News

How the Healthier Hospitals Initiative Helps Guide Sustainable Facility Operations Susan Walter, LEED AP, Wilmot Sanz's green design leader, wrote an article for a recent issue of Medical Construction & Design magazine highlighting items from the Healthier Hospitals Initiative's first annual report.  The piece examines how facilities are using the HHI's six "challenge" areas to guide ongoing sustainable operations and complement LEED certified buildings.

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare design, creating spaces that prioritize patient comfort, efficiency, and safety is paramount. Wilmot Sanz, recently unveiled its latest triumph: a cutting-edge GI Endoscopy, Apheresis, and Bronchoscopy Suite that sets new standards in patient care and operational excellence.   Working alongside stakeholders at Inova Health System and HITT Contracting, the team delivered a full floor fit out of the Professional Services Building to include two Bronchoscopy imaging suites and six Endoscopy suites with a fully equipped adjacent Scopes Processing clean room to streamline clinical workflows. [caption id="attachment_2326" align="aligncenter" width="540"] Bronchoscopy Suite[/caption] With a capacity for 27 patients concurrently, the unit allows for seven isolation bays and four pediatric bays. Equipped with state-of-the-art patient-controlled lighting and video capabilities, the pediatric bays provide a soothing and calming environment, helping to alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation before and after procedures. By integrating technology seamlessly into the space, Wilmot Sanz ensures that pediatric patients feel more at ease, fostering a positive experience for both patients and caregivers.  With a focus on infection control, the sterile scopes processing room, where meticulous attention to detail ensures the highest standards of safety and hygiene is designed to optimize efficiency while maintaining rigorous standards...

In 2019, the University of Maryland Capital Regional Health embarked on a process to redevelop the Laurel Regional Hospital campus to shift its focus from inpatient to outpatient care and services. Patients requiring a higher level of acute care can go to the regional flagship hospital in Largo, but maintaining a presence in Laurel will provide many services that the community needs right in its own backyard. The system can now provide access to primary and specialty medical care, behavioral health, outpatient surgery and emergency care through the new Laurel Medical Center, which opened its doors this past week. Wilmot Sanz provided architectural and interior design services for the new 84,000 square foot building that spans two floors, is set in a park-like campus and offers patients outpatient services and 24/7 emergency care. The medical center's first-floor entrance leads into a surgery center and offices for physicians and specialists which provide internal medicine, obstetrics/gynecology, maternal fetal medicine, pulmonary medicine, and pain management services. Warm lobby and waiting areas welcome patients and families, while a grab and go café provides nourishing snacks and touchdown spaces for visitors and staff. In addition to the new 20-bed emergency department, a 10-bed observation unit...

On May 10, 2023, Adventist HealthCare broke ground on the New Patient Tower at Shady Grove Medical Center. The new 150,000 SF tower will update and right-size the emergency department and create modern critical care and medical-surgical units that will serve the evolving needs of the community.  With an estimated delivery in 2025, the New Patient Tower will allow the hospital to provide patients with all-private rooms throughout the campus in addition to creating improved workflows for physicians and staff with the repositioning of critical care, observation and emergency psychiatric treatment units.   Outdoor patios and an ICU Terrace will allow patient families and caregivers areas for respite and to connect with nature. In addition, the design features a 20,000 SF green roof covered with a variety of plant species which are beautiful but will also aid stormwater management. Nature will also be incorporated into the design through vivid, high-resolution images in patient rooms and nurses’ stations and in staff lounges with rejuvenating views of the outdoors.  The design team celebrated with the clients, contractor, clinical staff and many others during this exciting project milestone. We are thrilled to be one step closer to seeing the project come to life and...

Healthcare workers are always supporting patients, but who is supporting those workers? Well, their institutions for one. Adventist HealthCare has launched a new Support Center for training and continuing education of their nurses, clinicians and staff to ensure that each employee at Adventist HealthCare is administering the best quality care and adhering to the mission of their institution.  The new space is split among two floors in their existing HQ building located in Gaithersburg, MD. On the ground floor, a large, welcoming reception area leads to a learning gallery which provides touch down space with a community table and a variety of soft seating options. A small cafe is adjacent to reception for grab and go beverages available to employees throughout the training day. [caption id="attachment_2300" align="alignright" width="300"] Adventist HealthCare Conference Training Room[/caption] The training support center offers three distinct conference rooms that can be divided by movable partitions or joined into one large room with seating up to 150 for large group lectures. Past the conference area, there are simulation training labs, debrief rooms and administration offices.  The mission of Adventist Healthcare shown on a seven paneled art piece depicts the creation of heaven and earth and is displayed...

Wilmot Sanz is pleased to announce that Amy Cuddy, CPSM has joined the firm as our new Director of Marketing and Communications. Amy is widely recognized for her contributions to marketing and communications for architecture firms across the DMV. She will be working with firm leaders to pursue challenging new projects in healthcare and tell the stories of Wilmot Sanz. With more than 15+ years of experience in marketing and business development for design firms, she brings expertise in digital marketing, public relations, internal communications, budgeting, and operations. An organized and enthusiastic leader, she enjoys working on complex projects with architectural partners and members of her team who are as passionate as she is.  "My approach to communicating market expertise lies in understanding how individuals think and tailoring messaging to an audience’s specific interest. I am excited to be with an exclusive healthcare design firm, a new market for me to sink my teeth into,” said Cuddy. “The dynamic culture here Wilmot Sanz matched with the core expertise in the talented individuals that work here create a professional force that I am thrilled to be a part of. Great things are coming.”   Amy joins Wilmot Sanz with a background in...

