An Inside Look at Marriott International’s World-Class Healthy Hospitality Headquarters

Best in Building HealthHealthy Building ProfilesStrategies & SolutionsFitwel ChampionsFitwel Ambassadors
Written By Guest User

We’re thrilled to congratulate Marriott International, the local Bethesda Marriott team, Gensler, The Bernstein Companies, and Boston Properties for their people-first approach to the design and operations of Marriott’s Global HQ Campus!

AT A GLANCE

Companies: Marriott International, Boston Properties, The Bernstein Companies, Gensler, Rand Construction, Hensel Phelps

Awards:

 

Highest Scoring Design and Highest Scoring Commercial Interior Space v2.1

Project: Marriott International Headquarters, Bethesda, MD

Square Footage: 22-story, 737,000-square-foot 

Project Leads: Gregory Plavcan and Liz Resenic, Gensler Sustainability Consulting Leads & Fitwel Ambassadors; Carson Owen, Melissa Darmante, and Stephen Ramos, Gensler Design Team Leads

Marriott's Bethesda headquarters, which received 3 Stars, the highest Fitwel certification rating possible, represents a world-class hospitality organization that recognizes that its people are the source of its innovation and success. The workspace, designed by leading architecture firm Gensler — also recognized for their dedication to our Ambassador program — includes a cutting-edge fitness center, treadmill desks, and meditation rooms, as well as a childcare center with 6,600 square feet of outdoor covered space for all-weather play.

We sat down with leaders from both teams to hear more about this healthy hospitality leader’s achievements and goals.

Image: Liz Resenic, Sustainability Consulting Lead and Fitwel Ambassador, Gensler

Liz Resenic
Sustainability Consulting Lead and Fitwel Ambassador, Gensler

What Fitwel strategies did Gensler use to achieve Marriott’s healthy building goals?
LR: From the start of this project, it was clear that Marriott wanted to root themselves in a vibrant and active community with amenities accessible to Marriott associates inside and outside of the project. The strategies within the Fitwel certification system categories were also closely aligned with Marriott’s mission and vision for the site, making active design strategies and human health a key focus of every aspect of the project. With the understanding that we needed to achieve at least 125 of 144 points (almost 87% of the total points available), we knew that this project needed to seriously pursue as many strategies as possible. In the end, we achieved 134 points, covering the majority of the Fitwel categories and strategies scoring highest in location, outdoor spaces, shared spaces, and indoor environment. Marriott’s vision combined with our tactics allowed us to develop a dynamic, walkable community equipped with state-of-the-art amenities for their associates to explore and embrace.

Image: Jordan Goldstein, Co-Firm Managing Principal, Gensler

Jordan Goldstein
Co-Firm Managing Principal, Gensler 

What was it like developing this future-proof building during the COVID-19 pandemic?
JG: When we teamed up with Marriott to reimagine the company's global headquarters seven years ago, neither Gensler nor Marriott expected the new facility to open on the heels of a global pandemic. While many companies paused projects to evaluate this changing landscape, Marriott, a pillar of the hospitality industry for over 95 years, approached the project believing in the power of design to improve the human experience. Our approach was to create a design strategy that blended ideas from hospitality and workplace into a unique recipe for Marriott that makes the office a destination rather than an obligation.

Ty Breland, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Marriott International 

Ty Breland
Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Marriott International

How does Fitwel align with Marriott’s mission?
TB: We are honored that our new global headquarters has been named a Fitwel Best in Building Health winner. For over 95 years, our culture has been grounded in putting people first and we're committed to creating an environment where our associates can thrive. Our unwavering focus on the physical and mental well-being of our associates ensures they can become the best versions of themselves.

How have you seen Fitwel positively impact Marriott employees and other occupants?
TB: The Fitwel certification is an important tool for attracting and retaining top talent in today's competitive job market. How companies approach health and well-being is an increasing consideration for job seekers. At Marriott International, we are committed to providing our associates with the resources they need to thrive. Our comprehensive focus on physical and mental well-being is woven into the fabric of our award-winning HQ campus, from healthy food and beverage options to a range of wellness amenities designed to ensure that our associates can lead healthy and fulfilling lives both in and out of the workplace.

About Marriott International, Inc.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 8,500 properties under 31 leading brands spanning 138 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly awarded travel program. For more information, visit their website at www.marriott.com and connect with them on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.

About Gensler
Gensler is a global architecture, design, and planning firm with 53 locations and more than 7,000 professionals networked across the Americas, Europe, Greater China, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East. Founded in 1965, the firm works globally with more than 4,000 clients across more than 33 practice areas spanning the work, lifestyle, community, and health sectors. We are guided by our mission to create a better world through the power of design, and the source of our strength is our people. By leveraging our diversity of ideas, our research and innovation, our shared values, and our One-Firm Firm culture, we are working seamlessly as a borderless firm in 140 countries and making the greatest impact on our communities as we continue to tackle the world’s challenges. To learn more, visit their website at www.gensler.com.

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