 Creating healthcare facilities that balance design with functionality is no small task. These spaces serve diverse purposes—from patient rooms and exam rooms to retail areas and offices. Each has unique demands and workflows, requiring a thoughtful approach to space utilization. The key to getting it right lies in a combination of in-depth research, learning from end users, and attention to even the smallest details.
Research as the Foundation of Design Successful healthcare spaces begin with research. To design functional and efficient layouts, architects need to stay updated on the latest trends in healthcare design. Industry standards evolve quickly, and keeping pace is essential to creating spaces that meet modern demands. At JDC, we consistently review the Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI) Design Guidelines for Hospitals and stay informed on memos from the Joint Commission (JCAHO) to ensure compliance with evolving regulations. But research doesn’t stop at reading reports or case studies. Touring existing facilities is a vital part of understanding how different spaces work in real life. We examine everything from patient flow to staff interactions to help uncover what works well and what doesn’t. By observing how current healthcare environments operate, we can draw inspiration while avoiding common pitfalls. Understanding End-User Needs While research provides a framework, real insight comes from understanding the people who use these spaces daily. Healthcare facilities are complex ecosystems where caregivers, patients, and support staff each have their own needs. To design effectively as architects, we must be able to “speak their language.” This means going beyond surface-level needs and asking detailed questions. What procedures are performed in a particular room? What equipment is used, and what does its placement mean for workflow? For example, a surgical room may look spacious on a blueprint but fail when key supplies aren’t within the surgeon’s reach. Similarly, a patient exam room might feel awkward if the caregiver has to turn their back to both the patient and the computer while typing notes. The seemingly minor details make all the difference. Knowing what side of the bed a caregiver approaches to perform an ultrasound, or understanding the exact placement of sharps containers for safety and convenience, is critical. These nuances shape how intuitive, practical, and comfortable a space feels. Avoiding Functional Disasters with Attention to Detail Designing for functionality requires meticulous attention to detail. When these details are overlooked, even the most visually appealing spaces can become impractical. Imagine a beautifully designed exam room where medical equipment is stored in inaccessible drawers or seating arrangements that don’t accommodate healthcare advisors effectively. Such issues disrupt workflows, frustrate users, and may even compromise patient care. Take, for instance, the placement of caregiver workstations. If a nurse or doctor has to contort themselves to make eye contact with a patient while typing notes, it does more than inconvenience the staff. It may also create a less personable and trust-building interaction for patients. Small oversights like these ripple outwards, turning what could have been a well-thought-out space into a functional nightmare. Collaboration Is Key A collaborative approach is essential in preventing these kinds of missteps. Engaging directly with the end users gives architects firsthand knowledge about how spaces are used. Caregivers and administrative staff provide invaluable input that informs design decisions, ensuring the facility’s layout supports—not hinders—their work. For example, holding workshops or interviews with healthcare providers can reveal use cases that may not have been apparent. This allows architects to design spaces that align with the natural flow of patient care, from the positioning of exam tables to the integration of advanced technology. Collaboration isn’t just about gathering input; it’s about creating shared ownership of the space to ensure every detail serves a purpose. The Bigger Picture Optimizing space utilization isn’t just about squeezing more functionality out of a blueprint; it’s about creating environments that make healthcare delivery better. A well-designed space doesn’t feel constraining. Instead, it facilitates smooth workflows, supports productive staff, and promotes a positive experience for patients. By combining research, practical knowledge, and user insights, we can design facilities that excel in utility and care delivery. These spaces aren’t just buildings; they are tools for healing, innovation, and growth. Every detail counts, and when all the pieces come together, the result is more than just functional spaces. It’s a complete environment that empowers caregivers and enhances patient outcomes. For healthcare architects, the challenge is clear, but so is the opportunity. By blending science, empathy, and design, we can optimize every square foot of a facility to meet today’s functional needs while anticipating tomorrow’s demands. And in doing so, we can create a space that works as hard as the people who depend on it.
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 Healthcare design is about much more than creating beautiful, functional buildings. It’s about ensuring that these spaces serve patients, providers, and administrators—not just for the present, but for decades to come. When designing hospitals and commercial healthcare facilities, adaptability is crucial. At the heart of this adaptability, is a simple yet powerful tool: the structural grid.
