Designing Healthcare Workplaces Where Staff Thrive
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- Attendees - $50
NeoCon Presentation Description: We will explore how the built environment can actively support the people who provide healthcare services every day. As staffing shortages, burnout, and retention challenges continue to impact health systems, workplace design has emerged as a critical - yet often underutilized - tool for change. This seminar reframes healthcare interiors not only as places of care delivery, but as environments that influence staff well-being, performance, and resilience.
Using research insights, design strategies, and real-world examples, the presentation examines how factors such as daylight access, acoustic control, spatial equity, intuitive circulation, and restorative spaces can reduce cognitive load and emotional fatigue for staff. We will focus on often-overlooked back-of-house environments, highlighting how thoughtful planning of work zones, respite areas, and team spaces can foster connection, dignity, and psychological safety. Projects with Cedars-Sinai, UCSF and Scripps will be referenced.
Susan Suhar, IIDA, NCIDQ, LEED AP, WELL AP
Interior Design Principal
HDR Architecture
Susan is an award-winning and accomplished design professional with over 20 years’ focused in commercial interiors. Leading design in primarily health and workplace interior environments, Susan's passion is creating spaces and experiences that are restorative, sustainable and contribute to overall occupant well-being. Her interior environments are motivated by the process of discovery, distilling and defining using evidence-based design and concepts of sensory design. Susan also volunteers her time with organizations such IIDA, LA Business Council and Children’s Institute.
Ruby Thorp, NCIDQ, CHID, CID, WELL AP
Associate Principal, Interiors
HDR Architecture
Ruby has more than 20 years of experience as interior designer with a proven track record of successfully developing and implementing interior design requirements which exceed clientâs expectations. She is known for her energy, passion, and genuine concern for her projects and clients. As an interior designer, she works in collaboration with the project team in the design and selection of interior finishes along with furniture and fixtures to establish a desired aesthetic while assuring project budget and goals are maintained. Rubyâs experience covers a wide range of building typologies, including public spaces, healthcare, civic and federal.
Heather Crespy, NCIDQ, CID, IIDA
Associate Principal, Interiors
HDR Architecture
Heather is an interior designer who has worked on a variety of building types, including science and technology, higher education, government and healthcare facilities. A detail-oriented leader, she enjoys cross-disciplinary collaboration on all aspects of a project from schematic planning and design to documentation and construction administration. Her primary design inspiration is the built environment and its effect on the user through color, material, texture and light.
Ashley Casatelli, NCIDQ
Associate Principal, Interiors
HDR Architecture
As a multi-faceted senior interior designer, Ashley has an agility and adeptness for understanding complex programs and project types. Motivated by relationships and discovery, she strives to create highly intuitive and efficient environments that promote her client's business goals and support tailored, unique design outcomes. Her expertise spans both new construction and renovation projects and includes programming, planning, concept development, construction documentation and finish and furniture specification. Ashley takes pride in designing organized, innovative and beautiful spaces that foster ownership, interaction and creativity.
