Designing Beyond Equipment

When facility managers think about upgrading or expanding their gyms, the first instinct is often equipment. But according to Patricia Totaro, one of Brazil’s leading fitness facility designers, the real driver of long-term success lies in how spaces are conceived, experienced, and evolved. We sat down with Patricia to explore why design must be treated as a strategic lever, not just a decorative layer.  

A New Era of Design Thinking in Fitness  

For decades, fitness design was simple: put cardio along one wall, strength machines in the middle, and free weights in the back. But today’s members expect more. They don’t just want a workout; they want an experience that aligns with their lifestyle, values, and sense of belonging.  

“Equipment is important, yes,” Patricia notes, “but if the space doesn’t inspire people, if it doesn’t welcome them, then the equipment won’t matter. Good design is about creating an environment that makes people want to return.”  

This shift reframes design as more than architecture. It’s a business strategy. And one that directly affects retention, staff performance, and even revenue models.  

Human Experience First  

Patricia emphasizes that design should start from the perspective of the user, not the operator. That means considering circulation patterns, lighting, acoustics, and even emotional cues that influence how people feel inside a space.  

“In Brazil, we have a very social culture. People come to gyms to connect as much as to train,” she explains. “So, our designs must create meeting points, open sight lines, and areas that encourage interaction.”  

For facility managers outside Brazil, the principle is the same: understand the cultural context of your members. Are they looking for community? Privacy? High-performance training? Recovery? Then design intentionally around those needs.  

The Strategic Value of Recovery and Wellness  

One of Patricia’s strongest insights is how recovery is becoming central to design. Once an afterthought, recovery spaces are now a competitive differentiator.  

“In high-end clubs, you can no longer just put a few stretching mats in the corner and call it recovery,” she says. “Members expect dedicated zones that are quiet, beautiful, intentional spaces where they can stretch, meditate, or use recovery tools. It’s about treating the body holistically.”  

For facility managers, this is not just a wellness add-on. Recovery zones create new programming opportunities, lengthen member visits, and attract a broader demographic; especially older populations and women who may feel excluded by purely strength-focused designs.   

Takeaway: recovery zones don’t require a large footprint, but the space you dedicate can make a powerful impact. Our team can help you design an area that balances performance and relaxation, ensuring members have access to the equipment they need within a thoughtfully designed, restorative environment.  

Designing for Operational Efficiency  

While Patricia champions aesthetics and emotion, she never loses sight of the operational side. Poorly designed layouts cost facilities money. They create bottlenecks, complicate cleaning, and frustrate maintenance teams.  

“Every piece of equipment, every zone must have a reason,” Patricia says. “We design so that staff can easily move, clean, and maintain the space. That’s how you reduce long-term operational costs and extend the life of the facility.”  

For facility managers, the takeaway is clear: design is about attracting members AND making the business easier to run.  

Global Principles, Local Context  

Design isn’t one-size-fits-all. Patricia notes that while the principles of flow, brand expression, and human-centric design are universal, the execution must respect local culture.  

“In São Paulo, where I live, space is at a premium. We must design compact layouts that still feel open. In other parts of Brazil, gyms may be larger, but budgets tighter. So, we adapt. Sometimes that means fewer materials, but smarter use of light, mirrors, and zoning.”  

For multinational facility managers, especially in hospitality or multi-unit housing, this lesson is critical. A cookie-cutter design may save time, but it rarely resonates deeply with members. Successful design blends global standards with local nuances.  

The Sustainability Imperative  

Patricia also highlights how sustainability is no longer optional. From recycled materials to energy-generating cardio equipment, the pressure to demonstrate environmental responsibility is growing.  

“Members notice when a facility invests in sustainability,” she says. “It influences their loyalty. And in markets like Brazil, where energy costs are high, sustainable design is not just good for the planet. It’s actually smart business.”  

Facility managers who proactively adopt sustainable solutions can reduce operating costs, meet regulatory expectations, and strengthen brand reputation.  

Design as a Competitive Edge  

Ultimately, Patricia believes facility managers must stop treating design as an afterthought. Done well; it becomes a source of competitive advantage.  

“Design is invisible when it works,” she concludes. “But when it’s missing, you feel it in every complaint, every operational challenge, every member who doesn’t return. Facility managers who understand the power of design are not just managing gyms. These facility managers are building experiences that last.”  

Key Takeaways for Facility Managers  

• Design is strategy. It impacts retention, revenue, and operations—not just aesthetics.  

• Start with the member. Map user journeys and design for emotional as well as physical needs.  

• Recovery matters. Dedicated wellness zones drive loyalty and open new revenue streams.  

• Efficiency saves money. Smart layouts reduce maintenance and operational headaches.  

• Think global, act local. Adapt design principles to cultural and spatial realities.  

• Sustainability pays. Eco-friendly choices lower costs and strengthen your brand.  

Patricia Totaro’s perspective reminds facility managers that equipment is just one piece of the puzzle. The true differentiator lies in how a space is imagined and experienced. For gyms, hotels, universities, and housing communities alike, design is no longer a backdrop. It’s the stage on which the future of fitness will play out.  

Design is your most powerful differentiator. 

Our Facility Design Services team partners with forward-thinking operators to create spaces that move people and move business forward. 
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