Design
Dialogues
Meet the expert:
Welcome to Hord Coplan Macht's "Design Dialogues" blog series! At Hord Coplan Macht, we pride ourselves on our team of talented and dedicated professionals who are at the forefront of architectural innovation and design excellence. This series is designed to introduce you to the exceptional minds behind our most successful projects, offering a glimpse into their expertise, passion, and the unique perspectives they bring to their work.
AIA, EDAC, LEED AP BD+C
Heather Flannery is a principal and Certified Interior Designer in Hord Coplan Macht’s healthcare studio. She is responsible for leadership in the design process from concepts to contract documents, and she has been doing so for over 20 years. Heather’s background in architecture allows her the flexibility to work across studios and brings additional knowledge to lead complex interior healthcare projects.
Through insightful Q&A sessions, you'll get to know our experts on a deeper level. Discover what drives their creative processes, the challenges they overcome, and the latest trends they are pioneering. More importantly, learn how these insights can be applied to your own architectural and design projects.
Meet the Expert:
serena peters
Associate Principal
What inspired you to specialize in healthcare interior design, and how has your journey shaped your approach to creating healing environments?
What are some of the most exciting trends you're seeing in healthcare interior design right now, and how are these trends influencing your projects?
How do you incorporate evidence-based design principles into your healthcare projects, and what benefits have you observed for patients, families, and staff?
Can you share a recent project where innovative interior design solutions significantly improved the functionality and aesthetics of a healthcare facility?
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Rural healthcare design presents unique challenges due to limited resources and geographic isolation. Can you share some key considerations you consider when designing healthcare facilities for rural communities?
We prioritize patient-centered design, recognizing that many patients travel long distances for care or face challenges due to limited accessibility. The facility should create an environment where patients and families feel welcomed and valued from the moment they arrive.
Equally important is designing for healthcare staff, as retention is a critical factor in the success of rural hospitals. Providing a well-structured workspace and dedicated respite areas enhances both efficiency and well-being. Engaging staff in the design process ensures that spaces are tailored to their needs, fostering a supportive work environment.
Lastly, flexible planning and efficient design maximizes available space to create facilities that can adapt to evolving needs while maintaining operational effectiveness and maximize capital investment. Efficient space planning also helps clients maximize their (often limited, particularly for rural providers) capital investment. Smart planning can result in a smaller footprint, lowering both first and operational costs and helping them get the most value for their dollars.
Serena peters
Access to care is a significant concern in rural areas. How do you approach the design of healthcare facilities to improve accessibility and convenience for residents who may have to travel long distances for medical treatment?
Accessing healthcare can be a stressful experience for patients, making it essential to design spaces that are warm, welcoming, and easy to navigate. Clear wayfinding ensures that patients can efficiently locate their next appointment, reducing frustration and enhancing their overall experience.
For those with multiple appointments in a single visit, long days at the facility can be taxing. Incorporating positive distractions, such as engaging environments or calming design elements like artwork, fireplaces, water features, and gardens that bring nature into the space, can help alleviate stress. Additionally, providing comfortable lounge spaces creates a supportive setting for patients and families further enhancing their experience.
Why are flexibility and adaptability especially important when designing for rural healthcare spaces?
Rural hospitals often operate within tight budget constraints, requiring adaptable and cost-effective solutions to meet the evolving demands of healthcare.
One effective approach is the use of flex rooms that can accommodate shifting community needs. These spaces can transition between functions, such as serving as both surgery prep/recovery area then providing overflow for the emergency department. Flex rooms are particularly useful for smaller facilities, because they enable them to support the effective management of patient needs within limited space and staffing resources.
Telehealth is becoming more prevalent in rural healthcare delivery. How does this technology influence the design of rural healthcare facilities, and what strategies do you employ to accommodate virtual care services while maintaining a welcoming and patient-centered environment?
One of our recent projects involved a major hospital addition and renovation to a community hospital.
We implemented innovative features such as PT (Physical Therapy) alcoves on patient floors, which promote mobility and contribute to faster healing times. We also installed color-tunable lighting in patient rooms to support circadian rhythms and improve sleep patterns. Recognizing the diverse needs of the community, we designed spaces that cater to different cultural and spiritual practices, such as a meditation room for stress relief, an Interfaith Chapel, and a kosher pantry for religious observance. These thoughtful design elements have greatly enhanced the facility's functionality and holistic experience.
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Hord Coplan Macht, 2024
About
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What's the most memorable place you've ever traveled to and why?
One of the most amazing experiences I’ve had was in Tasmania, Australia. We found a place to watch the penguins come from the ocean to their burrows at the end of the day, and we sat there waiting. When it was dark and we were about to give up and leave, the penguins started coming, so many of them! They were oblivious to us, walking over our legs to get to their babies in the nests. I was incredibly grateful to be able to experience that, and to be stepped on by penguins!
What inspired you to specialize in healthcare interior design, and how has your journey shaped your approach to creating healing environments?
What are some of the most exciting trends you're seeing in healthcare interior design right now, and how are these trends influencing your projects?
How do you incorporate evidence-based design principles into your healthcare projects, and what benefits have you observed for patients, families, and staff?
Can you share a recent project where innovative interior design solutions significantly improved the functionality and aesthetics of a healthcare facility?
What's the most memorable place you've ever traveled to and why?
Since telehealth is rapidly growing in popularity, we design spaces that can accommodate telehealth, even when it’s not being currently used, so that it can be implemented in the future. In our experience, telehealth works best when the health professional has a private room that provides acoustical and visual privacy, infrastructure for future technology such as wiring and blocking in walls, and high-quality cameras, microphones, and speakers.
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Rural healthcare design presents unique challenges due to limited resources and geographic isolation. Can you share some key considerations you consider when designing healthcare facilities for rural communities?
Access to care is a signigicant concern in rural areas. How do you approach the design of healthcare facilities to improve accessibility and convenience for residents who may have to travel long distances for medical treatment?
Why are flexibility and adaptability especially important when designing for rural healthcare spaces?
Telehealth is becoming more prevalent in rural healthcare delivery. How does this technology influence the design of rural healthcare facilitires, and what strategies do you emply to accommodate virtual care services while maintaining a welcoming and patient-centered atmoshpere?
What's the most memorable place you've ever traveled to and why?