Designing for Healing: RLG’s Approach to Healthcare Facility Challenges

Phillip Brugger, PE, currently serves as RLG's Associate Principal and is one of the leaders in the Civil Department. With 25 years of civil engineering experience, His years of experience spans a broad range of projects including healthcare, education, institutional, office, retail, roadways, utilities, religious and
mixed use. Today, we asked him a few questions about the healthcare market sector and how it has changed over the years.

What is your role at RLG and how does it tie in with the Healthcare Market sector?

"I hold the position of Associate Principal at RLG, where I am responsible for overseeing the land development division within our civil engineering department. Additionally, I have a significant background in managing healthcare projects at RLG and frequently take a leadership role in these endeavors."

How has the healthcare market sector evolved over the past 5 years, and what key trends have emerged during this period?

"I've observed remarkable growth in various facets of the healthcare sector, from the development of new hospitals to the establishment of smaller emergency departments. This expansion in healthcare services is closely intertwined with the overall growth in the DFW area. Our involvement in an increasing number of healthcare projects and partnerships with providers, including notable collaborations with institutions such as Baylor Scott & White, UT Southwestern, and Texas Health Resources, attests to this. While the population surge in the area has driven much of this progress, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has also played a significant role. Although certain projects may have temporarily been on hold, we anticipate a surge of new opportunities in the near future."

How does RLG approach the challenges and requirements that may be associated with designing healthcare facilities?

"RLG prioritizes critical aspects such as circulation and site layout. Maintaining an open and efficient traffic flow is pivotal, involving careful consideration of various elements, from accommodating emergency vehicles to managing high levels of on-site traffic. Designing a healthcare facility that excels in both civil engineering and functionality is undoubtedly a challenge, but it's one we embrace. Our approach revolves around the constant pursuit of optimal solutions, always striving to ensure the efficiency of every aspect"

What are the design trends in healthcare facilities, and are there notable differences in the demand for renovations versus new construction projects?

"When it comes to the design trends in healthcare facilities, we're witnessing a shift towards a more patient-centric approach. Healthcare providers are now drawing inspiration from the hospitality sector to enhance the overall patient experience. It's all about making sure that the patients feel as comfortable and cared for as possible during their time in the healthcare facility. In these projects, we place a strong emphasis on the flow of traffic and the ease of navigation for people. Creating an environment where patients and visitors know exactly where to go not only contributes to a more hospitable atmosphere but also ensures efficient operations. While this design philosophy doesn't always align directly with civil engineering, it remains an essential consideration. In terms of demand, we're seeing a higher rate of new construction projects, primarily expansions, compared to renovations."

Can you share some examples of common engineering challenges encountered when working on healthcare facility projects and the approaches taken to overcome them?

"Healthcare facility development often occurs in multiple phases, which can span several years. This phased approach to construction and expansion is driven by several factors. Each phase represents a critical milestone in the overall development of the healthcare facility, with specific objectives, functions, and requirements. One common challenge we face is the need to work within the constraints of each individual project phase while also ensuring that our solutions align with future expansion and development plans. It's a delicate balance between addressing the immediate requirements and envisioning how the facility will grow over time. Having experience with larger healthcare campuses is undoubtedly an advantage in tackling these challenges. To overcome these obstacles, our approach involves careful planning and coordination. We develop solutions that are flexible and scalable, setting the scene for seamless integration of future phases. This forward-thinking approach ensures that the infrastructure and systems we design can accommodate the evolving needs of the healthcare facility, ultimately contributing to its long-term success and adaptability."

Among the healthcare projects RLG has been involved in, is there one that stands out to you as memorable? If so, could you describe why it was significant?

"Among the healthcare projects RLG has been involved in, the expansion project at Methodist Charlton Medical Center in Dallas, Texas stands out as particularly memorable. This project covered 83,000 square feet and included a variety of critical improvements to enhance the hospital's functionality and accessibility. The significance of this project was further emphasized by the new main entrance and traffic signal, both of which were essential for improving accessibility and traffic flow. The successful coordination of these elements, despite their inherent complexity, was due to the collaboration between RLG and the City of Dallas. By separating the traffic signal review from the building project, we managed to avoid any disruptions, ensuring that the entire project proceeded as scheduled, highlighting our commitment to effective project management and delivering a successful outcome."

What sets RLG apart from other engineering firms in the healthcare market sector, and how do these differences benefit clients and projects?

"What sets RLG apart from other engineering firms in the healthcare market sector is our unwavering commitment to a client-centric approach. In the healthcare field, we recognize that the end user is often someone who, just like us, seeks comfort, care, and quality medical services. This fundamental understanding of the human aspect of healthcare shapes our entire approach. At RLG, we take immense pride in our ability to deliver high-quality engineering and design services that consistently meet and even exceed, the unique needs and expectations of our clients and their projects. The benefits of this approach are clear: our clients can expect solutions that are not only technically sound but also considerate of the individuals who will ultimately benefit from what we help create. It's a difference that truly matters, and it's a difference that defines our work at RLG."

In what ways do healthcare buildings differ from other types of construction, and what are some key factors that engineers must consider when working on healthcare projects?

"In my experience, healthcare buildings differ significantly from other types of construction, and there are several key factors that engineers must consider when working on them. One of the foremost distinctions is the heavy consideration given to pedestrians and the people using the facility. Unlike other constructions like warehouses, healthcare projects require a level of focus on the human aspect. From an engineering perspective, achieving the best site layout is important. This layout should seamlessly accommodate the flow of people, which is critical for a healthcare facility's functionality. It's essential to ensure that the civil design complements the site layout and doesn't impede on the smooth movement of patients, staff, and visitors. In healthcare projects, it's not just about creating a structure; it's about creating an environment that is conducive to healing and well-being, and this approach necessitates unique considerations that set it apart from other construction endeavors."