Healthcare Interior Design 2.0

"There's a great saying among the neurodivergent community. If you've met one person with autism, you've met one person with autism." -Kati Peditto on The Healthcare Interior Design 2.0 Meet Dr. Kati Peditto, an environmental psychologist and Senior Design Researcher at DLR Group who's transforming how we think about neurodivergent design. Featured in The Washington Post, The Atlantic, and The BBC, Kati brings both professional expertise and personal experience as someone with AuDHD to this vital conversation about creating truly inclusive spaces. Join host Cheryl Janis for an illuminating discussion that will challenge everything you thought you knew about healthcare design. Get ready to discover why designing for neurodivergence goes far beyond quiet rooms and sensory spaces, the surprising ways our environments affect behavior - from ICU alarms to office kitchen smells, and how a 49-day cross-country run shaped her revolutionary approach to healthcare spaces. Whether you're a designer, healthcare professional, or someone passionate about creating more inclusive spaces, this conversation will open your eyes to the profound impact of thoughtful, evidence-based design. Join us for an unforgettable journey into what's new in healthcare design with Dr. Kati Peditto! Want to Learn More? Learn more about Dr. Kati Peditto and DLR by visiting this link: https://www.dlrgroup.com/ Connect with Kati: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katipeditto/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pedittophd/ Ready to have your perspective transformed? In this episode, Cheryl and Kati explore: The eye-opening truth about neurodivergence: Why it's so much more than today's "hot topic" The surprising differences between male and female presentations How neurodivergent minds process environments differently What designers often miss when creating "inclusive" spaces Game-changing design insights: The unexpected reason office kitchen locations matter more than acoustics Why traditional "quiet rooms" aren't enough How hospital alarm systems are failing our healthcare workers The missing pieces in current universal design approaches Personal revelations and powerful experiences: Kati's fascinating journey to discovering her own neurodivergence The life-changing 49-day cross-country run that shaped her research What it's really like navigating the design world as a neurodivergent professional Why some environments exhaust neurodivergent individuals The future of inclusive design: Moving beyond one-size-fits-all solutions Revolutionary approaches to stakeholder engagement Why evidence-based design is crucial for neurodivergent spaces How to create truly adaptable environments Shout Outs 4:03 - Cornell University - PhD in human behavior and design 4:08 - The Washington Post, The Atlantic, BBC 4:12 - Center for Health Design - 2018 new investigator award 4:26 - St. Mary's College of Maryland - 2017 scholarship award 21:39 - Johns Hopkins Hospital - ICU research experience 30:20 - Ulman Cancer Fund (now Ulman Foundation) - cross-country fundraiser 47.42 - DLR Group - current role Industry Partners The world is changing quickly. The Center for Health Design is committed to providing the healthcare design and senior living design industries with the latest research, best practices and innovations. The Center can help you solve today's biggest healthcare challenges and make a difference in care, safety, medical outcomes, and the bottom line. Find out more at healthdesign.org. Additional support for this podcast comes from our industry partners: The American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designers The Nursing Institute for Healthcare Design Learn more about how to become a Certified Healthcare Interior Designer® by visiting the American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designers at: https://aahid.org/. Connect to a community interested in supporting clinician involvement in design and construction of the built environment by visiting The Nursing Institute for Healthcare Design at https://www.nursingihd.com/ FEATURED PRODUCT The prevention of nosocomial infections is of paramount importance. Did you know that bathrooms and showers – particularly in shared spaces – are a veritable breeding ground for pathogen, some of which we see in the form of mold and the build-up of toxic bio films on surfaces. Body fats and soap scums provide a rich food sauce for micro-organisms such as airborne bacteria Serratia Marcescens, which thrive in humid conditions. We know that people with weakened immune systems are so much more vulnerable to the illnesses associated with infection and let's face it, none of us go into the shower with an expectation that we might get sick. So how do we keep those shower walls clean? Well let's think big – BIG TILES. Porcelanosa have developed XXL Hygienic Ceramic Tiles that are 5 feet long - which means just one piece fits the wall of a shower or tub surround. XTONE Porcelain slabs are 10 feet high which means a floor to ceiling surface with no joints. Why does this matter? Well hygienic glaze will not harbor pathogen and surface impurities are easily removed to prevent build up – it is reassuring to know the evidence - INTERNATONAL STANDARDS Test ISO 10545 - Resistance to Stains - has determined these surfaces can be easily cleaned and the most difficult contaminants washed away, greatly reducing the need for aggressive chemicals. Think about this. When we unload our dishwasher our ceramic tableware is sparkling clean, sanitized and fresh to use - again and again. The principle is the same with large ceramic walls - So, when planning the shower surrounds for your facilities please reach out to Porcelanosa. The designer in you will love the incredible options and your specification will deliver the longest & best lifecycle value bar none.

