Dorris Hwang’s journey into healthcare design began during her time as an architecture student when she volunteered in an emergency department. Observing the profound impact that the built environment had on patients and staff, she knew she wanted to design spaces that would support people during their most vulnerable moments. Dorris is driven by the belief that healthcare spaces should not only improve the well-being of their inhabitants but also enrich their experiences during critical life events.
In her new role as Senior Associate, Dorris is focused on creating spaces that enhance both human and ecological health. She describes her design approach as “holistic design to improve ecological and human health,” reflecting her dedication to sustainability and overall well-being. Dorris takes great pride in working with forward-thinking clients and has a particular passion for integrating energy-efficient strategies into healthcare environments.
Among the projects that Dorris considers most rewarding is her work at the Inova Health System’s Schar Cancer Institute, where she transformed a high-security headquarters into a welcoming care center. By blending indoor and outdoor spaces, maximizing reuse opportunities, and maintaining close collaboration with stakeholders, Dorris helped create a calming, light-filled environment that adheres to the highest patient care standards. For Dorris, success is defined by the positive impact her designs have on the healthcare community and the legacy of thoughtful, sustainable architecture that enriches the lives of patients, staff, and visitors alike. Moving forward, Dorris is eager to continue addressing the challenges of sustainability in healthcare design and help shape spaces that will be both innovative and environmentally responsible.
