Can strategic planning and innovative design transform constrained spaces into high-performing, world-class healthcare environments? In this session, you'll learn how UW Health and Flad Architects turned a compact, underutilized hospital space into a high-impact home for the renowned Pleasant T. Rowland Transplant Clinic. By repurposing 16,000 sf of space, consolidating services, enhancing patient experiences, and fostering operational efficiency, this project demonstrates the power of thoughtful design and planning.
The presentation highlights a data-driven, collaborative process that integrates phased planning and aligns stakeholder priorities with strategic goals to create flexible spaces that adapt to growth, integrate technology, and optimize resources. Attendees will gain practical, inspiring insights into how robust data gathering and analytical tools, combined with nimble planning, can align spaces with evolving needs while unlocking opportunities for future innovation.
Michael McKay, AIA, ACHE, EDAC, LEED AP, NCARB
Director of Planning Design Construction and Real Estate
UW Health
Mike is a registered architect with 36 years of professional practice experience, most within the healthcare and continuum of care project markets. As an evidence-based, design-accredited professional, he supports the application of research to planning, design, and construction, while also promoting sustainable design in the built environment. As director of planning, design, construction and real estate at UW Health, Mike applies this passion to the environments of care for the patients and their families, and the team of physicians, nurses and staff who deliver remarkable healthcare in one of the best integrated health systems in the country.
Erin Frush, WRID, IIDA, WELL AP
Associate Principal, Interior Designer
Flad Architects
An interior designer with over 25 years of experience in healthcare and health science facilities, Erin leverages her background in facilities planning to provide a holistic approach to interior design. Engaged from programming, planning, and design through furniture and finish selections, and construction administration, Erin’s process involves a thorough understanding of her clients’ operational and organizational goals to translate them into cohesive design solutions. Erin holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and is a Registered Interior Designer, WELL Accredited Professional, and an active member of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA).
Kara Freihoefer, PhD, NCIDQ, EDAC, LEED ID+C
Associate Principal, Director of Healthcare Research
Flad Architects
Kara is the Director of Healthcare Research at Flad Architects where she focuses on advocating, leading, and advancing strategic research initiatives for pre-design services and post-occupancy evaluations within the firm’s healthcare practice. Serving as a subject matter expert, she educates and advises firm leadership and teams on the development of planning tools, operational studies, and research-based services. Her work has received multiple Environmental Design Research Association (EDRA) Certificates of Research Excellence (CORE) and The Center for Health Design, Evidence-based Design Touchstone Awards.
This content will not be available until 06/09/2025 at 8:00 AM (EDT)
