One thing I have learned is that we shouldn’t take our work spaces for granted. Leading behavioral science research has shown that our health and happiness is affected by the built environment. Natural light, artwork, natural materials, and clean open spaces are positively correlated with productivity and well-being. Nevertheless, it seems that the go-to choice for many office buildings is synthetic carpet, acoustical ceilings, and florescent lighting.

Wallace Brothers Construction was given the opportunity to designed and build the interior of Emory & Henry College’s Ampersand Center. Instead of automatically reaching for ceiling tile, we opted to leave the ceiling exposed—which made the space feel larger and more open. Factory window interior screens separated the space without closing it in. We also used refurbished barn wood instead of carpet tile for the flooring. All of this was not only more aesthetically pleasing, it was also more cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Good design is about creating usable spaces that make people feel good. After all, "Who ever said pleasure wasn't functional?" -Charles Eames