In the past year, 60 million people in the US experienced a mental illness. Typically, if an individual is having a behavioral health crisis they are taken to one of two places – the emergency room or jail. Crisis receiving and stabilization centers within our communities can help relieve the pressure cap on overcrowding within these institutions while delivering more targeted patient care by trained professionals.  Firm Principal, Andrew Bowers, shined light on this issue along with teaming partners, Jamie Sellar, Chief Strategy Officer at RI International, and David Whale, Principal at Grimm + Parker to examine how owners, operators and designers can come together to find efficient solutions to allow more of these facilities to evolve into the landscape of community healthcare.  After examining both operational and functional challenges of behavioral health facilities, the team discussed how they right sized the program for the new Loudoun County, VA Crisis Receiving and Stabilization Center after meeting with project stakeholders. Increasing the overall footprint by 6,000 SF from the initial program and offering needed spaces such as a separate law enforcement entrance, storage areas, and an urgent care clinic, the program can now deliver support for both the 23-hour unit and...

About Wilmot Sanz Wilmot Sanz is an industry leader in healthcare design and one of the largest specialized healthcare design practices in the Mid-Atlantic. We specialize 100% in healthcare architecture, planning, and interior design. We are the prime healthcare studio in the region leading projects from our office in Rockville, MD. Our mission is to improve complex healthcare environments supported by excellent client service with high-performing resources and cutting-edge technology. We believe successful architecture is about more than just great design, medical planning, and implementation. The best designs effectively address key challenges, creatively reposition existing assets, and engage the community. The firm has successfully delivered thousands of projects, ranging from strategic space plans and facility master plans to ambulatory care centers to complex, phased additions and renovations to full replacement hospital campuses. Position Overview The Architect  will work with design teams in the development of healthcare design projects from concepts to construction administration, with emphasis on detailing and documentation. The ideal candidate must demonstrate strong technical skills and an ability to contribute to an energetic and creative process. This position is based out of our Rockville, Maryland office location for local candidates. The position will be eligible for a hybrid...

Wilmot Sanz is thrilled to welcome two new hires to the team this summer who will complement both our architecture and interior design practice. Our growing team is made up of talented individuals that are passionate about healthcare design and creating impactful environments for our clients. First, we spoke with Julie Blitz, an interior designer who recently graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design. Julie returns to Wilmot Sanz after serving as a summer intern in 2022. Through her time at Virginia Tech, she developed a passion for the built environment that was strengthened by her fellow classmates and professors pushing her to be her best. Q: Julie, how did you decide to pursue a career as a designer? A:  I went to school thinking interior design was for me but initially decided to enroll as undecided, getting my feet wet with a residential design course that sparked my interest and was not too challenging. When I stepped into a studio environment I was exposed to “studio culture” and the projects of my peers which is when I knew this career was for me. Q: How did you find your passion for the healthcare design...

In Western Ohio, access to healthcare can be a challenge and local hospitals are overflowing. Salem Regional Medical Center predicted the future moving towards outpatient care and delivered a new surgery and outpatient center in Columbiana to bring comprehensive and compassionate care into the community.  A new 76,000 SF, three floor structure allows for access to low-cost, same day outpatient care across a variety of services lines. Walk-ins are welcome for mammograms and digital x-rays through the Advanced Radiology Center on the first floor.  In addition, advanced imaging services include 3T MRIs, CT scans, ultrasounds, and DEXA scans.  On the second level, the Firestone Surgery Center provides same day outpatient surgeries utilizing advanced technologies and professional post-op care. While on the third level, the Firestone Infusion Center, offers both private and semi-private infusion spaces for IV therapies for chronic conditions.  The Immediate Care Services program through SRMC is being relocated to physician suites across both the first and third floors. These physician suite spaces will also house plastics and reconstructive surgery programs, and primary and specialty care practices including family medicine, ENT and pain management.  

Talented and inspiring people are the bedrock of our firm’s success.  Through the hard work and collaborative spirit of our employees, Wilmot Sanz has grown into the largest specialized healthcare design studio in the region.  There is no better proof of our entire team’s dedication to excellence and service than the firm’s many, decades-long relationships with local health systems.  And over the course of a challenging year, our employees were nimble and dynamic, pioneering fresh approaches to consensus-building and teamwork and deftly guiding our clients and the firm into the future. We are very excited to announce promotions for the following individuals in 2021:   PARTNER Kristen DelGandio, CHID, NCIDQ, IIDA PRINCIPAL Curt Mugge, AIA Miguel Pascale, AIA Rob Sanz, AIA, NCARB, cLSGB ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL Andrew Bowers, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, cLSGB R. Matthew Camalier, LEED AP BD+C SENIOR ASSOCIATE Alex Berman, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C Jenny Chio, LEED AP BD+C Jenna Maier, RA, LEED AP, cLSGB, EDAC Robert Mayo Jason Moskowitz Gustavo Perez-Jaime, RA Amanda Ripley, NCIDQ, IIDA Matthew Ryan, RA, LEED AP BD+C, EDAC ASSOCIATE Paul Barton, RA Dorris Hwang, CDT, LEED AP, WELL AP Josh Seiler, AIA, EDAC Marie Sheehan, RA, LEED AP BD+C Franciska Sirovica,...

