The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) has introduced WELL Interiors, a new designation aimed to help designers create healthier indoor environments. The designation offers a more streamlined, design-focused pathway for incorporating occupant health and well-being into interior projects, including renovations and upgrades.
Research cited by IWBI shows that health-focused design can improve overall occupant satisfaction by nearly 30 percent, while also boosting productivity and enhancing commercial property value.
Unlike broader WELL certification, WELL Interiors focuses specifically on the physical elements of a space that fall within a design team's control. This makes it particularly relevant for facility managers looking to prioritize occupant well-being without taking on the full scope of a building-wide certification.
The framework draws on strategies from all 10 core WELL concepts, with particular emphasis on four areas: materials, light, sound and movement. This means greater attention to decisions such as material selection, lighting quality, acoustics, furniture specifications and opportunities to encourage physical activity through interior design.
Another important aspect is the designation's focus on preserving health-focused design decisions throughout the project lifecycle, including during value engineering. Independent, third-party verification can help ensure healthier material and design specifications remain priorities as projects move from planning to construction.
WELL Interiors provides an opportunity for facility managers and design teams to align with shared goals for occupant comfort and long-term building performance. To participate in the WELL Interiors Working Group, a diverse advisory body established to help develop and refine the new designation, register here.
Elaina Myers is the assistant editor of the facilities market. She has covered various topics from pest management to resilience to sustainability and covers all holidays and special days in the facilities field. She also manages the FacilitiesNet social media accounts.
