We believe that great design not only transforms spaces but also enriches lives. This philosophy drives everything we do, including the way we approach the design and operation of our own headquarters at 2 Doughboy Square in Pittsburgh. We are thrilled to announce that our office has been recertified under the WELL Building Standard, achieving WELL v2 Gold Certification!
Interior photograph of Desmone office
Introduction to WELL
The WELL Building Standard is a performance-based system for measuring, certifying, and monitoring features of the built environment that impact human health and well-being. WELL v2, the latest version of the standard, emphasizes flexibility and innovation, allowing us to implement meaningful improvements in thermal comfort, materials, movement, sound, and community.
Each concept of WELL has several preconditions that are required to be met. There are also optimizations for each concept, which are not mandatory, but further sustainable goals and earn more points. The number of points earned ultimately affects the level of certification. There are four levels in total:
- Platinum: 80+ Points
- Gold: 60-79 Points (We achieved 71 points!)
- Silver: 50-59 Points
- Bronze: 40-49 Points
Our Systems
- Light (Natural & Artificial):
- Our space is designed to maintain a balanced mix of natural and artificial light, while giving occupants full control over their lighting environment. Desks are positioned near exterior windows to maximize daylight access, and employees can adjust shading systems to their preference. Additionally, dimmable overhead LED lighting and personal task lights at each desk ensure optimal lighting flexibility.
- Air Quality Monitor:
- We continuously monitor indoor air quality, tracking levels of VOCs, carbon monoxide, humidity, temperature, formaldehyde, and more. This data is displayed in real-time, allowing occupants to stay informed about the air quality in their environment.
- Acoustic Comfort:
- Sound plays a crucial role in workplace comfort and productivity. To enhance acoustic quality, we’ve designated loud and quiet zones—balancing open office spaces with conference and phone rooms. A sound masking system further helps to minimize distractions and create a more focused work environment.
- Water:
- Our water is tested quarterly to ensure safety and quality. We conduct Water Testing Strips and Coliform Bacteria Tests as part of our ongoing commitment to providing clean and healthy drinking water.
Interior photograph of Desmone office
Staying WELL
To keep the certification, we must collect data from various measuring and monitoring systems to upload to IWBI. There are 12 intermediate submittals to keep track of each needing monthly, quarterly, or yearly updates. Some examples are:
- Air Quality Scores – Monthly
- Cleaning Logs – Monthly
- Legionella – Weekly
- Newsletter – Quarterly
- Carbon Monoxide Monitoring – Yearly
- Ozone Monitoring – Yearly
Looking Ahead
Our journey with WELL is ongoing. As the standards evolve, so will our strategies to maintain and enhance our office. We’re excited to continue setting an example in the industry, proving that thoughtful design can lead to healthier, happier, and more productive teams.
We invite you to visit us at 2 Doughboy Square and experience the difference that WELL-certified design makes. If you’re considering implementing WELL standards in your own space, let’s start a conversation about how we can help.
Exterior photography of the existing and new addition of Desmone’s office