Medline partnered with Ware Malcomb to create a new 214,560 SF, 7-story workplace in Northbrook, IL, consolidating their operations, information services, quality, and inventory management teams into one centralized location. The goal was to celebrate the “unsung heroes” of Medline—the people who keep operations running daily—and support their work with a healthy, hospitality-driven environment.
Ware Malcomb provided interior architecture, furniture management, building measurement, and MEP engineering services. The team was challenged to preserve existing first-floor and mezzanine layouts while developing a forward-looking program that could grow from 487 to 662 employees by 2026. The resulting design balances individual workspaces with collaborative, amenity-rich environments.
The concept, A Streamlined Path, was inspired by Medline’s mission to simplify healthcare. Central collaboration hubs and intuitive wayfinding anchor each floor, supported by biophilic elements and warm materials. The refreshed lobby, open collaboration zones, and sustainable marketing portal serve as key touchpoints throughout the building, reinforcing connectivity and user experience. Strategic placement of pantries and quiet zones further encourages movement and community across all levels.
