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National Mental Health Awareness Month in May presents an ideal time to highlight how and why physical spaces can contribute toward optimal emotional, psychological and social well-being for all, according to Bob Ryan, principal of DIGroup Architecture’s Healthcare Studio. The firm, which is based in New Brunswick and has an office in Philadelphia, prioritizes mental health across all of its studios, from healthcare and senior living, to education and community spaces.
“Addressing the mental health crisis in the United States is an all-hands-on-deck proposition,” said Ryan. “While physicians, neuroscientists and psychologists are taking the lead on how we can collectively improve the well-being of all members of our communities, there is more and more evidence that our physical spaces and environments have a direct impact on how we feel. As a result, there is an extremely important role for all of us to play.”
An integral part of the creative process for all of its architecture, interiors and graphic design professionals, DIGroup deploys a multi-disciplinary approach to prioritize mental wellness and cognitive experiences for all end users, from acute care and outpatient settings to civic gathering spaces and academia.
“Space is powerful because it has the power to affect how users think, feel and act,” said Ryan. “As a result, every room in every building has the potential to influence how people handle stress, relate to others and make choices.”
Ryan, who leads the highly specialized Healthcare Studio, has more than 30 years of experience in architecture for health and wellness clients. In this role, he works together with DIGroup’s interior and graphic design teams, as well as each client’s administrative and provider teams.
The singular goal for Ryan and DIGroup’s team is to deliver spaces that make sense clinically, are soothing and feel less sterile. Some of the firm’s techniques include incorporating inspirational graphics and wayfinding, gentle lighting and calming color schemes.
Examples of recent projects where DIGroup Architecture paid particular attention to creating positive human-facility interactions include:
“When we’re working on a healthcare facility, we work hand-in-hand with clinicians and administrators to marry clinical needs with psychological comfort,” Ryan said. “Studies have shown that even the simplest of architectural details – from lighting to color and layout – can create positive interactions between people and their spaces. We are committed to doing our part to advocate for architecture that creates change – and encourages mental health. This month, every month and every day.”
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.