Healthcare Facility design Shifts Focus to Wellbeing and Security

Los Angeles, CA – August 21, 2025 – A recent conference in Southern California highlighted a notable industry pivot: a growing dedication to prioritizing patient wellbeing, enhancing staff satisfaction, and integrating cutting-edge security protocols within healthcare facilities. The Bisnow Southern California Healthcare Real Estate Conference, held on August 13th, brought together professionals committed to reimagining healthcare spaces and services for a rapidly evolving landscape.

elevating the Patient and Staff Experience

Discussions began with a deep dive into the connection between patient-centered design and the often-overlooked wellbeing of healthcare staff. Laurie McCoy, Healthcare Practice Lead for Lionakis, led a panel exploring how operational strategies can concurrently improve the experience for both patients and the clinicians who serve them, ultimately reducing burnout and fostering better retention rates.

Janet Pangman, AIA, Principal at ZGF, emphasized the proven effectiveness of evidence-based design, stating that prioritizing spaces which promote healing and wellness for staff isn’t merely a benefit but a sound investment. According to a 2024 report by the American Hospital Association, hospitals with strong staff wellbeing programs experience a 15% reduction in employee turnover. Pangman’s team is increasingly focused on integrating flexible spaces, with an emphasis on natural light and dedicated areas for staff exercise and respite.

Larissa Stepanians, Chief Operating Officer for Los Angeles Jewish Health, noted the financial impact of staff turnover and the organization’s investment in trauma-informed design. she also highlighted the benefits of decentralizing nursing stations, allowing nurses to spend more quality time with patients delivering necessary care.

Strengthening Safety and Security Protocols

Panelists also addressed the crucial need for enhanced security measures within healthcare settings. Bruce Macpherson, Principal and Healthcare Sector Leader for HED, articulated that a sense of safety and security is fundamentally shaped by the environment itself.His team routinely incorporates biophilic design principles – integrating natural elements – to lower stress levels for patients and staff. He noted a trend toward implementing fob access technologies and creating dynamic security zones.

Macpherson emphasized proactive security planning, focusing on integrating tracking systems from the outset. Pangman added that advancements in ligature-resistant furniture are allowing designers to create safer spaces without sacrificing aesthetics or functionality.

Matt Howell, a partner at Bayspring, underlined the importance of de-escalation techniques, suggesting that access to outdoor spaces and therapeutic gardens can serve as effective tools for calming possibly agitated individuals.

Designing for Diverse Needs

The conversation also centered on the necessity of adaptable, dignified spaces designed to cater to a wide range of patient needs, notably within behavioral health settings. Pangman stressed, “The more we understand neurodiversity and the varying factors that can trigger or reassure individuals, the more critical it becomes to create environments that can rapidly adapt to those differing needs.”

Macpherson argued that grounding design in fundamental human compassion yields positive impacts for everyone who encounters the space. He also pointed to collaborative partnerships with manufacturers who are developing more residential-style interiors for behavioral health facilities.

Dan Squiers, executive vice president for JLL, stressed that effective design must be coupled with complete staff training in de-escalation techniques.

Integrating Care into Communities

A key theme throughout the conference was the shift toward purpose-built behavioral health facilities,moving away from integrating these services solely within acute care hospitals. This approach aims to provide patients with appropriate care earlier in their journey, but requires advocates to foster positive community relationships.

According to a recent National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) study, 90% of Americans believe the country is facing a mental health crisis, with over 50% of families having experienced a severe mental health challenge.Macpherson highlighted the need to communicate behavioral health as a continuum of care, emphasizing the potential to develop visually appealing buildings that enhance their surrounding communities.

Panelists agreed that modernizing the public perception of mental healthcare is paramount. Pangman noted the increasing acceptance of mental health treatment and the projected rise in demand, particularly among younger generations.

What aspects of healthcare facility design do you believe are most critical for improving patient outcomes? Share your thoughts in the comments below!