"She's actually going to be 100 years old. My father's parents are both Holocaust survivors. She survived. And it was a journey to survive, but her outlook on life has always been one of hope. And that has resonated with me throughout my life." —Cheryl Lauren Spigler on The Healthcare Interior Design 2.0 podcast Today, we're diving into the world of compassionate design with Cheryl Lauren Spigler, a visionary Senior Design Leader at NELSON Worldwide. Get ready for an inspiring journey as host Cheryl Janis and her special guest, Cheryl Lauren Spigler, explore the art of creating healing spaces that touch the heart and soul. Cheryl Lauren Spigler shares the power of empathy in healthcare design, innovative approaches to creating spaces that resonate with the human experience, and bridging hospitality and healthcare design principles for transformative environments. This is a deeply meaningful conversation you won't want to miss on the life altering power of thoughtful healthcare design! Learn more about Cheryl Lauren Spigler and NELSON Worldwide by visiting: https://www.nelsonworldwide.com/. Find Cheryl on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryl-lauren-spigler-rid-ncidq-iida-27391310/ In Cheryl's conversation with Cheryl Lauren Spigler, they discuss: Cheryl Lauren Spigler's background as a healthcare and hospitality interior designer with over 19 years of experience. Her approach to creating spaces that resonate with the human experience and evoke emotion The importance of asking clients how they want a space to feel and using exercises to extract design concepts. Examples of projects where Cheryl achieved a higher level of design, including a hospitality project balancing luxury and nature, and a healthcare project designed to welcome diverse populations. How Cheryl's experiences in hospitality design have influenced her approach to healthcare environments. The use of empathy in the design process, especially for healthcare spaces. Cheryl's journey into interior design, starting in communications and eventually discovering her passion for the field. The influence of her Holocaust survivor grandmother as a source of inspiration. Key qualities for design leaders to inspire creativity, including giving everyone a voice and asking guiding questions. Cheryl's work on a cancer hospital project, particularly the pediatric wing, as a project she's most proud of. Her excitement about exploring new frontiers in civic and justice design. Advice for interior design students interested in healthcare, including networking and seeking informational interviews. The importance of passion and community in the design industry. Shout Outs Laura Ashley 33:27 New England School of Art and Design 33:36 Robert Wood Johnson and Rutgers 26:53 Sheryl and Jack Morris Cancer Center 26:58 HKS Architects 27:58 IIDA International Interior Design Association 47:32 ASID American Society of Interior Designers 47:32 AIA American Institute of Architects 47:32 Women in Construction 47:39 Center for Health Design 48:50 American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designers 49:14 Industry Partners The world is changing quickly. The Center for Health Design is committed to providing the healthcare design and senior living design industries with the latest research, best practices and innovations. The Center can help you solve today's biggest healthcare challenges and make a difference in care, safety, medical outcomes, and the bottom line. Find out more at healthdesign.org. Additional support for this podcast comes from our industry partners: The American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designers The Nursing Institute for Healthcare Design Learn more about how to become a Certified Healthcare Interior Designer® by visiting the American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designers at: https://aahid.org/. Connect to a community interested in supporting clinician involvement in design and construction of the built environment by visiting The Nursing Institute for Healthcare Design at https://www.nursingihd.com/ FEATURED PRODUCT The prevention of nosocomial infections is of paramount importance. Did you know that bathrooms and showers – particularly in shared spaces – are a veritable breeding ground for pathogen, some of which we see in the form of mold and the build-up of toxic bio films on surfaces. Body fats and soap scums provide a rich food sauce for micro-organisms such as airborne bacteria Serratia Marcescens, which thrive in humid conditions. We know that people with weakened immune systems are so much more vulnerable to the illnesses associated with infection and let's face it, none of us go into the shower with an expectation that we might get sick. So how do we keep those shower walls clean? Well let's think big – BIG TILES. Porcelanosa have developed XXL Hygienic Ceramic Tiles that are 5 feet long - which means just one piece fits the wall of a shower or tub surround. XTONE Porcelain slabs are 10 feet high which means a floor to ceiling surface with no joints. Why does this matter? Well hygienic glaze will not harbor pathogen and surface impurities are easily removed to prevent build up – it is reassuring to know the evidence - INTERNATONAL STANDARDS Test ISO 10545 - Resistance to Stains - has determined these surfaces can be easily cleaned and the most difficult contaminants washed away, greatly reducing the need for aggressive chemicals. Think about this. When we unload our dishwasher our ceramic tableware is sparkling clean, sanitized and fresh to use - again and again. The principle is the same with large ceramic walls - So, when planning the shower surrounds for your facilities please reach out to Porcelanosa. The designer in you will love the incredible options and your specification will deliver the longest & best lifecycle value bar none.