In addition to Rob Sanz being named Partner last week, we are also thrilled to announce the promotion of Jenna Maier to Associate Principal and Andrew Bowers to Principal. At Wilmot Sanz, we value and reward our employees’ dedication, drive, and enthusiasm for healthcare design. Both Jenna and Andrew contribute to the leadership of this firm through design, management, mentorship, and office culture and have received the prestigious Rising Star Award from Healthcare Design Magazine. Here’s your chance to get to know them better. Jenna Maier, Associate Principal  Jenna Maier is an experienced medical planner offering a decade of experience in not only designing concepts for new healthcare experiences but also working through operational processes with her favorite clients. “I love my clients, helping them come together to find solutions that support their operations but also programming spaces that help them work better. I work to deliver the most efficient designs possible that encourage collaboration and spaces that make sense for the clinicians and staff delivering patient care.” As an Associate Principal, Jenna looks forward to impacting the firm in positive ways in her project work and in its culture. Her support and mentorship for her colleagues goes unmatched and...

For the second year in a row, Wilmot Sanz's talented healthcare design professionals are garnering national attention. Healthcare Design magazine has recognized Andrew Bowers, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, cLSGB as a 2020 Rising Star.  This prestigious program celebrates the achievements and future potential of the next generation of leaders in our industry. Andrew joined Wilmot Sanz in 2011 after graduating from the Virginia Tech School of Architecture + Design.  His work has focused particularly on complex renovation projects for a range of academic medical center and community hospital clients. Andrew also leads the firm's behavioral health design studio, drawing on his personal experiences to advocate for empathetic design solutions that reduce stigma and address the entire patient and family journey. Previously, Healthcare Design magazine also recognized MaryAnn Wilmot, RA, NCIDQ as a 2019 Rising Star. A third-generation healthcare designer, MaryAnn is licensed as both a registered architect and certified interior designer.  She leverages this multi-disciplinary perspective to communicate effectively with broad groups of stakeholders and to explore holistic strategies to advance collaboration and efficiency within the profession. MaryAnn currently serves as a member of the board of directors of the Maryland chapter of the Women in Healthcare professional organization.

Wilmot Sanz is excited to join Christiana Care and members of the local community in celebrating the dedication of Phase 1 of the Wilmington Hospital Transformation Project.  The ceremony, on May 31, 2013, unveiled the Carol A. Ammon South Tower, featuring a new main lobby and expanded emergency department for the hospital.  Over the coming months, the remainder of the modernized facility will open in phases.  Improvements include: An expanded Center for Advanced Joint Replacement A new, technologically advanced surgical suite Private patient beds The new Gateway Center, offering primary care and specialty practice space A peaceful atrium and healing garden This investment in the downtown Wilmington campus will allow Christiana Care to continue to provide access to affordable, state-of-the-art healthcare for local residents and will bring hundreds of new jobs into the community.  Please join us in congratulating the hospital on the dedication of this exciting project.  

The new Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at Children's National Medical Center in Washington, DC, which opened in December 2011, is featured in Healthcare Design magazine's April 2013 issue.  The article, written as part of the publication's monthly "Transformations" series showcasing highly successful renovated spaces, is posted online here. Featuring 26 beds, the Cardiac ICU integrates advanced technology to ensure patient safety and improve outcomes.  Ceiling mounted booms in each patient room accommodate in-room procedures in an emergency.  Twelve foot wide corridors with storage alcoves were designed to safely accommodate patients transported from the CVOR, creating a calmer, quieter ambiance.  A cutting edge media room allows staff to monitor patients remotely and can send and receive real-time images to and from anywhere in the world.

Please join us in congratulating Robert Sanz and Andrew Bowers for passing the Architect Registration Examination this year!  Both of these talented, newly licensed architects joined Wilmot Sanz after graduating from the University of Maryland and Virginia Tech, respectively, and have devoted their careers to healthcare design and planning. Wilmot Sanz’s approach of servicing each project with dedicated client teams allows our young architectural interns to gain experience in a wide range of practice areas very early in their careers.  This, combined with ARE study groups, specialized seminars with content experts, and a new mentoring program, helps to promote a strong culture of growth and professional development within the firm. Congratulations again to Robert and Andrew!

The University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center, currently under construction, is a 600,000 sf new hospital being constructed in Largo to provide residents of Prince George's County with access to state-of-the-art healthcare services in their community.  Located adjacent to the Largo Town Center metro station and across from a planned mixed use development, the facility will anchor a robust, thriving neighborhood.  The project is currently under construction - check out a few current progress photos from the site in the gallery above by clicking the banner image on this page!  

At the 2024 Healthcare Design and Expo conference that took place in Indianapolis in early October, one of Wilmot Sanz’s very own was recognized with the prestigious Rising Star award. Dorris Hwang, Associate and the firm’s Technical Enclosure Director shares her thoughts on the experience and how this award has rounded out a big year in her career.  “It was around this time last year that I got the email that every architect anticipates -  I passed my final ARE exam and was officially a licensed architect. Little did I know that would start a whirlwind year culminating in receiving one of the Rising Star awards at the 2024 Healthcare Design Conference.” said Hwang.  Dorris holds her Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies from the University of Washington and is a licensed architect, LEED Accredited Professional, WELL Accredited Professional and has earned her accreditation and certification in Evidence Based Design from the Center for Health Design.  “In 2024, I had the opportunity and privilege to be accepted into the 2024 class of the Christopher Kelly Leadership Development Series (CKLDP), hosted by the Washington, DC Chapter of the AIA. Through this program, I grew as an architect and a professional in...

