CannonDesign

🌿 In November's issue of What's Cool in Sustainability, read updates on the latest thinking around net zero, the potential of sustainable neighborhoods, rising electricity rates and more ⤵️

Congratulations to Punit Jain, AIA, LEED Fellow, Principal and Science & Technology Practice Leader, who received the 2025 Phil Wirdzek Leadership Award from the I2SL: International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories. This distinguished honor recognizes individuals who advance sustainability, efficiency and collaboration in the design and operation of laboratories worldwide. Punit's leadership has shaped more than 50 science facilities for institutions and companies, including Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Caltech, Yale University and many more. https://lnkd.in/gyCrRi67

The new Milwaukee Chemistry Building, designed by CannonDesign in partnership with Kahler Slater, is a bold new home for scientific discovery at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Its exterior features shifting glass bands and vertical aluminum fins that play with light and transparency, creating a façade that reflects the precision and beauty of chemistry itself. Inside, open labs, glass-walled classrooms and visible collaboration zones connect students and researchers across disciplines. Every detail, from the flexible research spaces to the inviting gathering areas, is designed to spark connection, curiosity, and innovation. https://lnkd.in/gRX_cAn6

J. Brandon Dekker, M.S., FDBIA, our West Region Executive Director and a nationally recognized leader in collaborative project delivery, has been appointed to the national board of directors for the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) and recently named to the prestigious DBIA College of Fellows — one of the highest professional honors in the design-build industry. Congratulations to Brandon on these appointments! https://lnkd.in/g8jt2Tit

"Designing for many cultures can feel daunting when you’re trying to honor what makes each one unique. But the goal isn’t to find a universal solution. It’s to create spaces that welcome people as they are, adapt to different needs and reflect the richness of all cultures they bring together." In a recent piece for Forbes, Swapna Sathyan, Director of Consulting at Blue Cottage of CannonDesign, shares how culturally responsive design can help organizations create environments that reflect and support the people they serve. Read her full article here: https://lnkd.in/g86XSaDk

Congratulations to Colin Hale, PE, WELL AP, who was selected as a 40 Under 40 recipient by the St. Louis Business Journal, which celebrates the best and brightest professionals in the region. His work in advancing the firm's growth and visibility in sustainability and high-performance design has been integral, as well as his mentoring of young engineers and thought leadership at national and local conferences. https://lnkd.in/gWFH4BKY 

We are proud to share that Open Hand Studio of CannonDesign has again been recognized by The Anthem Awards with four wins. Two projects, Project Horizon and Nature on Wheels, were recognized for defining a new benchmark for social impact work and being an inspiration to others to act in their own community. Launched in 2021 by The Webby Awards, The Anthem Awards honors the purpose & mission-driven work of people, companies and organizations worldwide. Open Hand Studio of CannonDesign, our public interest design arm that partners with nonprofits to advance important missions, is honored to be recognized this year. https://lnkd.in/gXp55V8Z

Faculty at academic medical centers—many of whom are practicing physicians—navigate the complexities of meeting the responsibilities of the clinical, educational and research missions. The work is both important and fulfilling, and the work environment to support faculty must adapt to address the needs of these distinct users. Blue Cottage of CannonDesign's Swapna Sathyan and Chris Lambert shared their experiences working with Northwestern Medicine, Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System and University of Colorado Anschutz and making unique spaces for physician faculty to unwind, focus and rejuvenate. https://lnkd.in/g-rfvdky

Happy National Philanthropy Day! In 2025, our public interest design arm, Open Hand Studio of CannonDesign, has delivered:   🌍 $1M+ in pro bono services provided to mission-driven organizations worldwide. 🏥 $5.9M raised collectively through Project Horizon to help fund a new Children’s Hospital in Ukraine. 💡 $60K+ invested to help Open Hand Studio projects succeed beyond pro bono work. ⏱ 4,000+ volunteer hours creating positive change in communities across the globe. https://lnkd.in/gCsRZySy

"It’s been a season of momentum, collaboration, and impact." Three months after merging with Yellow Brick Consulting, Inc., founder Kelly Guzman MN, RN, FAAN shares her reflections and lessons learned in this thoughtful update.