"As providers pursue the value-based model, they have to be mindful of the fact that it cannot compromise the patient experience, and in fact, should compliment the patient experience to the extent possible, as they continue to drive cost down." –Peter C. Yesawich on the Healthcare Interior Design 2.0 podcast On today's episode of the podcast, Cheryl interviews Peter C. Yesawich, PhD and Stowe Shoemaker, PhD; authors of the book, Hospitable HealthcareTM; Just What the Patient Ordered! Peter and Stowe unpack the book in this wonderful and deep conversation about how healthcare can benefit greatly from hospitality in new and unique ways. Learn about the authors' PAEER model detailed in their book, and how it can transform healthcare, in ways that may surprise you. Enjoy the episode! Learn more about Stowe Shoemaker and Peter C. Yesawichs' book Hospitable Healthcare™Just What the Patient Ordered!, here: https://hospitablehealthcare.com/. In Cheryl's conversation with Peter and Stowe, they discuss: What are hospitals doing right these days? What needs to change and why? Examples of empathetic and compassionate patient care in history Peter and Stowe unpack their new book - "Hospitable Healthcare™Just What the Patient Ordered!" What was the inspiration behind the book and who is the book for? How does the book benefit healthcare designers, planners, and architects? Peter shares influential stories and real life experiences that inspired "Hospitable Healthcare™Just What the Patient Ordered!" What is the PAEER model detailed in their book, and how can it transform healthcare? Learn the key hospitality principles for enhancing healthcare experience and the "servicescape" concept What does rewarding patient loyalty in healthcare look like? Peter and Stowe share stories and examples. What are some effective ways to encourage and manage patient feedback and reviews? Peter and Stowe's advice for healthcare leaders adopting the PAEER model What is the alignment of the book's PAEER model with value-based care? Exciting technologies for improving care experience How can healthcare balance technology and personal touch What are some of the challenges with using hospitality principles for pricing transparency in healthcare? If you've been following our recent book giveaway of Hospitable Healthcare™Just What the Patient Ordered across social media platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn, the answer to the question "What are the five words that make up the PAEER model?" is: Prepare, Anticipate, Engage, Evaluate, Reward. The world is changing quickly. The Center for Health Design is committed to providing the healthcare design and senior living design industries with the latest research, best practices and innovations. The Center can help you solve today's biggest healthcare challenges and make a difference in care, safety, medical outcomes, and the bottom line. Find out more at healthdesign.org. Additional support for this podcast comes from our industry partners: The American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designers The Nursing Institute for Healthcare Design Learn more about how to become a Certified Healthcare Interior Designer® by visiting the American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designers at: https://aahid.org/. Connect to a community interested in supporting clinician involvement in design and construction of the built environment by visiting The Nursing Institute for Healthcare Design at https://www.nursingihd.com/. FEATURED PRODUCT The prevention of nosocomial infections is of paramount importance. Did you know that bathrooms and showers – particularly in shared spaces – are a veritable breeding ground for pathogen, some of which we see in the form of mold and the build-up of toxic bio films on surfaces. Body fats and soap scums provide a rich food sauce for micro-organisms such as airborne bacteria Serratia Marcescens, which thrive in humid conditions. We know that people with weakened immune systems are so much more vulnerable to the illnesses associated with infection and let's face it, none of us go into the shower with an expectation that we might get sick. So how do we keep those shower walls clean? Well let's think big – BIG TILES. Porcelanosa have developed XXL Hygienic Ceramic Tiles that are 5 feet long - which means just one piece fits the