About Wilmot Sanz Wilmot Sanz is an industry leader in healthcare design and one of the largest specialized healthcare design practices in the Mid-Atlantic. We specialize 100% in healthcare architecture, planning, and interior design. We are the prime healthcare studio in the region leading projects from our office in Rockville, MD. Our mission is to improve complex healthcare environments supported by excellent client service with high-performing resources and cutting-edge technology. We believe successful architecture is about more than just great design, medical planning, and implementation. The best designs effectively address key challenges, creatively reposition existing assets, and engage the community. The firm has successfully delivered thousands of projects, ranging from strategic space plans and facility master plans to ambulatory care centers to complex, phased additions and renovations to full replacement hospital campuses. Position Overview The Entry Level Architectural Designer will work with design teams in the development of healthcare design projects from concepts to construction administration, with emphasis on documentation. The ideal candidate must demonstrate strong technical skills and an ability to contribute to an energetic and creative process. The team is seeking highly motivated individuals eager to learn and grow within a dynamic team environment. This position is based...

As our healthcare clients and their needs grow and expand this year, so does our talented team of experts. We are thrilled that Gabryela Passeto, cLSGB, EDAC, has joined our creative team as a Senior Medical Planner offering her decades of experience in healthcare programming and medical planning to our clients.   With a passion for the connection of the plan to healthcare interiors, she focuses on the patient journey and works with her clients to understand daily movements to create more efficient and effective operational workflows for patients, visitors and staff. As a change champion, she loves the challenge of a complex renovation or an aging medical campus and focuses her design thinking on process improvement.  Gabryela offers her creative spark in building consensus among multiple stakeholders during the planning process. She is an astute listener and inquisitive learner and encourages her clients and design teams to join in the journey of what’s possible when thinking about the big picture.   “I like to help my clients realize the potential of their space. When clinicians work in a space for 30+ years it’s hard for them to imagine how much better things can be – they just make it work...

A leader at Wilmot Sanz and in the healthcare design industry, Robert Sanz, AIA, NCARB, cLSGB, is a strong advocate for innovative, operationally efficient design solutions. As a second-generation, specialized healthcare architect and planner, he successfully leads high-performing design teams to develop inspiring, inventive healthcare solutions. Since obtaining his Master of Architecture from the University of Maryland’s School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation, Rob has worked alongside prominent health systems like Inova Health System, Adventist HealthCare, and Baptist Health South Florida on diverse projects including campus master plans, phased renovations, hospital additions, and new freestanding replacement facilities. Having designed 50+ new and renovated operating rooms over the course of his career, Rob focuses his expertise in surgery design--specifically ORs, Peri-Operative services, and sterile processing functions.  He is currently guiding comprehensive, phased modernizations of campus-wide surgery platforms for multiple tertiary care facilities throughout the region. A certified LEAN Sigma Green Belt, Rob approaches each project as an opportunity to optimize operational behaviors to drive efficient, cost-effective solutions for the built environment with uncompromisingly excellent design and a heightened emphasis on client service. Outside of work, Rob is a father to two growing children, a talented guitar player and wood turner, and...

At the investiture ceremony at the 2014 National AIA Convention and Design Exposition in Chicago, the American Institute of Architects formally elevated 139 members to its prestigious College of Fellows.  Among the inductees was one of our Vice Presidents, Gregory Chang, FAIA, LEEDap, cLSGB. The Fellowship program invests architects who have made "a significant contribution to architecture and society and who have achieved a standard of excellence in the profession."  With over 22 years of experience on projects ranging from community based clinics to world class medical center campuses, Greg is an internationally respected thought leader in healthcare planning and design.  He joins our firm's founder, John Wilmot, FAIA, as Wilmot Sanz's second professional to be honored with this recognition. Congratulations to Greg!

We are excited to share that the new Inova Schar Cancer Institute has opened to patients.  A key part of Inova Health System’s new Center for Personalized Health, the Inova Schar Cancer Institute is one of the country’s pre-eminent cancer centers devoted to applying genomic science to individualized cancer therapy. Serving as a hub for Inova’s clinical, research and technological expertise, the new flagship location of the Inova Schar Cancer Institute in Fairfax is the first facility in Northern Virginia and the broader D.C. region to offer complete, patient-centric cancer care. Prior to Inova's acquisition of the project site, the existing buildings served as Exxon Mobil's corporate headquarters campus.  Constructed between 1979 and 1989,the facility prioritized security and seclusion. Hidden among the trees at the intersection of the Capital Beltway and Route 50, its dark, foreboding four buildings and five glass towers were the antithesis of a patient-friendly facility. The campus was difficult to navigate, with disconnected pathways and a dark interior. To transform these facilities into a state-of-the-art cancer center, the design team prioritized development of a functional and aesthetically pleasing solution for the exterior as well as a re-imagination of the interior to promote a healing environment and...

Wilmot Sanz is pleased to announce that Jim Curran, AIA has joined the firm as a Vice President. Jim is widely recognized for his contributions to the architectural character of communities worldwide. His particular experience in healthcare design is extensive, having collaborated with a broad range of clients on projects ranging from outpatient clinics and cancer centers to new hospitals and healthcare campuses. Notable for their responsiveness to the functional requirements of healthcare delivery and emphasis on the needs and dignity of patients, Jim’s designs complement their surroundings and promote environmental sustainability. My approach to client relationships aligns perfectly with Wilmot Sanz’s principles of high quality work combined with tireless client service. I am especially excited to be with a firm that specializes exclusively in healthcare design," said Curran. "The unique culture at Wilmot Sanz which brings together a diverse group of talented people all focused on the evolving issues of healthcare design promotes my interest in exploring innovative solutions to our client’s most complex issues. Jim joins Wilmot Sanz from an international architectural firm, where he led the design efforts for their healthcare practice in Washington, DC. He is LEED accredited by the United States Green Building Council and...

