Meyer, a national award-winning architecture and design firm, announced the completion of Bala Consulting Engineers’ redesigned corporate headquarters in Wayne, Pennsylvania. The completely renovated 21,500 square-foot office embraces the highest standards of neurodiversity and universal design in a thoughtfully designed workspace that fosters the health, connectivity, and innovation of Bala’s engineers and professional staff.
The project was designed according to WELL Building Standards, a roadmap for creating and certifying spaces that advance human health and wellbeing and is currently being evaluated for certification. Bala Consulting Engineers supports a 100% in-person workforce, so it was important that the design be as comfortable, productive, and welcoming to staff and clients as possible.
“Our goal was to create a destination headquarters that prioritizes employee health and innovation,” said Debra Breslow, NCIDQ, IIDA, WELL AP, leader of Meyer’s Corporate Practice. “The human-centric design speaks to Bala’s values as an organization, and Meyer is proud to have partnered with them on this important project, which pushes the envelope for sustainable workspace design.”
Bala’s headquarters brings together a diverse population of staff in an open office setting that promotes hospitality for employees, clients, and guests. A large café with gaming options and other amenities converts to a training and conference room for flexible gathering, and digital signage highlights messaging from all of Bala’s office locations.
The space seamlessly incorporates the latest workplace technologies, including high quality video conferencing cameras, room reservation systems, mobile AV capabilities, and conference room occupancy sensors. Advanced monitoring systems track and display air quality throughout the office, while daylight harvesting systems combine with Power over Ethernet (PoE) lighting displays to meet Bala’s wellness and sustainability goals.
The office also features ample access to natural light, high-quality acoustics, biophilia, and sit-to-stand desks that promote healthy movement throughout the day.
(Photo credit: Jeffrey Totaro)
“Bala’s new headquarters is a celebration of our employees. We endeavored to create a place of overall physical and emotional wellness that fosters innovation and collaboration across all our teams,” said Kimberly D. Burkert, Chief Executive Officer of Bala Consulting Engineers.
“We chose Meyer because we knew they understood our focus and would incorporate our vision to deliver a design that moves Bala into the future. Since the end of the pandemic and our return to the office, we have observed how our employees have reconnected with each other in our new space to ignite a renewed spirit of camaraderie at Bala.”
Meyer provided full interior design services for the Bala headquarters, including furniture procurement and branding throughout the space. The team, led by Breslow, also included Project Manager Jessica Nixon, LEED AP, WELL AP; Senior Interior Designer Jamye Petrini, NCIDQ; and Interior Designer Dana Sweeney.
Meyer has completed dozens of notable new headquarters and corporate office renovations, including The Philadelphia Inquirer, Rite Aid, RMA, QVC and Independence Blue Cross.
About Meyer
Meyer is a national award-winning architecture and design firm dedicated to creating innovative, people-focused solutions for clients across the workplace, healthcare, life science, education, senior living, active adult, and multi-family markets. With over 45 years in business, our firm is built around the power of people, relationships, and design.
For more information, please visit our new website at meyerdesigninc.com.