The Role of the Structural Grid Every building has a skeleton, and for healthcare facilities, this “skeleton” plays a key role in determining whether the building will remain functional as needs evolve. The structural grid forms this skeleton by dictating the placement of columns and beams. It’s not something most people notice when walking the halls of a hospital, but it’s the foundation for how spaces are laid out and how they can be adapted for the future. Hospitals, by nature, require spaces that work seamlessly for several tasks, from surgery to imaging to patient care. That’s where the structural grid steps in. A well-planned grid provides predictability and flexibility, ensuring the facility functions at its best today while remaining adaptable tomorrow. Why Predictable Layouts are Vital Consider this: A hospital is designed with a structural grid of 32 x 32 feet. Why this measurement? Because it’s proved itself time and again as one of the most versatile spacing options for healthcare facilities. Within this grid, architects can design the perfect-sized operating room, imaging suite, and even MRI control rooms. Need private patient rooms? The same grid can be divided to create two comfortable, well-proportioned spaces. At first glance, it might seem like a rigid framework, but it’s anything but. This system facilitates endless configurations while avoiding overly complicated rearrangements during renovations or expansions. Knowing that this grid works for both current needs and future advancements allows architects to create designs that last. Designing for Future Technologies The adaptability of healthcare spaces isn’t just about rearranging rooms; it’s about preparing for what’s next. Medical equipment and technologies are constantly evolving. However, many innovations are developed with the industry-standard structural grids in mind. By adhering to these thoughtful guidelines, architects can future-proof the space for the next wave of progress. Whether it’s a new robotic surgical system or state-of-the-art imaging equipment, there’s a high likelihood that these advancements will integrate smoothly into a facility built on a predictable, adaptable grid. Of course, there will always be exceptions. Some cutting-edge technologies may demand out-of-the-norm configurations—but designing for the many without excluding the rare is an art healthcare architects must master. Ultimately, flexibility within a predictable framework ensures that facilities are ready for almost anything. Balancing Functionality and Innovation Healthcare is fast-paced and constantly changing, and architects face the challenge of balancing practical requirements with innovative design. It might be tempting to create a visually unique or unconventional facility, but straying too far from standard grids can lead to long-term inefficiencies. By prioritizing the structural grid and focusing on flexibility, architects create facilities that meet the demands of today while being prepared for the possibilities of tomorrow. That’s not to say innovation is sacrificed. Instead, it’s grounded in thoughtful design, so hospitals can provide optimal care without disruption, even as patient needs and technologies evolve. Building for a Better Future Designing a healthcare facility isn’t just about bricks and mortar; it’s about investing in spaces that serve people. By following proven principles, like those provided by structural grids, architects create adaptable, efficient, and future-ready facilities. Whether it’s surgical suites, patient rooms, or spaces we haven’t yet imagined, the right foundation makes innovation possible. For hospital administrators, architects, and everyone involved in building these critical spaces, the question isn’t if change will come. It’s when. Smart, adaptable designs ensure the spaces we build today can meet the challenges of tomorrow with ease. And in an industry like healthcare, where every detail impacts lives, there’s no room for anything less.  Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has emerged as a vital treatment modality in modern healthcare, offering a range of benefits for various medical conditions. As architects tasked with designing hyperbaric chambers within hospitals, it's imperative to approach the process with a deep understanding of both the technical requirements and the critical need for patient and staff safety.
What are these oxygen-enriched chambers? Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves exposing the patient to 100% oxygen at pressures greater than atmospheric pressure. This high-pressure environment allows for the lungs to gather more oxygen than would be possible breathing pure oxygen at normal air pressure. The increased oxygen levels in the blood can promote healing and fight certain infections. In a hospital design, the layout and construction of hyperbaric chamber rooms must adhere to strict guidelines to ensure the safety and effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Hyperbaric chamber rooms need to be integrated with the hospital's infrastructure, including electrical, plumbing, and medical gas systems. They also require specific certifications and compliance with regulatory standards for medical devices and facilities. Let’s talk about some of these standards and strategies involved in creating safe and effective hyperbaric chamber spaces. Compliance with Regulations and Standards: Today's hyperbaric therapy suite must comply with State, FGI, UHMS, and NFPA regulations. Coordinating with these agencies can be a challenge but necessary for a safe and functional Space.
Ventilation and Gas Management:
Fire Safety Measures: This highly oxygen enriched environment poses a very real risk to patients inside the machine and staff nearby. One only must be reminded of the Apollo 1 disaster to understand the gravity of the risks involved in these environments. Many of the sophisticated hyperbaric chambers come integral with deluge sprinklers systems, in the event of spark or malfunction, and are also required to have a 2-3 fire barrier between.
