M id A tlantic Real Estate Journal — Healthcare — May 2025 — 23
www.marej.com
H ealthcare
A sit-down with industry veteran Maria Scenna of CFI Workspace Finding your place in the growing healthcare marketspace
C
ommercial real estate is constantly evolv- ing, driven by shift-
outcomes, and experience. To succeed, you need to be genuine, trustworthy, and above all, a good listener. Take time to understand what’s really driving the client’s decisions. Don’t lead with pricing or product. Lead with insight. Of- fer solutions that balance cost, function, and long-term flex - ibility. When you demonstrate a clear understanding of the pressures healthcare providers face—from staffing to compli - ance to patient experience—you shift from being a vendor to a
trusted partner. 3) What makes health- care projects uniquely complex? In healthcare, every de- tail is important. It’s not just about the patient—it’s about families, staff, and the full care experience. Every touchpoint matters. How far does a critically ill child or elderly parent have to travel to reach care? Is the space intuitive, safe, and welcom- ing? Would I feel confident receiving care here? Healthcare providers carry
a tremendous responsibility. Our job is to create environ- ments that reflect their mis - sion and support that respon- sibility. It’s more than design. It is purpose-driven work that directly impacts many lives. Looking Ahead CFI Workspace demonstrates what’s possible when you invest in understanding the full pic- ture—people, systems and the purpose behind each project. Led by a specialized healthcare team, CFI is shaping environ- ments that meet the demands of today while remaining
flexible for what’s next. The result? Spaces that are thoughtfully designed to empower caregivers and support patient well-being for years to come. Maria Scenna is execu- tive director of Healthcare Sales for CFI Workspace, where she leads the compa- ny’s Healthcare Division. With 30+ years of experi- ence in the healthcare in- dustry, she advances care settings that foster healing, innovation, and patient- centered design. MAREJ
ing market demands and emerg- ing sectors. One area ex- periencing steady and accelerated growth is healthcare.
Maria Scenna
As the need for care facilities continues to rise nationwide, brokers, developers, design- ers, and property managers are turning their attention— and resources—toward this dynamic space. But entering the healthcare market re- quires more than just show- ing up. What does it really take to gain a foothold and build lasting success? We sat down with Maria Scenna, executive director of Healthcare Sales at CFI Workspace, to gain insight. With over 30 years of health - care leadership experience, Maria now leads CFI’s dedi- cated healthcare division, helping design and deliver environments where care happens every day. 1) What inspired your career transition after so many years in healthcare? After decades in health- care leadership, I was ready for a new challenge but one that still felt purposeful. CFI Workspace had a vision: to build a healthcare-focused division led by professionals who truly understand the clinical world —from infec- tious disease protocols to ergonomics and day-to-day operational demands. When they asked me to help launch the division and open a dedicated health- care showroom, it seemed a natural fit. I could take all my hands-on knowledge and apply it in a way that directly improves how care is delivered. It’s been both energizing and rewarding, especially after the intense COVID era. 2) What advice would you offer to professionals in real estate, architec- ture, design, and con- struction pursuing work in this sector ? Healthcare is complex— it’s about more than lay- out and square footage. It’s about people, safety,
Creating spaces where people heal
Celebrating 40 years of providing dynamic furniture solutions. CFIWorkspace.com
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