Cambridge Savings Bank HQ Achieves WELL Platinum Recertification

March 23, 2026

Cambridge Savings Bank’s (CSB) Operations Center, the first building in New England to achieve Platinum WELL v2, has successfully completed WELL Platinum recertification, reaffirming a long-term commitment to employee health, well-being, and performance.

The headquarters, located in Waltham, MA completed recertification in partnership with SMMA under the more rigorous WELL v2 framework. This underscores not only the strength of the original workplace design, but also CSB’s sustained investment in policies, operations, and workplace culture that prioritizes its people.

The WELL Building Standard is a rigorous building rating system that recognizes buildings and organizations that support and enhance the occupants’ physical and mental well-being.

SMMA supported CSB throughout the recertification process, serving as WELL Accredited Professionals and guiding the team through documentation, analysis, and coordination required to meet the highest level of the WELL Building Standard.

SMMA team members Sarah Sopelak and Melissa Russell, both WELL Accredited Professionals (WELL APs) worked closely with CSB to lead the recertification effort. Sopelak and Russell coordinated and tracked documentation across more than 80 achieved WELL features, aligning physical building conditions with evolving WELL standards while also guiding CSB through detailed policy and operational requirements.

“When I got certified as a WELL Accredited Professional in 2018, it was the first certification in the AEC industry that really looked at the human holistically. I think it speaks volumes that CSB understands the importance of putting their employees first; for the health of their people and their organization as a whole.”

Sarah Sopelak, Senior Interior Designer

CSB first pursued WELL Platinum certification in 2021, driven by a desire to create a workplace that genuinely supports their employees. The original design decisions made during the 2018–2020 renovation continue to deliver the highest level of care for their employees from common areas and quiet spaces to workstations and amenities.

WELL-aligned design strategies include:

Abundant natural light and views made possible by thoughtful space planning and a dramatic, sunlight flooded central staircase
Amenity-rich environments, including a fitness center, wellness rooms, nap room, mother’s room, and a full-service cafeteria
Community-focused spaces and activities, boasting flexible dining areas, outdoor patios with fire pits, an employee engagement wall, and spaces that can host internal or public events
Acoustic comfort, achieved through sound masking systems and zoning plans for quiet and collaborative spaces
Environmental Graphic Design, featuring natural patterns, colors, and visual cues that support comfort, wayfinding, and mental well-being

A third-party consultant was involved to complete the technical analysis, testing numerous elements including air quality, water quality, acoustics, and lighting.

These strategies, along with a fully integrated SMMA project team, not only supported WELL Platinum certification but also made the transition to the more stringent WELL v2 standard far more seamless.

As a WELL AP and Sustainable Design Analyst, Russell was able to bring a unique perspective and connection between designing for people and the planet.

“LEED and WELL reinforce each other. Many strategies that are good for the environment positively affect our health and wellbeing. As we move into version five of LEED, I believe we're going to start seeing a lot more crossover with WELL, creating a stronger framework for future projects.”

Melissa Russell, Sustainable Design Analyst

Projects like CSB’s Operations Center influence how SMMA approaches other client work. WELL Platinum projects reinforce the idea that health, well-being, and performance are not add-ons; they are foundational to good design and long-term organizational success.

This recertification demonstrates what’s possible when design excellence, operational commitment, and organizational values align, setting a powerful example for workplaces looking to invest meaningfully in their people.