Patient Comfort and Accessibility:
Aesthetics and Healing Environment:
Designing hyperbaric chambers within hospital settings presents a unique set of challenges and considerations. By meticulously addressing factors such as structural integrity, ventilation, fire safety, patient comfort, and technological integration, we can contribute to the creation of hyperbaric environments that are not only safe and efficient but also conducive to healing and well-being. Through collaboration with healthcare professionals and adherence to industry standards, we hope to ensure the success and effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in modern healthcare facilities.  In Superior, Colorado, a client came to us with a specific aesthetic he was aiming for. He grabbed inspiration for his dream home from the open feel and industrial charm of warehouse buildings. Specifically, he wanted double-height ceilings, raised walkways, and grand windows that would overlook the mountains on his corner lot. Hiding behind that request was the reality that the current pesky walls play a role in home design and make it hard to transform the residence into his commercial warehouse vision. In this case, making a “simple” home was going to be a challenge - the intricate dance between structural integrity and architectural innovation.
What do I mean by the challenge of simplicity? The best way I can describe it is to give an analogy: Remember the time you stacked playing cards to build a house…you probably struggled to get those first two cards stacked up like little walls before you dared place the card on top making your first card-floor. Adding more cards was much easier once you had a bunch of them, in fact, the more you added, the easier the whole thing began to grow, and you could even feel the stack getting stronger. However, removing even a single card from the center can lead to a collapse. Remember how the house of cards got stronger once you started to place the horizontal cards…well those played an important role as well by tying the whole thing together, which helped resist lateral loads. In a way, this is how homes are built. All those seemingly insignificant, small walls in a home keep the big walls standing. Contrastingly, commercial buildings already have larger open spaces intended so those little walls don’t do much for the structure. In our case, the large windows on the west side meant the walls required stiff columns from the floor to the upper roof, which carried that load to the opposite side of the house. Since it didn’t have a floor between it, we had to stiffen this wall up, by putting vertical LVLs in the wall at full height. LVLs are typically what you see supporting a floor load so seeing them in the wall surprised the contractor as well as the framers. In the end, we accomplished a dynamic space with the best views in Superior, Colorado. We were fortunate to have an amazing structural engineer, HCDA Engineering, who constantly provides creative ideas to support the project vision and allow our clients to dream big.  So you decided to make this year’s resolution an addition to your home or remodel your office! That is exciting for sure. Here’s a quick reference on how to plan your project. While we don’t cover all aspects or challenges, this guide should help you along with some of the main points in getting your project on the right track. Early Planning is Critical. Selecting an architect, finding a contractor, and getting through the building department, take time. It’s vital to jump on these as soon as possible, there aren’t any shortcuts out there. It’s been said, “You can have quality, quantity, or quick service…but you can ONLY PICK ONE”. A rushed design typically means weak drawings, which often leads to costly change orders. A rushed construction project typically means poor installation, which can lead to re-work because the work doesn’t pass inspection. There is absolutely no rushing the Permit, regardless of any information you may have received suggesting otherwise. Allow enough time to be engaged with the architect, so you are 100% aware of what they are designing and know exactly what to expect when it’s built. Don’t rush construction. A contractor can hire the fast guy that is ready today, or hire the right guy that might take a few more days to come off another project. This is all the more reason to plan early. Make sure you are involved in these conversations about schedule with your contractor. If you are always pounding your fist on the table to work faster…the contractor is going to cut corners. All these things should be written down on a GANTT chart to see how they tabulate over time. For example; Design: 2 months, Permitting: 3 months, Construction: 4 months – That isn’t a schedule of 9 months, that is a schedule of 9 months at the absolute earliest. Add some time in there for contingency because things happen. That should be reflected in your schedule as well. Also, note that some types of construction have seasons, otherwise you pay a huge premium. Concrete (for example) starts near the front of most projects, however, it cannot be poured in cold weather. All of these details you have to consider and expect for your new construction project. Setting Realistic Budgets. One of the first things we ask a client at JDC Architecture and Design is what is your budget? A client that bases a commercial remodel budget on their neighbor's basement remodel, which they completed 10 years ago, is certainly heading for project overruns. Costs are constantly increasing with inflation. So if you base a cost per square foot on a similar project 2 years ago, well that CSF just went up 6% (let's say 3% per year) with inflation. And