, LRS surveyed 300 of a client’s employees about their top priorities in the design of their new offices. The results shown in the pie chart above offer a representative breakdown of the responses we typically see. At a glance, this suggested some conflicting priorities would come into play. As with many of our clients, this survey identified a strong split in employee’s desire for collaboration space and individual workspace. This client has perhaps an even split of staff who see the office as a collaboration destination, who come in-person to work with their colleagues, and feel strongly that it is important to their success. They also have staff who crave their focus space for individual work. Using Maslow’s hierarchy of needs as a design lens, we understand as designers that we need to include both types of spaces for this workforce to thrive as a whole.

We also ask open-ended questions, like: What are you looking forward to the most? (And yes, even with over 300 responses, we read through each answer!) Each response is like a little nugget of insight into the soul of the workplace.

Case Study: Inclusive Space Planning at KinderCare Headquarters

Working Neighborhoods: In many of our workplace projects, we promote the idea of “neighborhoods,” as shown in the floor plan below, that LRS developed for our clients at KinderCare, to reimagine their post-pandemic hybrid office. Various working neighborhoods are located around the perimeter, prioritizing views to the trees. Each neighborhood has a very different vibe: one provides workstations focused on collaboration and celebrates the client’s bold brand colors; the quiet neighborhood features desks with tall plants dividing each workstation to reduce chatter and create a sense of seclusion; a social garden is located near reception, offering a venue for quick, informal meetings or gatherings without the need to book a conference room; and the social garden, which provides a lively, flexible space for collaborative work, informal meetings, and social gatherings.

Amenities & Wellness: KinderCare has employees who come into the office every day, and they have their preferred workstations available. They also have employees who prefer to choose where they sit based on their tasks that day, whether it be a hoteling office, an open collaboration space, or a workstation in the quiet neighborhood that fits their workload and activities for the day.

Collaboration & Gathering: The amenities at KinderCare are centrally located with ease of access for employees as well as visitors. Amenities are located down a hallway to provide privacy from the workstation neighborhoods, including two wellness rooms and four unisex restrooms in addition to the gendered restrooms. Other design moments like the phone rooms and restful nooks throughout the office provide many opportunities for rest and recovery throughout the day.

This concludes LRS Architects’ three-part series Blueprint for Inclusivity, exploring real-world examples of office and workplace design that successfully incorporates principles from Trauma-Informed Design, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, and human-responsive design to create more inclusive, accessible workplace environments.

Curious about integrating inclusive design principles into your project, or interested in speaking events with Jenny Baines and Britney Hale? Directly connect with our team by clicking on this link!

Our award-winning interiors team is hiring in Portland and Bend!

Our team is growing! After an exciting, busy autumn, LRS is pleased to share that we are hiring for two new interior design positions:

Housing Interior Designer based in Portland or Bend, Oregon with 4-8 years of experience and senior living, multifamily, and/or hospitality design expertise.
Workplace and Civic Interiors Project Manager / Design Lead based in Portland, Oregon with 8-10 years of experience managing successful teams and client relationships for corporate workplace and civic projects.

LRS holds a national certification as a women-owned business through the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and is a participant in the International Living Future Institute’s Just Label program. Our staff has voted LRS as an Oregonian Top Workplace annually since 2016, and we offer a generous benefits package and a dynamic, supportive work environment. Check out our hiring page to learn more about our open positions!

Blueprint for Inclusivity Pt. 1: Applying Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs As A Design Lens

What do humans need to thrive?

Psychologist Abraham Maslow’s theory of self-actualization suggests human motivation is driven by a hierarchical structure, as shown in the five-level pyramid graphic below. Maslow theorized that to reach self-actualization, humans must first satisfy the more basic needs identified in the hierarchy – beginning with basic physiological needs like food, water, and shelter.

The theory acknowledges that individuals may prioritize different needs based on personal circumstances or cultural influences, but for the most part it remains true that you cannot maintain the higher levels of the pyramid if the basic needs like food or safety is threatened.

Reflecting LRS’ design philosophy and human-centered approach, we see Maslow’s hierarchy as deeply relevant to the design of productive, supportive working environments. Below, we explore how architecture and design can be mapped over the hierarchy of needs, resulting in a new design framework to support accessibility and inclusion.

Tier 1: Physiological Needs. Think of these as the building blocks of survival—food, water, and shelter. In architecture, this translates to creating a space to fulfill basic needs, such as providing an insulated building envelope, essential facilities, and proper ventilation. This tier lays the groundwork for the following needs of the pyramid. As a designer, this is the easiest level to achieve of course, as it’s basically the minimum code requirements.

Tier 2: Safety. Safety is not just about sturdy structures and locking doors; it’s about creating a secure and inviting space. We’ve all tried to access a building that was confusing, and not intuitive. Wayfinding can add to your sense of security by making you feel confident and at ease as you find your destination. Safety is not only about physical protection—it’s about feeling comfortable in your surroundings. One example of how this impacts the employee is the workstation layout. Think about sitting at a workstation in an office where your back is exposed to a busy walkway, unable to see people coming your way and – perhaps – experiencing a sense of unease as others approach. Security is felt both consciously and on a subconscious level, so it’s important for architects and designers to think critically even in the space planning stage about how to minimize this kind of unease and support a sense of safety.

Tier 3: Love and Belonging. Beyond the basics, this tier of Maslow’s hierarchy emphasizes the importance of connection and community. In architecture and design, this translates to creating inclusive spaces that give employees a genuine sense of belonging in the workplace. As an employee, it’s important that you have a place that feels like it’s designed for you and your needs. That includes spaces like inclusive restrooms and wellness rooms, which have become a vital amenity for new parents returning to the workforce. Building code requires a lactation room when you exceed 50 employees, but we encourage smaller workplace clients to include them regardless. Wellness rooms and an additional quiet secluded spaces can be vital for a range of employees, from new parents returning to the workplace after leave, to neurodivergent staff seeking a decompression space, to those emerging from particularly difficult meetings or interactions. We are always sure to include many types of spaces that create connections between employees and foster a sense of belonging.

Tier 4: Self-Esteem. As we ascend through the hierarchy, translating Maslow’s identified human needs into a design framework becomes richer and more challenging. Beyond designing for physical comfort, the self-esteem tier prompts a consideration for designing to nurture personal growth and empowerment. Imagine a workspace designed to celebrate achievements with visible displays of recognition and appreciation. Well-designed environments empower employees to voice their ideas and allow for choices throughout their workday. By strategically designing spaces that promote autonomy, recognition, and the opportunity for advancement, we can foster a culture where employees feel valued, capable, and confident. This isn’t only about aesthetics; it also takes leaders that support the development of their employees and enable them to thrive personally and professionally. In essence, the design of the workspace becomes a powerful tool for enhancing the self-esteem of its occupants by providing spaces for productivity, innovation, and overall well-being.

Tier 5: Self-Actualization. Self-actualization means to achieve one’s full potential through creativity, independence, and spontaneity. This is what we all strive for in our personal and professional lives. To fulfill this level through design requires us to meet and embrace the unique needs of each person. It calls us to design a creative and inspired workplace environment where employees are not just punching the clock but chasing their dreams and making magic happen. Productivity soars, fueled by passionate employees who are connected to the company mission. When employers provide spaces that nurture self-actualization, they’re not just building a business, but crafting a community of company superheroes ready to take on the industry.

Stay tuned for our second installment of Blueprint for Inclusivity, exploring applications for Trauma-Informed Design (TID) in the design of offices and workplace environments.

People

Great design begins with meaningful connection.