In a Q&A on the Healthcare Construction + Operations magazine website, Carolyn BaRoss of Perkins + Will discusses the trends and advancements of modern healthcare interior design. According to the article, an increased focus on healthy materials, greater awareness of the benefits of green design and an aging population are drivers of today’s healthcare facility. 

Q: What is the greatest change you have witnessed in healthcare interior design in the past five years?

A: There’s increased design quality and creative, excellent work being produced by large and small firms. Many more interior designers and architects are focused on healthcare design, with more higher education programs offering classes with a healthcare interiors focus.

There’s also a blending and sharing of humane design, creative explorations and high-performance principles across market sectors — healthcare, commercial, higher education and science and technology, and hospitality — with an increased awareness of staff needs in their healthcare workplace and its impact on patient outcomes. We have an understanding that the interior environment can be a partner in creating environments that foster collaboration and enhanced communication.

Read the complete Q&A.