ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Bobrick and Gensler Redefine Workplace Washrooms for Equity and Wellness

architecture-design · 2026-08-10

Bobrick Washroom Equipment has launched a video series called 'Washroom Conversations,' focusing on the significance of commercial restrooms in promoting workplace wellness and inclusivity. The inaugural episode features Matt Louchheim, Bobrick's president, in dialogue with Jennifer Nuila, a senior associate at Gensler. They explore how restrooms, often seen merely as functional spaces, can be thoughtfully designed to enhance both privacy and social interaction, providing employees with a much-needed retreat. This discussion led to the creation of Bobrick's PRIVADA® Cubicles, inspired by a design challenge Nuila encountered while working on a New York City office. Her mentor's phrase—'no more terrible bathrooms'—ignited her passion for sensory details. The series also showcases Bobrick's headquarters, where separate toilet rooms and a communal handwashing area encourage informal interactions, promoting a more inclusive workplace culture.

Key facts

  • Bobrick launched a new video series called 'Washroom Conversations'.
  • The first episode features Matt Louchheim, president of Bobrick, and Jennifer Nuila, senior associate at Gensler.
  • The series discusses the commercial restroom as a critical frontier for workplace wellness and inclusivity.
  • Nuila and Louchheim collaborated on the development of Bobrick's PRIVADA® Cubicles.
  • PRIVADA was born from a design challenge Nuila faced detailing 12 floors of a New York City workplace.
  • Nuila's mentor gave her the directive: 'no more terrible bathrooms'.
  • Bobrick's corporate headquarters features a common handwashing area while toilet rooms remain separate.
  • The design was inspired by an incident where a female executive was excluded from a decision in the men's restroom.

Entities

Artists

  • Jennifer Nuila
  • Matt Louchheim

Institutions

  • Bobrick Washroom Equipment
  • Gensler

Locations

  • New York City
  • United States

Sources