wall of a shower or tub surround. XTONE Porcelain slabs are 10 feet high which means a floor to ceiling surface with no joints. Why does this matter? Well hygienic glaze will not harbor pathogen and surface impurities are easily removed to prevent build up – it is reassuring to know the evidence - INTERNATONAL STANDARDS Test ISO 10545 - Resistance to Stains - has determined these surfaces can be easily cleaned and the most difficult contaminants washed away, greatly reducing the need for aggressive chemicals. Think about this…When we unload our dishwasher our ceramic tableware is sparkling clean, sanitized and fresh to use - again and again. The principle is the same with large ceramic walls - So, when planning the shower surrounds for your facilities please reach out to Porcelanosa. The designer in you will love the incredible options and your specification will deliver the longest & best lifecycle value bar none.

In part 2 of today's episode, Cheryl continues her conversation with Sarah Tetens NCIDQ, RID, IIDA, CHID, EDAC, Design Director at Baskervill. They dig deeper into how empathy and compassion play a role in Sarah's work, why healthcare is purposeful and how that shows up with the people who choose healthcare as their career. This and so much more about the changing face of healthcare design on part 2 of today's show! Learn more about Sarah Tetens and Baskervill by visiting: https://baskervill.com/. Send Sarah a direct email here: [email protected] Learn more about Women in Healthcare's Florida Chapter by visiting: https://florida.womeninhealthcare.org/about/. Email : [email protected] Visit Women In Healthcare online here: https://www.womeninhealthcare.org/. In Part 2 of Cheryl's conversation with Sarah Tetens, they discuss: Sarah generously shares that her work in healthcare is purposeful, and the idea that everyone in healthcare – from nurse to technician to designer – is passionate about "doing good" is perhaps her favorite aspect of the work. How do empathy and compassion play a role in Sarah's work and when are setting boundaries important? Who is Baskervill and what is its focus? What has Sarah's journey been like and how did she find healthcare design? What did Sarah learn from her experience in retail that has informed her work in healthcare? Learn more about the AAHID (The American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designers) and Sarah's role on the Board of Directors What is it like for Sarah to sit on the Board of Directors, Women in Healthcare's Florida Chapter? Listen to Sarah share her experience as a mentor to SeminalState ID kids, and why this work is so important Shout-Outs 12:13: Ana Pinto Alexander, Executive VP at HKS Architects 17:22 The American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designers (AAHID) 23:03 Women in Healthcare 28:55 Seminole State ID Students The world is changing quickly. The Center for Health Design is committed to providing the healthcare design and senior living design industries with the latest research, best practices and innovations. The Center can help you solve today's biggest healthcare challenges and make a difference in care, safety, medical outcomes, and the bottom line. Find out more at healthdesign.org. Additional support for this podcast comes from our industry partners: The American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designers The Nursing Institute for Healthcare Design Learn more about how to become a Certified Healthcare Interior Designer® by visiting the American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designers at: https://aahid.org/. Connect to a community interested in supporting clinician involvement in design and construction of the built environment by visiting The Nursing Institute for Healthcare Design at https://www.nursingihd.com/ Shout-Outs FEATURED PRODUCT The prevention of nosocomial infections is of paramount importance. Did you know that bathrooms and showers – particularly in shared spaces – are a veritable breeding ground for pathogen, some of which we see in the form of mold and the build-up of toxic bio films on surfaces. Body fats and soap scums provide a rich food sauce for micro-organisms such as airborne bacteria Serratia Marcesens, which thrive in humid conditions. We know that people with weakened immune systems are so much more vulnerable to the illnesses associated with infection and let's face it, none of us go into the shower with an expectation that we might get sick. So how do we keep those shower walls clean? Well, let's think big – BIG TILES. Porcelanosa have developed XXL Hygienic Ceramic Tiles that are 5 feet long - which means just one piece fits the wall of a shower or tub surround. XTONE Porcelain slabs are 10 feet high which means a floor to ceiling surface with no joints. Why does this matter? Well hygienic glaze will not harbor pathogen and surface impurities are easily removed to prevent build up – it is reassuring to know the evidence - INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS Test ISO 10545 - Resistance to Stains - has determined these surfaces can be easily cleaned and the most difficult contaminants washed away, greatly reducing the need for aggressive chemicals. Think about this…When we unload our dishwasher our ceramic tableware is sparkling clean, sanitized and fresh to use - again and again. The principle is the same with large ceramic walls - So, when planning the shower surrounds for your facilities please reach out to Porcelanosa. The designer in you will love the incredible options and your specification will deliver the longest & best lifecycle value bar none.

