We’re proud to share that our Richmond office has achieved WELL Certification™ at the bronze level through the WELL Building Standard™ v2—a globally recognized framework for creating spaces that actively support health and well-being.
At its core, WELL v2 is about designing and operating environments that put people first. Developed by the International WELL Building Institute pbc™ (IWBI), the standard is grounded in scientific research and organized around ten core concepts: air, water, nourishment, light, movement, thermal comfort, sound, materials, mind, and community.
These categories go beyond aesthetics to inform policies, practices, and physical design strategies that measurably improve the human experience in the built environment. From the air we breathe to the light we see, every detail contributes to a healthier, more intentional place.
For Baskervill, pursuing WELL Certification™ was a natural extension of our values. We know first-hand the power thoughtful spaces have in uplifting people—and we know our clients do, too. This certification reflects our commitment to well-being, both for our team and the people we design for every day.
WELL in Action: Highlights from Our Office
So, what does WELL actually look like in a working office? Here’s a peek behind the scenes of our Richmond office—and how WELL standards shape the way we work, feel, and connect here.
Reception
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Kitchen
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Workspace
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These highlights represent a handful of the design and operational elements we’ve implemented through the WELL program. From day one, our Richmond office was thoughtfully designed with WELL principles in mind—prioritizing daylight, flexibility, and human-centric zones. But achieving WELL Certification™ isn’t just about design; it’s about how a space functions over time. By embedding operational strategies—from policy updates to wellness programming and performance testing—we activate those design strategies in everyday use. It’s a layered approach that puts people’s well-being at the heart of our workplace for the long run.
Why It Matters
Whether you’re building from scratch or evolving an existing space, WELL-aligned design supports both people and performance. Research shows that creating WELL-aligned spaces is just plain business smart. Companies with WELL-certified spaces report higher employee satisfaction, better productivity, and greater retention rates. In fact, the World Green Building Council reports that WELL-certified workplaces can see absenteeism drop by over four days per employee per year—a 58% reduction—and experience a 27% decrease in staff turnover. Plus, nearly 9 out of 10 employees choose employers based on the health and wellness programs available in the organization, according to Forbes.
While we know formal certification isn’t always the right fit for every project, integrating WELL principles early on can help companies meet key goals: reducing turnover, attracting top talent, and aligning with broader sustainability objectives.
Our firsthand experience navigating the WELL Certification™ process—from design to documentation—gives us the insight to support clients who want to prioritize well-being in their own workplaces. Beyond our own office, we’ve integrated WELL principles into a diverse array of projects from healthcare to mixed-use environments, and we understand how to scale these strategies for different project types and budgets.
WELL isn’t a trend—it’s a mindset that’s here to stay. A smarter way to design, operate, and inhabit the spaces where we spend our precious time. And because we’ve done it ourselves, we’re ready to help you do it, too.
Curious to learn more? Let’s talk.