Return to Trust: The Human Side of Return-to-Office Decisions
Since the online algorithms know me and my obsession with all things workplace so well, I can’t log on to any device or app without being bombarded by articles about Return to Office policies (RTOs) – and naturally, I read all of them! RTOs are a careful calculation of risk vs. reward for executive leaders….
Second Chances: Reimagining Big-Box Retail as Healthcare Hubs
The story of architecture is one of continuous evolution, where second chances breathe new life into spaces that have lost their original purpose. In today’s context, few building types are more emblematic of this opportunity than big-box stores. As of Q4 2024, the retail vacancy rate in the United States was 5.4% (Cushman & Wakefield…
The Power of Architectural Renderings for Nonprofits: A Marketer’s Perspective
The adage “seeing is believing” holds extraordinary weight in the nonprofit world. For these organizations, architectural renderings—realistic visualizations of future projects—can mean the difference between securing critical funding and an organization’s vision fizzling into obscurity. From a marketer’s perspective, architectural renderings are indispensable. When your project hinges on external funding sources, communicating the story of…
Cleanroom Technology Features SMRT’s Andy Tyner and His Expertise on the Complexities of Radiopharmaceutical Facility Design
The field of radiopharmaceuticals is rapidly transforming the treatment of life-threatening diseases. Andy highlights key design considerations to overcome unique challenges and stringent requirements. The article explores site selection, facility layout, infrastructure, environmental controls, and regulatory compliance opportunities as well as strategies to weave in safety, efficiency, and collaboration into radiopharmaceutical facility design. Explore the…
My First 40 Years Â
I joined SMRT in 1984, after my first year of architecture school in New York City. Having spent my childhood summers in Maine, it seemed like a good idea to get out of the big city and find a summer internship in Portland. The founding partners of SMRT, Paul Stevens, Dana Morton, Duane Rose, and…
Interns in Action: Real Projects, Real Impact at SMRT
As the summer winds down and our interns head back to school, we look back on an unforgettable summer internship program. These past few months have been filled with learning and growth, showcasing the power of immersive experiences in the professional world. Here we take a closer look at how the program is designed to…
Considerations in Navigating Radiopharmaceutical Facility Design
The radiopharmaceutical field is rapidly transforming the treatment of life-threatening diseases. However, this rapidly growing medical sector presents unique challenges and requirements (e.g., safety) in management and manufacturing compared to other treatments. Radiopharmaceutical production necessitates highly specialized equipment and controlled environments equipped to safely store, prepare, fill, and package radioactive materials. Designing facilities to accommodate…
Ellen Belknap featured on Northern Light Health’s Podcast
Healthy buildings are a fundamental component of delivering quality healthcare. Healthy buildings are better for the end user, the staff, the family, and of course, the patients. Ellen Belknap, Senior Principal | Senior Architect In a recent Northern Light Health Sustainable Healthcare podcast episode, Ellen Belknap discussed how the built environment can significantly benefit our…
Designing Inclusive Healthcare Environments: Upcoming Regulatory Changes to Support Patients with DisabilitiesÂ
Key Takeaways Background In 2023, the Urban Institute (Institute) (www.urban.org) published research concluding that four in ten adults with disabilities experience unfair treatment in healthcare settings, at work, or when applying for public benefits (source). The Institute also reported more than 50% of those with disabilities reported a delay in receiving care because of discrimination….
WELL, Now: How WELL’s Health-Safety Rating System Provides a Safer Path Back to Work
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, awareness and wariness of building safety skyrocketed. In response to this crisis, the WELL Health-Safety Rating system was developed to be a low barrier threshold to improve a space’s overall health impact.