On part 2 of today's episode, Cheryl continues her conversation with Erika Hill, IIDA, NCIDQ, Senior Interior Designer, McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture and Minta Ferguson, ACHA, AIA, NCARB, Director of Planning, McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture. In part 2 Minta and Erika flush out all the juicy details of their work on their favorite projects both together and separately and what made those projects so special to each of them. This and so much more about what's happening in healthcare design today on part 2 of today's episode of the Healthcare Interior Design 2.0 podcast! Learn more about Minta Ferguson and Erika Hill by visiting: https://mcmillanpazdansmith.com/. Listen to McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture's podcast; Idea Exchange, Ideas Shaping Healthcare, here: https://mcmillanpazdansmith.com/podcasts/healthcare/. In Part 2 of Cheryl's conversation with Erika Hill and Minta Ferguson they discuss: What are Erika and Minta's current favorite projects and why? Learn about the technical aspects of some of the design on their projects and how detail oriented healthcare design and planning really is. How did McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture win their Teen Cancer America project? Hear all the details about TCA and the project itself and another related project What is different about designing a cancer unit for teens? How Minta and Erika know when a project is successful from what the end users have to say about it. What does a holistic design process look like to Erika? What does the future of healthcare design and planning look like to these two? Learn about McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture's podcast, Idea Exchange, Ideas Shaping Healthcare, where Minta is the host. The world is changing quickly. The Center for Health Design is committed to providing the healthcare design and senior living design industries with the latest research, best practices and innovations. The Center can help you solve today's biggest healthcare challenges and make a difference in care, safety, medical outcomes, and the bottom line. Find out more at healthdesign.org. Additional support for this podcast comes from our industry partners: The American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designers The Nursing Institute for Healthcare Design Learn more about how to become a Certified Healthcare Interior Designer® by visiting the American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designers at: https://aahid.org/. Connect to a community interested in supporting clinician involvement in design and construction of the built environment by visiting The Nursing Institute for Healthcare Design at https://www.nursingihd.com/ FEATURED PRODUCT The prevention of nosocomial infections is of paramount importance. Did you know that bathrooms and showers – particularly in shared spaces – are a veritable breeding ground for pathogen, some of which we see in the form of mold and the build-up of toxic bio films on surfaces. Body fats and soap scums provide a rich food sauce for micro-organisms such as airborne bacteria Serratia Marcesens, which thrive in humid conditions. We know that people with weakened immune systems are so much more vulnerable to the illnesses associated with infection and let's face it, none of us go into the shower with an expectation that we might get sick. So how do we keep those shower walls clean? Well, let's think big – BIG TILES. Porcelanosa have developed XXL Hygienic Ceramic Tiles that are 5 feet long - which means just one piece fits the wall of a shower or tub surround. XTONE Porcelain slabs are 10 feet high which means a floor to ceiling surface with no joints. Why does this matter? Well hygienic glaze will not harbor pathogen and surface impurities are easily removed to prevent build up – it is reassuring to know the evidence - INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS Test ISO 10545 - Resistance to Stains - has determined these surfaces can be easily cleaned and the most difficult contaminants washed away, greatly reducing the need for aggressive chemicals. Think about this...When we unload our dishwasher our ceramic tableware is sparkling clean, sanitized and fresh to use - again and again. The principle is the same with large ceramic walls - So, when planning the shower surrounds for your facilities please reach out to Porcelanosa. The designer in you will love the incredible options and your specification will deliver the longest & best lifecycle value bar none.