As we all reminisced back to Summer 2024 and the iconic rainy boat rides in the Paris Opening Ceremonies of the Olympic Games, Kristen DelGandio, Partner, and Matthew Ryan, Senior Associate, were already preparing to Go for Gold at the 2024 Healthcare Design and Expo in Indianapolis.   Presenting along with Javorka Saracevic, Senior Director, Real Estate Planning, Design, and Construction at Adventist HealthCare, the team took the high dive into examining what it takes to create the gold standard in systemwide interior finish standards for healthcare institutions.  This winning panel addressed how the team identified the need to match the brand of Adventist HealthCare with their mission to “extend God’s care through the ministry of physical, mental and spiritual healing.” The design team incorporated that mission into the systemwide standards through patient-centered design, connecting interior environments to nature, and integrating the Adventist faith throughout.  In reviewing case studies from White Oak Medical Center, Fort Washington Medical Center, and Shady Grove Medical center they took a look at local and regional demographics. The team then identified key branding goals that combined the physical environment with the patient experience to truly define what Adventist HealthCare refers to as their “world-class brand.”  Diving...

Wilmot Sanz is pleased to announce that Kristen DelGandio, CHID, NCIDQ, IIDA has been named Design Director of the firm.  She will also retain her corporate title of Vice President. Since graduating from Radford University, Kristen has spent her entire 20+ year career at Wilmot Sanz.  An expert in patient and community experience design, she has led transformative design projects for many of the nation's preeminent health systems. Highlights of Kristen's recent work include: Johns Hopkins Suburban Hospital Phase II Campus Expansion Inova Schar Cancer Institute Johns Hopkins Hospital Skip Viragh Outpatient Cancer Building "Kristen is an extraordinarily talented healthcare design professional.  This new title recognizes the value of her leadership - both as a trusted advisor to our clients and as a dedicated mentor within the firm and the profession at large." - Gregory Chang, FAIA, LEED AP, cLSGB, Principal, Wilmot Sanz Please join us in congratulating Kristen on this well-deserved recognition!

Wilmot Sanz is pleased to share that Kristen DelGandio, CHID, NCIDQ, IIDA has been promoted to Partner in the firm. A dynamic and exceptionally talented professional with a diverse skillset spanning design, business development, and business operations, Kristen is well positioned to lead Wilmot Sanz into the future.   Kristen has long embodied the role of trusted advisor and healthcare design thought leader. She is actively engaged with industry associations like Women in Healthcare and is tirelessly dedicated to mentoring and professional development. This promotion is both a well-deserved celebration of Kristen’s achievements to date and a recognition of all the exciting ways that she will continue to contribute to the firm, the profession, and the community in the years to come. Already serving as Design Director for Wilmot Sanz, Kristen leads a collaborative and multidisciplinary studio, creating innovative, research-based design solutions. She has led transformative design projects for many of the nation’s pre-eminent health systems Kristen first joined Wilmot Sanz as a high school intern more than 25 years ago. Since graduating from Radford University, she has dedicated her entire career to collaborating closely the firm’s healthcare clients. Highlights of Kristen’s recent work include: Johns Hopkins Suburban Hospital Expansion...

Wilmot Sanz is proud to announce that long-time client Inova Health System was awarded a LEED Silver Certification by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) for the new Inova Women’s Hospital and Inova Children’s Hospital in Falls Church, VA.  Read more about the health system’s ongoing sustainable design and operational initiatives here. More exciting project news: To provide a relaxing atmosphere for patients and create a warm, natural, and welcoming feeling, our design team took a creative approach to acoustics and noise-reduction in the Inova Women’s Hospital and Inova Children’s Hospital. This approach was featured in an Armstrong case study and video showcase. The Inova Women's and Inova Children's Hospital project is featured in the Healthcare Design magazine 2016 Architectural Showcase. The pediatric intensive care unit in the Inova Children’s Hospital has been awarded the Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) prestigious 2017 ICU Design Citation Award.  Also co-sponsored by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), and the American Institute of Architects Academy on Architecture for Health, the award recognizes excellence in addressing both functional ICU design issues with the humanitarian delivery of critical care in a unique and complimentary manner. Another Wilmot Sanz project on the Inova...

As a 100% specialized healthcare design firm, our clients are on the front lines of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.  We celebrate the heroic efforts of the caregivers who are working tirelessly to keep our communities healthy. Throughout this challenging time, we have assisted many of our health system clients with quick-turnaround modifications of their existing facilities to boost surge capacity, accommodate changing workflows, and create mechanically pandemic-resilient spaces. At Frederick Health, for instance, we worked with the hospital to rapidly expand emergency department capacity.  The project temporarily relocated the existing pediatric emergency department to allow the main ED to expand to accommodate more COVID-19 patients. Given the need to move quickly and efficiently, our project team, led by Andrew Bowers, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, cLSGB, collaborated as part of an existing, design/build working relationship on campus. Following an intensive, two week design and permitting process and a few weeks of construction, the expanded space opened to patients.

The Wilmot Sanz and Grimm + Parker Architects design team is thrilled to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center in Largo, MD.  Reflecting years of hard work by community, civic, and industry leaders, the new medical campus will replace the existing University of Maryland Prince George's Hospital Center in Cheverly and will deliver state-of-the-art healthcare services to residents of Prince George's County and southern Maryland. The project includes a 600,000 sf hospital and new ambulatory care center.  Located adjacent to a Metro station, the medical center will ultimately anchor a thriving, pedestrian-friendly mixed-use development.

