We are proud to announce that Architectural Designer II Leah Przybylski, Assoc. AIA - CSI-CDT, has added a new credential to her portfolio: WELL AP. Leah successfully completed a program of study and passed the exam to become a WELL AP, certified to provide services and expertise as defined by the WELL Building Standard®.
The WELL Building Standard® is the world’s first building guideline focused exclusively on human health and wellness. Administered by the WELL Building Institute (IWBITM), the standard addresses the physical and psychological wellbeing of individuals within the built environment. Some of the topics addressed in the design standards include the reduction of virus and pathogen transmission, raising water, light, and air quality standards, and crafting equitable spaces highlighting place and culture. The WELL Building Standard® extends beyond the design and construction of the building to include guidelines for building owners/clients in regard to their employees/tenants.
The WELL Building Standard® can be tailored towards specific project types. For example, the standards for multifamily housing are unique compared to those for retail spaces, education, or restaurants. In addition, general certification can be achieved for just the core and shell of the building, for specific interior spaces, or for the building as a whole. Certification levels are offered for those who achieve all preconditions (silver), as well as for projects that meet certain optimization goals with their project (gold, platinum.) Certification begins during conceptual design and continues to occupancy for most project types.
Benefits associated with certification of a building include improved workplace/living conditions that specifically address mental/physical health issues improving the quality of the space and aiding in the reduction chronic health issues. For clients, WELL certification reflects a continuation of many business and non-profit mission statements to ensure equitable workplace conditions and an ability to promote the effort put into designing a space tailored towards human health and wellness. The WELL Building Standard® aligns with Trauma Informed Design, LEED, and the Living Building Challenge.
Congratulations to Leah on this new certification! Her WELL AP expertise will be of great value to our clients and our firm.