if your project will start construction in a year, then you need to account for another 3% anticipating the price rise. There is a big difference between construction costs and project costs. Construction costs are generally tossed around when you are asking about components of your project; for example, flooring is roughly $7 PSF, framing can be $25 PSF, and, concrete is generally $15 PSF, etc. Add all of those up and you have a construction budget, but keep in mind that general conditions (porta potty, temperature power, supervision, hauling, taxes, etc…) can be another 13% to 20% more depending on who is bidding the work. You will also have to consider design (which can be 10%-15%), permitting (another 3%), utilities, testing, and insurance. When I tell people that this typically adds up to another 35% to 50%, they typically go into denial. Carefully research this. You Will Get What You Pay For. Every project requires a certain amount of design and engineering to make sure you have a good set of plans to build from. Every project requires a certain amount of management to make sure everyone is getting paid, and there’s no one getting too far behind. Every project requires a certain amount of communication to ensure permits are getting done, products are getting ordered, shop drawings are getting reviewed, and inspections are getting called for. If you have hired the cheapest architect or the cheapest builder there’s a good chance they’ve had to cut some of this out to be affordable. Enjoy. We empower you to educate yourself about the various facets of the design and construction process. Being a partner in your project alongside your builder and designer can be one of the most enjoyable and rewarding experiences.  Let's start by breaking down the American College of Radiology's white paper on MRI safety guidelines. Can you explain the four basic zones surrounding an MRI suite? “You can picture these zones as layers of protection. Zone I encompasses areas freely accessible to the public, like the entrance, where the magnet poses no threat. Zone II is the buffer between public spaces and the more restricted areas, like the reception and screening rooms. Zone III restricts access with coded doors, allowing only approved personnel and screened patients. Zone IV is the room where the magnet is located. Access to Zone IV should only be possible by passing through Zone III. Zone IV is also designed so that the walls of magnet room contain the five 0.5 mT line (or 5 Gauss) line of the fringe field of the magnet." How does this translate into a three-dimensional consideration? “MRI's magnetic forces extend beyond the machine's footprint. Therefore it's just as crucial for a designer to understand that these magnetic forces can be exerted on a basement below an MRI or even on a floor above an MRI or quite often to the outside of the building where it's easy to forget that someone might be walking around the outside of a building. And these cases you cannot easily implement the ACR zones above." Can you elaborate on the challenges designers face in implementing these MRI safety measures? “While it's relatively simple to envision these safety zones on a flat plane, the challenge arises when you introduce height and depth. Designers need to consider the magnetic forces on different levels and the surroundings. It's easy to overlook the fact that someone might be walking around the exterior of the building, potentially exposed to magnetic fields. Passive shielding becomes a crucial tool in addressing these concerns.” How does passive shielding work, and when is it necessary? “Passive shielding acts as a protective barrier against magnetic forces. When the potential impact zone extends beyond the immediate surroundings of the MRI, designers will strategically apply metal sheeting to counteract these forces. It becomes necessary when the safety of individuals outside, above, or below the MRI is at risk. For this we typically look for the five gauss line which has been recognized as the maximum field that could be exerted on the public. Any force 5 gauss or higher must be shielded with either a passive shield or a way to ensure that no public could accidentally walk into this field." Any other considerations on MRI safety measures? “Yes, one last consideration is the cryogen gas used to cool the machine. This works much like refrigeration lines to your air conditioner. Though they are often extremely cold to help produce the superconductor temperatures. Although these gases are contained within the machines that cool the MRI, consideration should be given in the event that there is a cryogen leak inside the MRI. In this particular example, the room becomes pressurized with these gases (which by the way would suffocate a person inside the room). In part, because the rooms are so tight to shield the RF signals, the rooms can become so pressurized that the door pushing into the room cannot be opened because of the pressure against it. It's for this reason that MRI doors should open outward to avoid this dangerous condition.”  JDC Architecture & Design is proud to partner with TEEG Engineering, C3S Engineering & Edifice Builders in creating a new home for Atlas Physical Therapy. This remodel will provide (9) new rehab treatment spaces, gym and pilates, in a new clinic in Congress Park. Working with Karl Bebendorf (owner of Atlas PT) and his staff, we employed our "design first" process delivering a fully engineered design in less than 3 weeks, with permits reviewed and approved in less than 1 week. We are very appreciative of the efforts of the talented engineers at TEEG and C3S, for their hard work.
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