Becker's Hospital Review has compiled a list of 50 of the greenest hospitals in America.  The list highlights organizations that, through strategies both large and small in scale, have made "ecological health, green initiatives and environmental stewardship ... foundational pieces of their mission."  Wilmot Sanz is proud to congratulate two of our clients on their recognition on this list: Inova Fairfax Medical Campus and West Kendall Baptist Hospital. In considering facilities for inclusion on the list, Becker's Hospital Review team conducted extensive research, analyzing "sustainability information from sources such as Health Care Without Harm, Practice Greenhealth, Healthier Hospitals Initiative, the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program, the EPA and other healthcare sustainability organizations and experts," At the Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, the review team identifies, among other factors, the hospital's early involvement in calling attention to healthcare's impact on the environment and its publication of an annual sustainability report as particularly noteworthy.  Facilities on campus that have either obtained or are seeking LEED Silver certification include Inova Fairfax Hospital's new patient tower, the renovation of the hospital's existing patient tower, and the new Inova Women's Hospital & Inova Children's Hospital. West Kendall Baptist Hospital, a...

Over the past few years, Wilmot Sanz has been working with the University of Virginia to renovate the existing Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center.  The first phase of the renovation is now open to patients. This complex renovation added a new infusion suite with 54 infusion stations and a new USP 800 pharmacy with a large investigational drug component. To break down the institutional scale of the center, a patient neighborhood pod system features both enclosed and open infusion stations. "This approach gives patients options for how they prefer to experience their healing process each day - both private rooms and areas to support group socialization," explains Andrew Bowers, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, cLSGB, Wilmot Sanz's project manager.  Bowers and the design team led a series of multidisciplinary LEAN process planning workshops focused on experience mapping, flow analysis, and adjacency studies, driving this operationally efficient and patient-friendly design. The 30,000sf first phase of the project was completed in 2019. In addition to the new infusion center, the project incorporated multi-phased renovations throughout the existing University of Virginia Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center and nearby sites. A new cantilevered communicating staircase in the existing main lobby connects the first and second...

As a hospital ages, it is challenged to modernize its facilities to accommodate new technologies and care delivery models so that it may continue to effectively serve its community.  Though it can sometimes be most efficient to construct a new, freestanding replacement facility, space and budget constraints mean that this is not always the preferred option for many healthcare systems. A carefully considered long range master plan allows a hospital to strategically reinvest its resources and make the best use of available space on its existing campus.  Creative planning solutions can help to address the problem of a tight, landlocked site or the need to craft a new image for the facility.  Wilmot Sanz’s specialized thought leadership in healthcare design allows us to help guide the visioning and planning process for hospitals seeking to revitalize, rather than relocate. Recent Campus Revitalization Projects During the master planning process at Sibley Memorial Hospital, we met frequently with the strongly engaged local Advisory Neighborhood Commission and community associations.  This ensured that the hospital’s goals for modernization were met while maintaining the urban design quality which allows the Sibley campus to blend seamlessly into the fabric of its surrounding neighborhoods. When Christiana Care’s Wilmington...

Wilmot Sanz is thrilled to announce the promotion of Rob Sanz to Partner. A dynamic and talented architect offering a diverse skillset spanning design, management, and business development, Rob will join the existing four partners to bring fresh perspectives while continuing to lead Wilmot Sanz into the future.  We sat down with Rob to talk about what becoming a Partner of Wilmot Sanz means to him.  Q: What does this promotion to Partner mean to you? R: I am very excited to become a Partner and have the opportunity to further impart my core values and personality into the culture of the firm. I look forward to taking a deeper dive into our approach to solving problems, whether design or operations, and helping to craft the best outcomes.  Having been here my entire career, I have seen the firm’s original founders, the transition to our new leadership, and all the values and unique approaches that each leader has brought to the firm. As a Partner, I want to take inspiration from the best parts of each and fuse those together with my own unique flair.  Q: Where does your passion for healthcare come from?  R: As a project architect spending...

Salem Community Hospital in Salem, Ohio recently broke ground on a major new addition project, designed by Wilmot Sanz. This exciting project consists of a three story patient tower resting atop a two level parking deck. View the Salem News Article. To provide an inviting environment that encourages healing and family involvement in the care process, all 87 medical/surgical and ICU beds in the new tower will be in private patient rooms. The parking garage will have space to accommodate 115 cars. Other project elements include various support spaces, as well as a two story atrium concourse connecting to the existing main entrance lobby and providing convenient access to the gift shop, café, and dining area. The new tower is scheduled to open in early 2014.

Q: Describe your path to architecture, the healthcare industry, and Wilmot Sanz.  A: Originally from Malawi Africa, I moved to the United States with my family approximately a decade ago. At the start of my architectural studies journey, I attended Montgomery College- Rockville where I received my Associate's Degree. I then attended Morgan State University in Baltimore for my Bachelor's Degree, and I ended my education at Virginia Tech where I obtained my Masters in Architecture. Starting out my Masters I was at the VA Blacksburg Campus for a year but transferred to the WAAC satellite campus for the remainder of my thesis, it was great to have the chance to experience the main campus and Old Town Alexandria during my studies. Before working full time at Wilmot Sanz, I was actually an intern! Q: What drew you to the design profession?  A: I have always been interested in aesthetics which led me down the path of taking art in high school. Art was my gateway to healthcare architecture. Design is all around us and affects our visceral nature in positive ways. I can't wait to keep learning new ways to provide these positive aesthetic experiences for our communities every...

