Author: jpeastm

The Center for Health Facilities Design and Testing team had an engaging experience in Dallas, exploring the Stryker showroom and factory floor alongside faculty members David Allison and Anjali Joseph. This insightful visit offered a glimpse into the future of healthcare design, leaving the team inspired and grateful.

SUNDAY NIGHT

Clemson’s Architecture + Health program proudly hosted an engaging alumni event at the Slippery Noodle Inn, inviting all alumni to reconnect and share their journeys with current A+H students. This interactive gathering offered students a unique opportunity to gain invaluable insights from those who have walked their path, enriching their educational experience and inspiring future success.

MONDAY NIGHT

The Architecture + Health students also attended the Night at the Museum networking event hosted by HCD at the Indiana State Museum. It provided the students with the unique opportunity to engage with a diverse array of professionals, each bringing their own perspectives and experiences to the table. At the same time, students had the chance to visit the museum exhibits, which offered a rich educational experience in a lively atmosphere, stimulating their intellectual curiosity. 

DAY 1: 

The Architecture + Health studio, was deeply appreciative of the opportunity to attend the HCD conference in Indianapolis. It was an exceptional experience to attend keynotes, healthcare sessions, luncheons, networking events, and the expo, where we were immersed in healthcare design with vendors showcasing their products, materials, and technologies.

Additionally, we were grateful to have Clemson Alumni Ethan Hopkins (HKS) give a seminar on emergency environments, “Optimizing Emergency Care: Smart Strategies for Affordable, Compact, and High-Performance ED Treatment Stations.” His significant contributions and hard work in coordinating the student charrette at HCD made us all proud to be part of the A+H community.

DAY 2:

A heartfelt event marked the second day of the HCD Conference. At one of the keynotes, faculty David Allision participated in a panel, paying tribute to Clemson Alumni Walter Jones, who left a lasting impact on the healthcare design industry.

In the afternoon, our very own M.Arch Student Jennifer Jonson was recognized for her exceptional work. Her presidential citation video, which was well received at the ACHA Luncheon, is a testament to her talent and our community’s support for her.

As the day progressed, we witnessed another proud moment for Clemson. Our Alumni, Cassidy Roberts (SmithGroup), alongside her coworkers, presented their project, Decaf Hospital. Their project was selected at the 2024 HCD Breaking Through Finale, underscoring its significance and impact.

At the AIA-AAH Update Session, we were privileged to have our M.S. Student, Ana Sandoval, be awarded the Arthur S. Tuttle Fellowship. 

SUNDAY

The day of sessions concluded with Clemson Alumni Seth Bout (HuntonBrady Architects) presenting at the AIA-AAH forum on the Good and Bad of Benchmarking. 

TUESDAY 

DAY 3:

The final day of the HCD Conference for Clemson students concluded with attending sessions related to crucial themes surrounding healthcare design. We are proud to have faculty, Anjali Joseph and Ph.D. Student Monica Gripko, leading the way in their research, giving a seminar on research and outcomes, “Safe But Not Healing: Exploring Nurses’ Perceptions of Inpatient Behavioral Care Environments.”

They were followed by an AIA-AAH presentation on the Tuttle and GMZ Fellowships by Ph.D. Students Sara Kennedy, who received the Tuttle Fellowship, and Swati Goel, who received the GMZ Fellowship.

Finally, esteemed faculty Anjali Joseph and David Allison, alongside PhD student Monica Gripko, gave an informative session on pediatrics, “Addressing the Pediatric Mental Health Crisis: Developing Human-Centered Design Solutions.”

The student charrette team arrived in Indianapolis ahead of their peers, excited to embark on a transformative journey. Some students took flights, while others traveled by van. Regardless of how they traveled, this experience offered them a valuable opportunity to connect and build lasting relationships, setting the stage for a memorable adventure together.

FRIDAY
While the charrette team was absorbed in their work, the rest of the Architecture + Health studio embarked on a unique learning experience with a tour of the IU Health Campus. This insightful visit, which provided a deep understanding of the new downtown hospital, was a privilege that the students could directly apply to their current studio project.

SATURDAY
The A+H students journeyed to Columbus, Indiana, for a day trip, immersing themselves in the city’s history. The tour was not only a chance for them to bond but also a valuable learning experience. As a delightful conclusion to the walking tour, the students indulged in the sweet reward of homemade ice cream at a nostalgic retro parlor.

FRIDAY
Four M.Arch Students, Janelle Eastman, Rojer T.C., Angela Liu, and Yash Salian, were selected to participate in the student charrette at the HCD Healthcare Design Expo & Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. Their 48-hour experience began with a site tour of the IU Health Campus. Later, they began to work diligently on their project. The remaining A+H students visited the workroom to support their fellow classmates. 

SATURDAY
The student charrette team presented their project at the Mid-term Review, eagerly seeking feedback from a panel of design professionals. This interaction with experts fueled their motivation, and the students spent the entire day refining their project.

SUNDAY
The student charrette team presented their projects in an informal setting at the AIA-AAH Reception / Celebration, sparking engaging discussions with other school student charrette teams. 

