To address these issues and develop the office, PHMC closely partnered with architectural design firm Bradberry & Kheradi to create a truly dynamic work environment that integrates design with culture change.

In addition to fewer individual offices, the office includes hoteling workstations for off-site employees and guests, a variety of meeting and privacy spaces as well as lounge areas for work or socialization. The space incorporates sophisticated technologies for communication and collaboration, aiding in better workflow and cost savings. The workspace encourages mobility, with a grand staircase connecting multiple floors; wireless capabilities allowing employees choice in where they work; and treadmill workstations on each floor for movement and exercise.

The Town Square features a café with nutritious food prepared by MANNA, a fitness center operated by Weston Fitness, a walk-in help center serving employees and a large Conference Center with capacity for 200 people, overlooking City Hall and the new Dilworth Park.

Along with greater collaboration, the new space encourages environmentally-friendly and efficient practices. All employees have laptops and the building is equipped with advanced audio/visual technology for display and document sharing on TV screens. PHMC deployed multi-function devices, located in central areas on each floor rather than in individual workspaces, for shared, on-demand printing, scanning and electronic faxing, thereby reducing waste.

“PHMC has taken best practices from the business world and applied them within the nonprofit setting,” says Cohen. “We've always seen ourselves as a pioneer in the field of public health. Now, we've taken that same innovative spirit into our space, blending forward-thinking design concepts with the needs of a modern workforce.”