In celebration of International Women's Day, we sat down with one of our office's young, inspired females--Carissa Mejia. During our conversation, we discussed her journey into the architecture industry and the strong mentors that helped her navigate a historically male-dominated field. We are excited to share her story and hope that it helps to inspire others. ...it is also encouraging to see other women who are ahead of me and at different stages.  It reminds me that they have overcome whatever challenges they’ve faced and found a way to navigate their responsibilities between work and life. Q: What do you notices as the role of women in architecture and design as the industry evolves? Honestly, no one told me that I couldn't. As more women join the field, our perspectives can alter or affirm various approaches to design problems. I think it’s important for women to weigh in because we can offer those different perspectives, possibly leading to more thoughtful, well-rounded solutions. As someone who is just beginning her career, it is also encouraging to see other women who are ahead of me and at different stages.  It reminds me that they have overcome whatever challenges they’ve faced and found...

What is Your ROle at Wilmot Sanz? Architect and Planner Can you talk more about your area of focus at work? My primary focus is master planning. What I love most about my work is that I’m able to develop concept design projects and ideas while concurrently working on projects across a wide range of phases of design and construction. Doing both at once provides valuable perspective – understanding a clients’ big picture vision influences decision-making while working through smaller design details and considerations (and vice versa!). Describe your journey - to architecture, healthcare design, and Wilmot Sanz. Growing up, I was involved in many extracurricular activities revolving around volunteering and giving back to our community and many members of my family work in professions that serve others (education, healthcare professionals, etc.). I knew in high school that I would pursue architecture but wanted to find a career path that was meaningful as well. I graduated from Virginia Tech and, after briefly working in other sectors, I found that my desire to create a lasting and positive impact through my work wasn’t being met. I quickly shifted gears and have been at Wilmot Sanz ever since. Healthcare design has such...

As a project manager at Wilmot Sanz, Matt Ryan uses his career as a way to improve the community around him. What does your work at Wilmot Sanz focus on? I typically work on complex hospital renovations and additions. What are some of the challenges that arise with this type of work? Working on renovation projects, we almost always encounter existing conditions that were unforeseen and pose a challenge to the design. Working these out requires close communication between all stakeholders and lots of patience and creativity! Even straightforward seeming additions can be complicated too - they can be much larger and there are so many pieces of the puzzle to work out. What led you to architecture and the healthcare design industry specifically? I have always loved to draw and to study how things are put together. From a young age, one of my favorite toys was LEGO blocks. So, I always knew I wanted to explore a career that allowed me to be creative but also highly technical. Before starting at Wilmot Sanz, I was in the Air Force which taught me the importance of quality work and the hours of effort that happens behind the scenes of...

As the year 2022 comes to end, we are reflecting on the new members we have added to the Wilmot Sanz Team! James Galante, Deborah Abimaje, Jack Garretson, Claire Beins, and Haoye Xu are all Architectural Designers that have joined this team over the last year, and we are so grateful to have them!   James Galante                Q: What is your role at Wilmot Sanz? Architectural Designer Q: What work do you typically focus on / your area of expertise within the company? Since I am a new hire, I don’t have an expertise within the company yet, but am working on developing a site model, and 3D printing the surrounding context. Q1: What led you to a career in architecture? I’ve always been obsessed with building things, which led me to trying out both architecture and engineering courses in college. After my first two years of school, I realized that while I loved engineering, it wasn’t the career I saw myself doing long term, so I focused my education into architecture. Q2: What led you to a career in Healthcare Architecture I had a handful of professors during my college education that...

As a project architect for Wilmot Sanz, Dorris Hwang, looks at the big picture of design perspectives as well as the finer details of construction to create complex designs. With her extensive knowledge of construction administration and detailing, Dorris has become a vital member of the Wilmot Sanz team and will continue to uphold this reputation as our Exterior Quality Manager. Outside of work, Dorris is a lover of nature, and you can find her sketching in the city or even hiking somewhere beautiful! WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT WILMOT SANZ? Project Architect & Exterior Quality Manager. WHAT DO YOU TYPICALLY FOCUS ON / YOUR AREA OF EXPERTISE WITHIN WILMOT SANZ? A large part of my work focuses on supporting exterior design and detailing across multiple project teams. I enjoy tackling the big picture perspective – client vision, cost, schedule considerations – while also delving into the nitty gritty details of each wall assembly. A building achieves its full potential when its interior and exterior design are in synch with each other. WHAT LED YOU TO A CAREER IN ARCHITECTURE? We spend on average, almost 90% of our time indoors. It seems natural to be curious about our built environment!...

Improving the Health of Our Community Montgomery County officials and members of the community were on hand to celebrate the groundbreaking for the new Dennis Avenue Health Center on May 29, 2014.  A replacement for the existing Silver Spring facility, the new health center will address a steadily growing demand for clinic and office space.  It will house a range of public health programs including Communicable Disease & Epidemiology, Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response, Immunization, Disease Control, HIV Services, Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) Services and Tuberculosis Control in a state-of-the-art-building. Leveraging the strengths of both firms in nationally recognized healthcare design expertise and award winning civic and community focused architecture, Wilmot Sanz and Grimm + Parker Architects are collaborating to deliver this signature project for Montgomery County.  At the groundbreaking ceremony, Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett acknowledged the importance of the new health center, stating, “I am pleased we are beginning construction on this vital facility.  This is the first new health facility we have built in more than 20 years and the services provided at the Center are critical public health programs that protect the health of all Montgomery County residents.” We are proud to have the opportunity...

