A Legacy of Healing Environments

Based in Denver, Colorado, Linstrom brings a wealth of experience encompassing behavioral health, outpatient care, and acute care facilities. Her project portfolio includes a diverse range of undertakings, from the ground-up construction of new hospitals and significant building additions to complex renovations and medical office tenant improvements. Prior to her promotion, Linstrom served as a Senior Associate and Behavioral Health Subject Matter Expert at Stantec, building upon a distinguished 20-year tenure at Davis Partnership Architects, where she progressed from Architect to Senior Associate.

Linstrom’s design philosophy centers on the profound impact the built environment has on the healing process. She is a passionate advocate for de-stigmatizing behavioral health facilities, believing that thoughtful design can foster dignity, instill hope, and provide crucial support for patients and their families. This approach extends beyond aesthetics, encompassing a deep understanding of the psychological and physiological needs of individuals seeking care.

“We’re increasingly recognizing that healthcare spaces aren’t just places where treatment happens; they are integral to the treatment itself,” says Linstrom. “By prioritizing human-centered design, we can create environments that reduce stress, promote recovery, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.”

Linstrom’s commitment to advancing the field is further demonstrated through her active involvement with Women in Healthcare. She earned her Master of Architecture degree from the University of Colorado Denver, solidifying her academic foundation in architectural principles and design innovation.

Did You Know? The principles of evidence-based design, championed by professionals like Robyn Linstrom, are increasingly being integrated into healthcare facility planning to demonstrably improve patient recovery rates and staff satisfaction.

What role should architects play in addressing the growing mental health crisis through innovative design solutions? And how can we better integrate patient feedback into the design process to create truly healing environments?

External resources for further exploration include the The Center for Health Design and the American College of Healthcare Architects.

Frequently Asked Questions About Healthcare Architecture and Design

1. What is the significance of the EDAC certification in healthcare architecture?

   The EDAC (Evidence-Based Design Accreditation and Certification) demonstrates a professional’s understanding of how to apply research-based knowledge to improve healthcare outcomes through design.

2. How does behavioral health design differ from traditional healthcare design?

   Behavioral health design prioritizes creating safe, calming, and supportive environments that reduce triggers and promote a sense of control for patients experiencing mental health challenges.

3. What are some key elements of a patient-centered healthcare design?

   Patient-centered design focuses on accessibility, privacy, natural light, comfortable furnishings, and spaces that encourage social interaction and family involvement.

4. How can design help to de-stigmatize mental health facilities?

   Design can de-stigmatize these facilities by creating welcoming, non-institutional environments that resemble other types of healthcare settings and integrate seamlessly into the community.

5. What role does acoustics play in healthcare design?

   Acoustics are crucial in healthcare to minimize noise pollution, reduce stress, and improve communication between patients and caregivers.

6. How is sustainability integrated into modern healthcare architecture?

   Sustainability is integrated through energy-efficient building systems, the use of sustainable materials, and designs that promote natural light and ventilation.