Civil engineer Dênis Pechir: Health, comfort and sustainability are the best investments

1. How did you first hear about the WELL AP? What got you excited enough about it to apply, study and take the test?

Petinelli, the company I’ve worked with for nearly 4 years, has introduced me to a whole new world of sustainability and well-being. As part of that learning process, I found out about the WELL AP.

As a civil engineer, I’ve often wondered, “How did we get so technologically accomplished, and yet design buildings that don’t deliver the required comfort and well-being?”

Working at Petinelli allowed me to better understand how we can and should build better. And the WELL AP is a way to express that you, as a professional, are aligned with the ideals of designing the buildings we need, buildings that are sustainable and comfortable.

2. What’s one way becoming a WELL AP has impacted your life and/or career?

In the course of my work as a WELL AP, I gained a deeper awareness of the ways the built environment influences our health and well-being — including those that may seem insignificant to an engineer. For instance, many engineers don’t consider how what they build could promote better nutrition, but being a part of WELL invites those questions and considerations.

3. What are some things you’ve been able to do (or you plan to do) as a WELL AP you couldn’t before? Why are those things important to you?

As a WELL AP, I have the information and analysis to show my customers that investing in healthy, comfortable, and sustainable places is the best investment they could make. Because we spend 90% of our time indoors, this type of investment serves to improve people’s living quality and, as a byproduct, their productivity at work. Human resources account for the majority of a company’s operating costs, so investing in your health and well-being is an investment in your own company.

4. Did anything about the WELL AP surprise you? What was it? How would you prepare WELL AP candidates for that?

Definitely how approachable the WELL AP community is. Being a WELL AP opens up a whole new world of learning and networking opportunities. It allows us to communicate with people from all over the world and share our experiences. So, for WELL AP candidates, the test is only the beginning. Be prepared to study even more after passing and to take advantage of all the benefits that come with being a WELL AP.

5. What’s something about the WELL AP–or the WELL movement in general–that isn’t often discussed, but you think deserves more attention?

After working remotely for two years, I finally realized the importance of good ergonomic design in the workplace. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) such as tendinitis account for 33% of all worker injuries and illnesses. This means reduced productivity and quality of life. Being proactive about ergonomics can make such a huge difference.

6. What does well-being mean to you? How do you incorporate it into your life and routine?

Balance represents well-being to me. When I can balance my work, physical and mental health, I am the best version of myself. I try to eat as healthily as possible, primarily fresh and nutritious foods, but that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy a pizza every now and then. (Remember, balance is key.) I also incorporate physical training into my schedule, beginning each day with a one-hour workout in the gym or a one-hour run, alternating between strength training and cardio in my weekly exercise plan. Again, balance is essential. On weekends, I love playing football (or soccer, as the Americans call it) and spending time in nature, so trail biking or going on a hike are probably my greatest options for relaxing and recharging my batteries.

7. Is there a specific WELL concept, feature or set of features that have really resonated with you and that you’ve incorporated into your own life?

Years before I even knew about WELL, I began including cycling in my regular routine. But, after becoming a WELL AP, I really began to see the various ways cycling could make my life better. I now not only bike commute but also cycle practically everywhere I go because it is simpler, easier, less expensive and healthier.

8. How do you think COVID-19 has impacted your WELL AP practice and approach? How do you think that will change going forward?

The first thing that comes to mind is air quality, but we also need to address mental health. COVID has totally changed my perception of mental health, and I believe the WELL AP has transformed my approach to it. COVID has accelerated the turn to more mainstream, more widespread consideration for mental health in the built environment. The way COVID has reshaped life in general and work in particular has compelled us to engage in discussions and decisions that I believe would have otherwise been 5, maybe 10, years out.

For example, Mind is a WELL concept that we engineers and architects have always been working on in some way, but since COVID, our perception of it has changed dramatically. After months of lockdown (at least here in Brazil), we know the importance of designing buildings that consider mental health. Even better, we feel the importance of it. People are returning to the office, slowly transitioning from a remote work model to a hybrid or full-time office model.

Some companies are forcing the full-time office model, but is it the best way to go? How do we motivate our employees to return to the office? We must provide a workplace where they feel safe, happy, and energized. WELL ideas and WELL AP guidance can assist with this, helping people proactively and consciously design, build and operate safer work environments, improving health and well-being while also publically and vocally prioritizing it, so potential employees, clients and peers know.

Want to see how you can help organizations create the safer environments that protect, attract and retain workers? Start your WELL AP journey today.