Please join us in congratulating Rick Sasaki and Joe Giunta on their promotions to Principals at Wilmot Sanz! Rick Sasaki, AIA Rick brings a focus on operational efficiency through process-led design and budget control to the planning effort for every project.  With more than 25 years of healthcare design leadership in the Mid-Atlantic region, he has extensive experience managing project teams on large, multi-phase hospital construction efforts. Joe Giunta, AIA Joe has built his career in healthcare design through careful collaboration.  Over 40 years, he has developed long-term relationships with some of the region’s preeminent healthcare providers.  Joe’s medical planning expertise has contributed to  the development of groundbreaking solutions for surgical treatment and critical care.

Please join us in congratulating R. Matthew Camalier, LEED AP BD+C and Kimberly Kavanagh, LEED AP BD+C on their promotion to Associates at Wilmot Sanz!  Both Kim and Matt started with Wilmot Sanz as summer interns in college and have grown into talented healthcare architects and project managers. R. Matthew Camalier, LEED AP BD+C  •  Associate Over the course of his 12 year career, Matt Camalier has built strong relationships with a range of prominent health systems throughout the region.  Many successful projects at Howard County General Hospital, Sibley Memorial Hospital, and Calvert Memorial Hospital reflect his leadership.   Kimberly Kavanagh, LEED AP BD + C  •  Associate Kim Kavanagh currently manages some of the firm's most complex hospital expansion and renovation efforts.  With over 11 years of healthcare design experience, she has partnered with Christiana Hospital, Christiana Care Wilmington Hospital, and Inova Health System on several major projects.

Recognizing their contributions as rising leaders in the firm and the healthcare design industry, Wilmot Sanz has promoted three of its staff to Associate: Andrew Bowers, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, cLSGB, Jenny Chio, LEED AP BD+C, and Robert Sanz, AIA, cLSGB.  Each leads high performing design teams of design specialists, focusing on a diverse range of healthcare project typologies for clients such as Inova Health System, Johns Hopkins Medicine, and Kaiser Permanente. Please join us in celebrating these bright professionals as they continue to grow in their careers. Andrew Bowers, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, cLSGB       Jenny Chio, LEED AP BD+C       Robert Sanz, AIA, cLSGB  

One goal, six exams, a career milestone – passing your Architect Registration Examinations is no easy task as many in the AEC industry know. Those sought-after letters after your name that everyone works towards. Wilmot Sanz proudly recognizes two newly licensed female architects in Dorris Hwang, RA (right) and Caty Tran, RA (left). We sat down with both to understand what this accomplishment means to them in their careers. First, we spoke with Dorris – as a newly licensed architect who focuses her time on our firm’s quality control and exterior quality management, she advocates for healthy, sustainable, and resilient enclosures for our healthcare facilities. Q: Dorris, what does getting your license mean to you? A: It gives me a great sense of accomplishment. This is a goal that a lot of designers, including myself, work towards after completing school. I’ve appreciated all the support our firm provides, from study materials to education allowances.   In addition, achieving my licensure is important to me in terms of increasing visibility of women in architecture. Frankly, we need more women architects. Let’s continue the upwards trend in this creative and rewarding profession! Q: What gets you excited about architecture? A: The collaborative design...

Wilmot Sanz is excited to have the opportunity to showcase two of our projects at a pair of prestigious national design conferences taking place in the Washington, DC area this fall.  Our team will conduct tours of both the Inova Women's Hospital & Inova Children's Hospital, a new, 680,000 SF specialty facility on the Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, and The New Sibley, a 486,000 SF campus transformation project. The Healthcare Design Conference & Expo is the industry's best attended conference, devoted to exploring how the "design of responsibly built environments directly impacts the safety, operation, clinical outcomes, and financial success of healthcare facilities now and into the future."  It will be held from  November 14 - 17, 2015 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center.  The Inova Women's Hospital & Inova Children's Hospital and The New Sibley represent two of the eight high-profile, individual facility tours offered as part of the conference. Greenbuild is the world's largest conference and expo dedicated to green building.  Providing a place where the "ideals and passion of the green building community come alive," Greenbuild "brings together industry leaders, experts and frontline professionals dedicated to sustainable building in their everyday work."  It will take...

Each year, Modern Healthcare magazine releases the results of its Construction and Design survey, ranking the top firms doing business in the industry. In the 2012 survey, of firms dedicated 100% to healthcare design, Wilmot Sanz is ranked as the fifth largest firm in the nation by current volume of work. Among all firms, Wilmot Sanz is ranked #27 by volume of healthcare work – up from #31 last year.

In association with U+ Design Partners, Wilmot Sanz is excited to share that we recently won a design competition in Nanjing, China for the Jiangsu Province Hospital Pukou Branch.  The new facility will be approximately 1.7 million square feet, and includes a 1,080 bed acute care hospital and a state-of-the-art outpatient care center. The Wilmot Sanz and U+ Design Partners team conducted an intensive, month-long charrette to study the program brief and develop an elegant, efficient design concept.

New Year, Fresh Start After nearly 30 years in our previous office building, Wilmot Sanz has moved to a new location effective February 1, 2021.  Our new address is: 77 Upper Rock Circle Suite 100 Rockville, MD 20850 Our phone numbers and email addresses will remain unchanged. We are excited for all the ways that this fresh space will further empower the culture of collaboration, innovation, and camaraderie at the core of everything we do. Once we settle in and when the COVID-19 situation allows, we are looking forward to welcoming our clients, friends, and teaming partners into our new home to celebrate this next chapter.  In the meantime, keep an eye on our Instagram feed (@wilmotsanz) for some pictures of the new space as we finish unpacking!