DIG is celebrating the American Hospital Association’s Community Health Improvement Week (CHIWeek, June 10-14) by highlighting the pivotal role design plays in enhancing well-being and health equity. Through thoughtful architecture, interior design and environmental graphic design, DIG shapes the delivery of community health services by balancing efficiency with sound design principles to create a welcoming environment.
Currently, the firm’s dedicated Healthcare Studio is working on a wide range of health and wellness projects across New Jersey, Philadelphia and New York City, including Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). More commonly known as Community Health Centers (CHC), the mission of these health hubs is to provide quality care for underserved areas and populations that have limited access to medical care, although all patients are welcome.
“As architects, we know that the physical environment can positively influence patient outcomes and experiences, staff satisfaction and critical operational efficiencies,” said LoriAnne Jones, DIG senior project manager. “It’s critically important to create a dignified, welcoming and accessible environment that serves as a gateway to health and other essential services for these communities.”
According to Jones, these nonprofits are tackling more than just healthcare. Aside from adult, pediatric, women’s and dental health; diagnostic testing and lab services; and behavioral/mental health treatment, they address literacy, food insecurity, nutrition and workforce development.
With a focus on treating the “whole person” and their families with these essential services, the facility design is developed with flexibility in mind. “Offering specialized services through outpatient facilities such as FQHCs, rather than at large hospitals, helps bridge access to care to those who need it most,” she added.
As part of its process, DIG’s highest priorities are community integration and engagement. The firm’s multi-disciplinary team of architects and interior and graphic designers incorporate multi-purpose spaces for community-health initiatives as well as education, recreation and social interaction.
Taking users and their personal physical, cognitive and emotional health status into account is critical. Well-designed community health spaces consider a diverse population’s full scope of needs by incorporating natural light, soothing colors and comfortable furnishings – all in the name of improving outcomes, fostering inclusivity and access. Of equal importance is how the staff occupies and uses their space, with an emphasis on workflow efficiencies, comfort and communication.
“Strategically located exam rooms and diagnostic services all play a role in facilitating smooth transitions and improving overall facility operations, from the FQHC model to an acute-care hospital, on a larger scale,” said Jones.
DIGroupArchitecture is an award-winning, mid-sized architecture, interior design and graphic design firm with studios specializing in various areas of concentration: education, healthcare, senior housing and community-civic. A minority-owned business with a philosophy that everyone deserves great architecture, DIG is currently staffed with approximately 30 professionals and looking to expand our team and to fill the Architect III/Architectural Staff III position.
Desired Qualifications
Compensation & Benefits
Interested candidates please send your cover letter, resume and portfolio to: [email protected].
At DIG, we welcome and encourage diversity in the workplace. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.Architect III
Barbara graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnical Institute’s Architecture program. She has spent over a decade in marketing, where her understanding of architecture uniquely enhances her ability to inform the firm’s proposal development and marketing communication strategies and to position the firm as an industry leader. Barbara leverages the team’s knowledge and expertise into compelling content that reinforces brand identity and builds recognition among our clients and peers.
She handles the rigors of her role with determination and adapts quickly to challenges, which stems from an adventurous spirit. When not fine-tuning workflow efficiencies, Barbara is out and about with her family enjoying the outdoors; from ski slopes to local trails to playgrounds to CrossFit.
Emily graduated with a Business Degree from TCNJ and has worked in the Accounting and Finance departments for software, manufacturing and construction companies. Her professional strengths in accounts receivable, process improvement and account analysis are well suited for the complex nature of architectural project billing.
Emily loves to bake, but don’t ask her to make dinner – cooking is not her forte! Her husband is the family chef, and their two young daughters love to “help” in the kitchen. Some of Emily’s favorite things to do include riding bikes with her older daughter Layla, reading with her younger daughter Evelyn, going out to dinner with her husband and friends, and drinking a cup of coffee in peace and quiet.
Chris A’Hearn comes to DIG with over 20 years of experience in corporate financial management across several industries. Along with a BS in Accounting from Rutgers University’s School of Business and an MBA from Monmouth University, Chris has a keen interest in sustainable building solutions and earned the LEED AP Certification. With his experience in engineering and commercial construction, Chris helps DIG to achieve its financial growth initiatives. He brings his passion for sustainable construction and design to the firm as well as contributing his financial expertise to the DIG team focusing on future success.
Away from the office, Chris and his wife, Anne, stay busy with 2 children. Emily studies at Bucknell University and is interested in life sciences. Andy is a gifted and talented student as well as a competitive YMCA swimmer.
DIGroupArchitecture is an award-winning, mid-sized architecture, interior design and graphic design firm with studios specializing in various areas of concentration: education, healthcare, senior housing and community-civic. A minority-owned business with a philosophy that everyone deserves great architecture, DIG is currently staffed with approximately 30 professionals and looking to expand our team and to fill the Architect I/Architectural Staff I position.
Desired Qualifications
Compensation & Benefits
Interested candidates please send your cover letter, resume and portfolio to: [email protected].
At DIG, we welcome and encourage diversity in the workplace. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
