2.13.15 | New York, NY | As part of Fast Company’s 2015 Most Innovative Companies issue, its annual ranking of the world’s 50 Most Innovative Companies, Michael Graves Architecture & Design has been chosen as one of 10 Most Innovative Companies in Design. The issue honors leading enterprises and rising newcomers that exemplify the best in business and innovation.
 
Honored for “tackling design backwaters with empathy and fresh ideas,” Michael Graves Architecture & Design continue its mission addressing the many problems related to healthcare design, most recently with the new Acute Care for the Elderly unit at Yale-New Haven Hospital. The new unit incorporates architectural elements and signage specifically designed to support the care of patients 65 and older. Responding to a recent study showing patients over 65 need three times more contrast in order to identify objects, MGA&D developed a unique signage system to alert clinicians and visitors of precautions and protocols that need to be followed. The signage was designed to be easily maintained to reduce risk of infection, and the color palette and materials were selected to enhance contrast to reduce falls. Additionally, the firm has designed the PRIME TC wheelchair and a line of patient room furniture with Stryker Corporation.

This recognition comes at a commemorative time for the firm, having just celebrated its 50th anniversary with a retrospective at the Grounds for Sculpture in New Jersey on view through April 5, and a symposium organized by The Architectural League of New York in November 2014.

Most Innovative Companies is one of Fast Company’s most significant and highly anticipated editorial efforts of the year. The magazine’s editors spend months gathering and analyzing data on companies around the globe. The resulting package emphasizes the breadth of companies with progressive, nimble business models, an ethos of sustainability, and a culture of creativity.

About Michael Graves Architecture & Design
 
Michael Graves Architecture & Design (MGA+D) is recognized as one of the leading design firms in the world.  Through approaching projects aesthetically and empathetically, MGA+D achieves transformative results for their clients.  Offering a full spectrum of services, MGA+D's architecture projects span the globe and the firm has brought over 2,000 products to market for clients such as Target, Alessi, Stryker and Disney.  With over 200 awards for design excellence, MGA+D is a unique, highly integrated multidisciplinary practice that offers strategic advantages to clients worldwide. For more information, visit www.michaelgraves.com.
 
About Fast Company
 
Fast Company is the world’s leading progressive business media brand, with a unique editorial focus on innovation in technology, ethical economics, leadership, and design. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, one of the U.S.’s leading media companies.