Melissa Voelker
Finding solutions through design that impact the human experience
How does the interior space complement a T3 building?
Working closely with our interior design firms, we aim to design amenity spaces that not only put well-being at the forefront of the experience, but by also being mindful of how we use and design the space to be the most impactful to the entirety of the T3 concept. Simple things on the interior amenity spaces, like limiting the amount of carpet, acoustical panels and ceiling panels make a good dent in our carbon usage. These simple material avoidances also complement the authenticity of a T3 building by proudly displaying the timber and using it as an advantage to create the character of the spaces. This material restraint embraces the natural beauty of the timber structure, while still allowing us to design spaces that are functional and aesthetically pleasing, without adding extra fuss and frills.
How does the interior space complement a T3 building?
Working closely with our interior design firms, we aim to design amenity spaces that not only put well-being at the forefront of the experience, but by also being mindful of how we use and design the space to be the most impactful to the entirety of the T3 concept. Simple things on the interior amenity spaces, like limiting the amount of carpet, acoustical panels and ceiling panels make a good dent in our carbon usage. These simple material avoidances also complement the authenticity of a T3 building by proudly displaying the timber and using it as an advantage to create the character of the spaces. This material restraint embraces the natural beauty of the timber structure, while still allowing us to design spaces that are functional and aesthetically pleasing, without adding extra fuss and frills.
How does a T3 enhance a neighborhood’s identity?
Staying local when sourcing vendors/creators not only infuses the local neighborhood vibes but cuts down on carbon emissions from transportation/shipping of goods that perhaps are not authentic and true to the neighborhood.
Many of our T3’s tend to be in more industrial or artful neighborhoods (T3 RiNo, T3 Fat Village, T3 Sterling Road, etc.) and with that comes some great opportunities to incorporate and reuse the unique elements of the site.
At T3 FAT Village, the site currently has all these eclectic, CMU-block buildings which house unique shops and artists’ studios. On the façades of these existing buildings are murals and graffiti and stunning works of art all done by the hand of someone in the local community. While these existing buildings are going to be demolished, the intent is to try to salvage and reuse many of these one-of-a-kind art moments so that we don’t lose the original identity of the neighborhood, and that we are also purposeful about reuse and recycle in a meaningful way. Just recently, our selected interior design firm – CID Design Group – worked with a regional photographer to artistically capture these existing works of art, as well as earmark a few particular moments to be retained for future incorporation into the new development. Some of these pieces may be cut out or taken down brick-by-brick with the intent to preserve these works of art, as well as avoid the landfill. We are exploring reusing garage doors that have unique art on them, as well as various building materials on site.
By re-using and re-purposing these art moments that live on the existing façades, we are able to minimize our carbon footprint through strategic reclamation throughout the demolition process, all the while maintaining a sense of place for what the site was and what it will be in the future.
Wood naturally traps carbon from the atmosphere and has a beautiful sustainability and wellness story.
Melissa
What guides designers in making material selections for T3?
Pursuing LEED/WELL certifications helps guide designers in making conscious material selections – specifying materials with recycled content and EPD Product Certifications. Sourcing domestic/local manufacturers, and utilizing reclaimed materials are other strategies that align with these building certifications.
How else can T3 bring environmental and social sustainability to the workplace?
When we develop buildings in places with great public transportation hubs and provide electric car and bike charging stations on site, we are able to do our part, as developers, to minimize our impact on the community in a broader way.
Elevating the bike amenity spaces in the building to encourage tenants to commute carbon-free. Many parts of the world treat these bike rooms as a proud amenity for the building which really makes this a desired (and useful) amenity leasing tool but also supports non-vehicular means of transport.
Specifying FSC-certified wood products for building materials and interior design features is a great way to reduce carbon emissions. Wood naturally traps carbon from the atmosphere and has a beautiful sustainability and wellness story.
Get to Know Melissa
What brought you to Hines?
I come from a hospitality architecture background where I spent several years designing hotels and resorts all over the world. What intrigued me most about Hines was their recognition that how the spaces in their buildings influence our perception and experience of the property as a whole – and how these buildings come down to the ground affect the community who pass by it every day. So, much like the resort world – Hines places great emphasis on making sure that what we do, build and develop actually creates something meaningful and positive to those who experience the spaces, whether that’s on the interior or exterior of the building. When we think about commercial architecture, this usually isn’t a first-and-foremost priority, yet with Hines – it’s a key driver and indicator of a successful building.
What has your career path looked like within Hines?
My specific role didn’t exist before, and very few (if any) developers have it currently. Hines had enough foresight to recognize that having someone in the company who solely focused on how design influences the experience of the user was a critical add and through this specific role, they created an advocate for every property that offers a different lens to view through on what helps make a property successful.
When I first started with Hines in this role, it was really about shaping it into what it is today by sharing with our development teams how important that first 40’ of our building is to the perception of the community, about what you see as you look into the building is just as important as what you see when you look out. That getting the front door experience for both visitors and daily users was critical and that our buildings need to help create a sense of place and identity that resonates with both the users in the building but also for the community in which it resides. As the role has progressed over the past four years – I am hearing our development teams speak more-and-more in these terms, which shows me the word is getting out there.
What do you love about CRE?
I love problem solving. My brain is oriented around design and finding solutions through design that impact the human experience. What I find pretty exceptional about the industry is that no two buildings, lobbies, amenities, cities, are the same. Everything is custom-tailored and refined for that specific environment and locale. The challenges are nearly always new, the problem-solving solutions are often bespoke and the opportunities to be creative occur every day.
Want to join Hines?