PWC panel provides industry expert insights on workplace amenities

Manhattan, NY In recent years, the pandemic and the subsequent return-to-office transition have emphasized the importance of amenities in the workplace. The New York chapter of Professional Women in Construction (PWC-NY) recently brought together top industry leaders for an owner/developer panel discussion on “Amenities in Focus” to look at reimagining workspaces to meet this new priority. Panelists offered a variety of perspectives as they discussed the evolution of amenities and explored the best approach when creating dynamic environments to gain new interest and keep existing tenants engaged.

Professional Women in Construction is a nonprofit organization that supports and connects women and promotes diversity within the architecture, engineering, construction and related fields via exclusive member resources as well as leadership, mentorship and networking opportunities. The Amenities in Focus panel was one of several PWC NY informative industry programs held throughout the year to help women advance in their careers. 

The panel was moderated by Rosemary Bates, director of design and construction, Rockefeller Group, and featured the following expert panelists:
Jean Chandler, IIDA, head of design, Industrious; Alexandra Cuber, director, Fogarty Finger; Paige Engeldrum, executive director, global brokerage, Cushman & Wakefield; and Beth Leslie, vice president of construction, Boston Properties (BXP). The event was sponsored by Rockefeller Group and associate sponsor Fogarty Finger.

Bates emphasized the importance of getting operational teams involved at the beginning of a project, incorporating amenities into the design as early as possible. As she said, “Projects don’t go wrong, they start wrong.”

“The pandemic changed the role of the workplace, accelerating the shift of amenities from a nice thing to have to a necessity,” said Engeldrum. “Almost every building you tour has amenities; if you don’t, that’s a strike against you.” 

Cuber concurs that workplace needs have evolved and that office design has to change along with the times. “We have a responsibility to create spaces that are better than they were five years ago,” she said. 

The panelists also discussed how amenities benefit the building owners and developers as well as the businesses and employees who work there.

“Best in class amenities attract top tier companies and improves workplace morale by creating a more enjoyable environment,” said Leslie. She noted that future trends will include “the idea of a campus to share amenities among the spaces, taking those amenities outside and creating consistency among those buildings.” 

Chandler said “The workplace is more than just a desk – it’s about creating vibrant, hospitality-driven spaces that inspire people, seamlessly fit into their day, and remind them why leaving the house can be uplifting. “

PWC’s members represent a broad spectrum of the industry that serves real estate owners, developers, facilities and property managers and public agencies. They include general construction and specialty contractors, architectural and engineering firms, environmental services, and suppliers. Because the core client industries have many needs, PWC also draws representatives from the services sector: law and accounting firms, insurance/surety and bonding companies, banks and financial services, graphic designers, printers, computer consultants, travel agencies, marketing specialists and more. Membership is open to professional women and men, private companies and public agencies in construction and allied industries. To join Professional Women in Construction NY, please email [email protected].