HGA has received three 2025 Environmental Design Research Association (EDRA) Certificate of Research Excellence (CORE) recognitions, one of the design industry’s most esteemed awards for evaluating research rigor and practical impact. One of the research studies received CORE Merit, the highest tier score, recognizing HGA’s commitment to practice-based research across market sectors.
The research studies include:
Evaluation of a Reimagined Workplace Designed to Meet Post-Pandemic Needs
This study evaluated the renovation of a national architecture firm’s office, designed to support employees’ post-pandemic work styles. The renovation was informed by an in-depth study of employee experiences and the development of design criteria. The POE assessed employee experiences in the renovated space, and based on the findings, several modifications and updates are being implemented to further support employees’ evolving workstyles and enhance their overall experience.
Award: Certification – Merit Status
Client: HGA
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Study Team: Mahshid Jalalian, Renae Rich, Bryanna Benicia, Hande Burcu Deniz, Lou Ann Bunker-Hellmich, Oshana Reich, Paul Stefanski, Paula Storsteen, Mark Spencer
POE Insights Inform Iterative Design for Interdisciplinary Research at Lehigh University
A multi-phased building project at Lehigh University offered an opportunity to evaluate an innovative design for interdisciplinary academic research. Occupant feedback and observation were crucial to assess the first phase of the Health, Science & Technology Building and guide the forthcoming design of additional floors. A comprehensive study identified effective strategies and recommended improvements for future occupants, contributing valuable insights to the design of interdisciplinary education facilities.
Award: Certification
Client: Lehigh University
Location: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Study Team: Renae Rich, Oshana Reich, Mahshid Jalalian, Chun-Ling Hsu, Jeff Puleo, Samir Srouji, Iova Dineva, Joe Klocek (Lehigh), Julie Shriver (Lehigh), Tara Spagnoletti (Lehigh), Emily Diaz-Kempf (Lehigh)
Orthopedic Clinic Environments: A Comparative Study of Workflow Efficiency and Satisfactions
This mixed-methods study compared two orthopedic clinic layouts—linear and pod—to evaluate their impact on staff and patient experience. Evidence was collected from two existing clinics at Bellin Health using nurse shadowing, interviews, and staff and patient questionnaires conducted in each layout. Based on the findings, key lessons were developed to guide the design of a new orthopedic clinic for the health system and to inform future clinic designs more broadly.
Award: Certification
Client: Bellin Health
Location: Green Bay, Wisconsin
Study Team: Mahshid Jalalian, Tanya Chadha, Danya Hakky, Oshana Reich, Lou Ann Bunker-Hellmich, Andrew Zimmer, Jennifer Macdonald (Bellin)
Discover more about HGA’s Research & Innovation.
About EDRA CORE
The Environmental Design Research Association (EDRA) Certificate of Research Excellence (CORE) is a professional certification that recognizes practice-based environmental design research studies. For more information, visit EDRA CORE.
About HGA
HGA is a national interdisciplinary design firm committed to making a positive, lasting impact for our clients and communities through research-based, holistic solutions. We believe that great design requires a sense of curiosity—forming deep insight into our clients, their contexts, and the human condition. We are a collective of over 1,000 architects, engineers, interior designers, planners, researchers, and strategists. Our practice spans multiple markets, including education, science and technology, corporate, cultural, local and federal government, and healthcare. Visit HGA.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.
HGA Media Contact
Michelle Nelsen, Public Relations Director
mnelsen@hga.com