CannonDesign

We are proud to share that CannonDesign has been recognized with the 2026 Certificate of Research Excellence (CORE) by the Environmental Design Research Association (EDRA). This prestigious recognition was awarded for our study, “Small but Mighty: How Personal Workspace Views and Lighting Relate to Organizational Networks,” which provides groundbreaking evidence on how micro-level design decisions impact system-level organizational performance. Led by our Director of Research Felix Kabo and design research consultant Cameron M. Contreras, the study included 168 teachers and staff at Ehrman Crest Elementary & Middle School. The study of their workspace revealed that "small" environmental factors have a "mighty" impact on organizational dynamics. Learn more about the full study and the award here: https://lnkd.in/emjeDSqb

We’re still energized by this year’s Society for College and University Planning (SCUP) Annual Conference. Since returning, we’ve been reflecting on the conversations, ideas and collaborations continuing to shape the future of higher education. As the education ecosystem evolves, institutions are navigating demographic shifts, financial uncertainty, climate goals, changing workforce needs and emerging technologies, all while reimagining how their campuses can remain resilient, adaptable and impactful. We’re grateful for opportunities like SCUP that bring higher education leaders together to share perspectives, strengthen trusted relationships and explore how integrated planning can align campus vision, academic priorities, community partnerships and long-term strategy. Check out our team’s reflections from this year’s conference below.

In Chicago, nearly 7,000 infants and toddlers receive public support designed to address developmental needs during the most critical years of brain development. But for many families seeking help with developmental delays, autism, speech-language challenges and other neurodevelopmental needs, accessing Illinois’ Early Intervention system can take time. This makes community-based services, especially those in under-resourced neighborhoods, essential. To help fill this gap, CannonDesign's public interest design arm, Open Hand Studio, partnered with two Family Focus Learning Centers in the Hyde Park and South Shore neighborhoods to develop dedicated neuroinclusive spaces that are easily accessible to families who need them. In this video, learn more about Sensory Spaces from our Michael Kmak, AIA and Anne Gibson, Family Focus staff as well as parents of kids already benefitting from the spaces:

We are proud to share that four CannonDesign projects and one Ennead Architects project were highlighted in the annual Healthcare Design Showcase awards program, along with interviews on hospital lobby trends and the new physician faculty office. Projects recognized with awards in the 2026 program include Northwestern Medicine’s Faculty Office Center (Award of Merit), Connecticut Children's Children’s Clinical Tower and Expansion (Finalist) and Inova Health Center- Oakville (Honorable Mention). BJC HealthCare's Plaza West Tower was also a highlighted project. Elsewhere in the issue, Hilary Thomas-Herd contributed to an article on the latest in hospital lobby trends and Mark Hirons, FAIA, IIDA, LEED AP and Chris Lambert shared the design story of the Faculty Office Center. Catch up on it all here: https://lnkd.in/eRWeVSxH

Listen to our Mark Hirons, FAIA, IIDA, LEED AP alongside Jill Gewargis from Northwestern Medicine talk with AJ Paron on the Once Upon A Project podcast about what went into ideating and designing the award-winning Faculty Office Center on Northwestern Medicine's main campus in Chicago. ⤵️

📣 Help us get out the vote 📣 CannonDesign has submitted three proposals to this year’s South by Southwest (SXSW), the global innovation summit that highlights bold thinking on health, education, AI, media, sports and more. Read more about the sessions below and vote here: https://lnkd.in/e_xVVMGb - Care Now: Building Ukraine's first new hospital in wartime: What began as one hospital is now proof of concept for the world: a faster, more scalable blueprint for rebuilding infrastructure wherever war or disaster has torn it down. - A New Playbook: Place as Texas Christian University's strategic advantage: Amidst economic uncertainty, rapid tech change and a shrinking student pool, TCU has prioritized its physical campus to create a distinguished culture and student offering. This fireside chat dives into the strategy fueling this generational investment and the positive outcomes it yields. - Beautiful Complexity: We were never average: This panel explores why designing for whole, complicated lives, not the average, is the next frontier of technology, business, health, and society.

Our CFO David Carlino has been central to CannonDesign's growth strategy and acquisitions over the past two years. Stemming from this work, Dave has recently been featured by Buffalo Business First and CFO Brew in articles that touch on lessons learned, CannonDesign's ownership model and other strategic insights: https://lnkd.in/e5vZfExe

In the latest episode of Blocks & Banter, we take you to Denver where Office Practice Leader Tim Barr, DBIA, LEED GA sits down with Health Practice Leader Stacey Root. They talk about the strong office culture they've built in the Denver office and the strong bonds formed in and out of the office. The Blocks & Banter series is all about the connections we build with the people we work alongside every day. It’s a chance to shine a light on those relationships, celebrate our colleagues and have some fun along the way. Watch the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/eAaQf_SJ

For college students living on their own for the first time, it can become difficult to focus on academics if they are lacking the basic needs to work towards adult independence. Rising costs, lack of nearby support systems and other instabilities have continued to mount in recent years for college students. The Valera NEST at California State University, Northridge centralizes many resources in one place to help students access basic needs and wellness services. It is the first of its kind in the CSU system, and one of a growing number of basic resource centers tailored towards college students. https://lnkd.in/eMZp6Sy5

In this month's issue of What's Cool in Sustainability, Eric Corey Freed, AIA, LEED Fellow highlights the nuances of greenhouse gas emissions, an industry manifesto, building regenerative practices, what climate communicators can learn from comedians and more ⤵️