Cheryl's guests today on the podcast are two very special souls; Bryan Langlands, FAIA, FACHA, EDAC, LEED GA Principal NBBJ Architecture and Edwin Beltran NCIDQ, FIIDA, ASSOC. AIA, Partner, Lead Interior Designer, NBBJ Architecture. In part 1 of today's episode, Bryan shares the concept of "Moments of Generosity in Planning" and how, without comprising the budget, this method of planning, deeply improves the experience of patients and caregivers alike in ways you might not think of. Edwin shares the design concept he practices called Essentialism and how it plays a role in a value driven design. This and so much more about what's happening now in healthcare design, planning and architecture on part 1 of today's episode. Learn more about Bryan Langlands, Edwin Beltran and NBBJ by visiting: http://www.nbbj.com/. In Part 1 of Cheryl's conversation with Bryan and Edwin, they discuss: What happened during COVID and more specifically, what NBBJ projects failed? With COVID, design budgets were slashed in healthcare projects. Learn how Bryan responded by creating what he calls, "Moments of Generosity in Planning." Listen to Bryan share examples of "Moments of Generosity" including what the benefits are of bringing light (from strategically placed windows) into the nursing station and caregivers areas of a hospital? What are the financial benefits of using "Moments of Generosity in Planning?" What does Edwin mean when he says, "Economy is extremely important today without compromising a value driven design or decreasing the budget?" Edwin has referred to the word "Essentialism" to describe his approach to design with current projects. What is Essentialism and how does it play a role in a value driven design? The world is changing quickly. The Center for Health Design is committed to providing the healthcare design and senior living design industries with the latest research, best practices and innovations. The Center can help you solve today's biggest healthcare challenges and make a difference in care, safety, medical outcomes, and the bottom line. Find out more at healthdesign.org. Additional support for this podcast comes from our industry partners: The American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designers The Nursing Institute for Healthcare Design Learn more about how to become a Certified Healthcare Interior Designer® by visiting the American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designers at: https://aahid.org/. Connect to a community interested in supporting clinician involvement in design and construction of the built environment by visiting The Nursing Institute for Healthcare Design at https://www.nursingihd.com/ FEATURED PRODUCT The prevention of nosocomial infections is of paramount importance. Did you know that bathrooms and showers – particularly in shared spaces – are a veritable breeding ground for pathogen, some of which we see in the form of mold and the build-up of toxic bio films on surfaces. Body fats and soap scums provide a rich food sauce for micro-organisms such as airborne bacteria Serratia Marcescens, which thrive in humid conditions. We know that people with weakened immune systems are so much more vulnerable to the illnesses associated with infection and let's face it, none of us go into the shower with an expectation that we might get sick. So how do we keep those shower walls clean? Well let's think big – BIG TILES. Porcelanosa have developed XXL Hygienic Ceramic Tiles that are 5 feet long - which means just one piece fits the wall of a shower or tub surround. XTONE Porcelain slabs are 10 feet high which means a floor to ceiling surface with no joints. Why does this matter? Well hygienic glaze will not harbor pathogen and surface impurities are easily removed to prevent build up – it is reassuring to know the evidence - INTERNATONAL STANDARDS Test ISO 10545 - Resistance to Stains - has determined these surfaces can be easily cleaned and the most difficult contaminants washed away, greatly reducing the need for aggressive chemicals. Think about this…When we unload our dishwasher our ceramic tableware is sparkling clean, sanitized and fresh to use - again and again. The principle is the same with large ceramic walls - So, when planning the shower surrounds for your facilities please reach out to Porcelanosa. The designer in you will love the incredible options and your specification will deliver the longest & best lifecycle value bar none.

