Press Releases June 17, 2025

Perkins&Will Partners with Maslon LLP to Design Minnesota’s First WELL Certified Law Office

A model of healthy workplace design positions Maslon at the forefront of the legal industry

MINNEAPOLIS—Perkins&Will Minneapolis has teamed up with Maslon LLP to transform the firm’s offices on the 29th and 30th-floors in Capella Tower into a model of well-being and sustainability. The project establishes a new benchmark for law firms in Minnesota, making Maslon the first in the state to become WELL Certified Gold from the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI).

The WELL Building Standard is a performance-based system for measuring, certifying, and monitoring features of the built environment that impact human health and well-being. Unlike traditional sustainability certifications that focus primarily on energy and environmental performance, WELL Certification prioritizes the health and well-being of occupants by requiring adherence to rigorous standards across air, water, nourishment, light, movement, and other critical factors that influence workplace experience.

By prioritizing employee health and well-being, Perkins&Will helped Maslon redefine what a law office can be. The result is a workplace that fosters collaboration, enhances productivity, and promotes overall wellness—demonstrating how innovative design can support sustainable business practices while advancing occupant health and satisfaction.

Designing for well-being, not just work

Perkins&Will supported Maslon’s vision for a healthier, more engaging work environment for attorneys and professional staff. The office integrates WELL principles through:

Optimized Air Quality: Advanced ventilation systems, particularly in conference rooms, enhance cognitive function and overall well-being.
Abundant Natural Light: Full-glass walls and an open layout provide equitable daylight access, boosting mood and productivity.
Active Design Strategies: Central staircases, adjustable workstations, and collaborative spaces encourage movement throughout the day.
Biophilic Elements: Live plant installations throughout the office improve air quality and provide a direct visual connection to nature, proven to enhance employee satisfaction.

A new model for law office design

Historically, law offices have been characterized by enclosed, hierarchical layouts with limited transparency. Maslon’s redesigned space challenges this traditional model by embracing openness and connectivity. Employees now benefit from glass partitions that maintain privacy while increasing visibility, equitably sized offices, an open work café for informal collaboration, and a dynamic, flexible workspace tailored for modern workstyles.

WELL Certification goes beyond sustainability—it’s about creating spaces where people thrive. Maslon embraced a revolutionary approach to law office design, prioritizing well-being, collaboration, and flexibility in ways that challenge traditional legal workplaces. We’re proud to have helped bring this forward-thinking vision to life.”

Anne Smith, Senior Interior Designer

A strategic investment in talent and culture

In today’s competitive talent market, workplace experience plays a critical role in attracting and retaining top professionals. Maslon’s pursuit of WELL Certification reflects a commitment to creating an environment that puts people first. That investment has already yielded tangible results: A Leesman survey measuring workplace experience showed a significant jump in employee satisfaction, with scores rising from 71.4 to 86.5—well above the industry benchmark of 66.1.

“We wanted to demonstrate our commitment to the health and well-being of our employees and partners, and to create an environment that encourages everyone to come into the office,” says Susan Cyronek, Maslon’s director of human resources. “We saw this new space as an opportunity to support recruitment efforts by showcasing our collaborative culture, its many amenities, and our artwork—and we’re thrilled with the result.”

Pioneering the future of workplace design

WELL Certification represents a growing shift in how organizations approach office design. More companies are recognizing that prioritizing employee well-being isn’t just a benefit—it’s a strategic imperative. Perkins&Will continues to help clients lead this transformation, designing workplaces that blend innovation, sustainability, and human-centric solutions.

Perkins&Will Partners with Maslon LLP to Design Minnesota’s First WELL Certified Law Office

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