Finding your place in the growing healthcare marketspace

A sit-down with industry veteran Maria Scenna of CFI Workspace

Commercial real estate is constantly evolving, driven by shifting market demands and emerging sectors. One area experiencing steady and accelerated growth is healthcare. As the need for care facilities continues to rise nationwide, brokers, developers, designers, and property managers are turning their attention—and resources—toward this dynamic space. But entering the healthcare market requires more than just showing 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 healthcare leadership experience, Maria now leads CFI’s dedicated 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 healthcare 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 infectious disease protocols to ergonomics and day-to-day operational demands.

When they asked me to help launch the division and open a dedicated healthcare 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, architecture, design, and construction pursuing work in this sector?

Healthcare is complex—it’s about more than layout and square footage. It’s about people, safety, 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. Offer solutions that balance cost, function, and long-term flexibility. When you demonstrate a clear understanding of the pressures healthcare providers face—from staffing to compliance to patient experience—you shift from being a vendor to a trusted partner.

3) What makes healthcare projects uniquely complex?

In healthcare, every detail 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 welcoming? Would I feel confident receiving care here?

Healthcare providers carry a tremendous responsibility. Our job is to create environments that reflect their mission and support that responsibility. 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 picture—people, systems and the purpose behind each project. Led by a specialized healthcare team, CFI is shaping environments 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 executive director of Healthcare Sales for CFI Workspace, where she leads the company’s Healthcare Division. With 30+ years of experience in the healthcare industry, she advances care settings that foster healing, innovation, and patient-centered design.