MONDAY
The experience concluded with the student charrette team presenting their final project at the AIA-AAH STERIS Student Design Charette Presentations. The team was privileged to work alongside esteemed faculty Lyndsey Deaton and David Allison, who guided them during the process. Overall, it was a challenging yet rewarding experience for these students. Their hard work and dedication resulted in a strong project. Ultimately, they have gained valuable skills from this charrette experience that can be applied to their academic and professional work. 

We are so proud that one of our Master of Architecture in Architecture + Health alumna, Emily McGee (formerly McGowan), received the 2023 Roaring10 Award for her incredible impact on healthcare design earlier this year. This honor recognizes alums who contributed significantly to their field within ten years of graduation. Emily exemplifies the spirit of integrity and respect that drives change in the industry.

McGee’s journey took an unexpected turn when she graduated from Ball State University with a degree in architecture and graphic design. She initially worked for a smaller Indianapolis firm, not foreseeing her future in healthcare design. However, her experience there ignited a passion for the field that she never knew she had. 

Later, she moved to Washington, D.C., joining SmithGroup, where fellow Clemson alumna Brenna Costello mentored her. Costello’s guidance inspired McGee to apply to Clemson’s Architecture + Health program. McGee was drawn by the program’s focus on health facility design and appreciated learning from esteemed faculty including David Allison, Dr. Dina Battisto, and Dr. Anjali Joseph.

Today, at HOK, McGee’s work is a beacon of hope for underserved communities. Her focus on projects that promote equity and improve access to quality care is a testament to her unwavering commitment to social responsibility through architecture. Her dedication and values inspire us all to strive for a better world through our work.

As she looks to the future, Emily McGee is eager to continue her support for her alma mater and serve as an alumna. Her dedication is a shining example of the lasting impact our alumni can have on the world. Her future plans to give back and support others demonstrate the enduring influence of a Clemson education.

Position

Healthcare Architect

Location 

Charlotte, NC

About the Role

McCulloch England Architects is currently seeking Healthcare Architects to join their team. These roles are pivotal to advancing their mission of elevating community health through design excellence. As a Healthcare Architect, you will collaborate closely with healthcare teams, engage in comprehensive project planning, and drive design solutions that meet the evolving needs of the healthcare sector. Although the positions are not for new grads, McCulloch England Architects is committed to continuing to assist the Clemson Architecture + Health alumni as they look for new opportunities years after graduation. 

Contact Us

For more details or inquiries, please contact Grace O. Murray at gmurray@mccullochengland.com or 704-372-2740.

McCulloch England Architects looks forward to discovering how you can contribute to their vision of inspiring and improving community health through design.McCulloch England Architects100 Queens Road Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28204
https://www.mccullochengland.com/

The Architecture + Health studio commenced the 2024-2025 school year with a trip to Atlanta and Charleston. In Atlanta, we were hosted by HKS Architects for a reception, providing us with the unique opportunity to engage with a diverse array of professionals, each bringing their own perspectives and experiences to the table.

The following day, we had the opportunity to attend the AIA SAR Conference, which was themed around Healthcare Architecture in a Rapidly Changing World. The conference covered a variety of topics, including changes in healthcare delivery, AI and emerging technologies, carbon-neutral designs, and converting retail space to healthcare facilities. The event concluded with a panel discussion that further enriched our understanding of the presented topics.

Following the AIA SAR Conference, we traveled to Charleston, SC, where we visited the MUSC campus, which is the location for our vertical studio project this fall. Our day was enriched by a captivating and enlightening seminar session at the CDC.C with Marc Marchant and Ray Huff, who shared their insights on the history of Charleston and the development of the Medical District. We concluded the day with a scenic walking tour of the southern Peninsula, passing by Waterfront Park, the Battery, and numerous historic homes and buildings, fostering a deeper appreciation for the city. 

As we reflect on the start of the 2024-2025 school year, we are filled with gratitude for the enriching experiences we had on our trip to Atlanta and Charleston. We feel fortunate to be part of Clemson’s Architecture + Health program, which provides us with such unique learning opportunities. 

Congratulations to the A+H Class of 2024! We are very proud of you, and look forward to seeing what the future holds for each of you. You will be missed! 

First year A+H students are very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with local businesswomen Amber and Alex Arnold to provide programming and pre-design services for a freestanding birthcenter and luxurious postnatal retreat in Greenville, SC. This culturally sensitive and inclusive space is centered on healthy and supportive bonding experiences for new moms and their babies. 

Working under the guidance of Architect and Assistant Professor Lyndsey Deaton, PhD in the practicum-based course Programming and Predesign we will learn how to work with real clients on a real project! Each student will contribute to the team and to the project in a specific role, providing valuable experience in professional teamwork. We started by conducting research through project precedents, interviews with medical professionals and hospitality specialists, and surveys with pregnant women and new moms. As shown in the images above, we analyzed a few plots in a local planned development and recommended a site. Next, we will plan and facilitate a design charrette with project stakeholders including investors, practitioners, and pregnant women in March. Finally, we will compile all of our research and design recommendations into a Program of Requirements.

We are grateful for this opportunity to work with a local client and contribute to such an exciting new project in the Upstate community!