On today's episode, Cheryl interviews Karen S. Freeman, AIA, ACHA, NCIDQ, EDAC, LEED AP BD+C Practice Leader, Healthcare, at HOK–a global design, architecture, engineering and planning firm. Karen is also the incoming President for the national organization, Women In Healthcare - a nonprofit dedicated to promoting the professional development of women in the healthcare industry. There's a lot to share from Cheryl and Karen's inspiring conversation including the importance of designing for mental health, and why it matters so much in today's world. Learn more about Karen S. Freeman and HOK by visiting https://www.hok.com/. Learn more about Women in Healthcare by visiting https://www.womeninhealthcare.org/. In Cheryl's conversation with Karen S. Freeman, they discuss: The changes that took place in Karen's world when COVID hit the United States in 2020. Specifically, what changed with Karen's pediatric and subspecialty projects? What did Karen learn from the pandemic? Karen wrote an article for HOK entitled, "Pediatric Mental Health Crisis Needs Bold Design Strategy" that addressed the needs of children during the pandemic through the design of the built environment. Learn what the article is all about. Has the situation in the mental healthcare space improved now that we are in 2022? What still needs to happen to help kids in the mental health space and what progress has been made. What is Karen's sweet spot in the work she does at HOK? Karen holds a Six Sigma Lean Black Belt in Healthcare (LBBH) and she is one of fewer than 450 board-certified healthcare architects in the U.S. per the American College of Healthcare Architects (ACHA). How does Karen bring all of this together on her healthcare projects? Listen to Karen talk about her incoming role as the new President of the national organization, Women in Healthcare. What does the organization do and offer? Learn about Karen's origin story and how she came to specialize in pediatric healthcare and why this theme holds a special place in her heart. The world is changing quickly. The Center for Health Design is committed to providing the healthcare design and senior living design industries with the latest research, best practices and innovations. The Center can help you solve today's biggest healthcare challenges and make a difference in care, safety, medical outcomes, and the bottom line. Find out more at healthdesign.org. Additional support for this podcast comes from our industry partners: The American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designers The Nursing Institute for Healthcare Design Learn more about how to become a Certified Healthcare Interior Designer® by visiting the American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designers at: https://aahid.org/. Connect to a community interested in supporting clinician involvement in design and construction of the built environment by visiting The Nursing Institute for Healthcare Design at https://www.nursingihd.com/ FEATURED PRODUCT The prevention of nosocomial infections is of paramount importance. Did you know that bathrooms and showers – particularly in shared spaces – are a veritable breeding ground for pathogen, some of which we see in the form of mold and the build-up of toxic bio films on surfaces. Body fats and soap scums provide a rich food sauce for micro-organisms such as airborne bacteria Serratia Marcescens, which thrive in humid conditions. We know that people with weakened immune systems are so much more vulnerable to the illnesses associated with infection and let's face it, none of us go into the shower with an expectation that we might get ill… So how do we keep those shower walls clean? Well let's think big – BIG TILES. Porcelanosa have developed XXL Hygienic Ceramic Tiles that are 5 feet long - which means just one piece fits the wall of a shower or tub surround. XTONE Porcelain slabs are 10 feet high which means a floor to ceiling surface with no joints. Why does this matter? Well hygienic glaze will not harbor pathogen and surface impurities are easily removed to prevent build up – it is reassuring to know the evidence - INTERNATONAL STANDARDS Test ISO 10545 - Resistance to Stains - has determined these surfaces can be easily cleaned and the most difficult contaminants washed away, greatly reducing the need for aggressive chemicals. Think about this…When we unload our dishwasher our ceramic tableware is sparkling clean, sanitized and fresh to use - again and again. The principle is the same with large ceramic walls - So, when planning the shower surrounds for your facilities please send reach out to Porcelanosa at [email protected]. The designer in you will love the incredible options and your specification will deliver the longest & best lifecycle value bar none.