Once Upon a Project Podcast: Mark Hirons discusses Northwestern Medicine's Faculty Office Center
August 5, 2026
Social Sharing
We're proud to share that the latest episode of the Once Upon a Project podcast takes a deep look into the cutting-edge Northwestern Medicine Faculty Office Center.
Featuring our Senior Design Leader Mark Hirons and Northwestern Medicine Vice President of Real Estate Jill Gewargis, the episode takes a deep look at how the Faculty Office Center sets exciting new precedents around physician and healthcare workspaces.
The forward-thinking space is an elegant, high-performance environment seamlessly integrated into the hospital and designed to support both focus and restoration while keeping physicians close to patient care.
Testimonials
-
We've designed a space that echoes nature and is focused on helping people reset. We're using every tool we can – planning, materials, design, lighting – to make people in this space feel comfortable. It's a 'journey through the woods' that helps people find the spaces they need in any moment of their day.
Mark Hirons, FAIA, IIDA, LEED AP Senior Design Leader
The ability to either decompress alone or collaborate with colleagues is integral to the Faculty Office Center’s design. It offers both private, reservable offices as well as lounges, meeting rooms and open workspaces. Sought after amenities include meditation rooms, showers and hotel-like hospitality.
The Faculty Office Center boasts its own staff that provides onsite support as well as a team that prepares healthy, customizable meals for faculty members working long hours.
The stunning project is the result of a collaborative effort across our firm, Blue Cottage of CannonDesign and Northwestern Medicine. It has already received distinguished awards from Fast Company and Healthcare Design.
Once Upon a Project is a leading design podcast that provides listeners with thorough looks at the stories and processes behind inspiring spaces.
