Doug Roeder, EDAC, NCARD, OSHA10 is a healthcare principal at Wold with over 30 years of experience in healthcare, education, government and commercial design, planning and development. He is a trusted advisor leading academic medical centers, cancer, acute and ambulatory care centers, and physician clinics in both private and governmental settings. He earned a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Notre Dame.
“The healthcare environment is multifaceted; it is a work environment for staff, a healing environment for patients and families and a business and cultural environment for the organization to fulfill its mission.”
Doug is passionate about creating places that inspire and enrich life experiences through Evidence Based Design (EBD), a scientific analysis methodology that emphasizes the use of data acquired in order to influence the design process in hospitals. He seeks to help clients successfully navigate through the rapid evolution of modern medicine, economic shifts, and health policy changes toward a sustainable healthcare delivery system that meets the needs of both current and future generations.
“Because of the unusually high stakes and financial and clinical outcomes that can be impacted by the built environment, the benefits of Evidence Based Design are immense,” said Doug. “I have often seen its positive effect demonstrated by patients, who have higher-quality stays, physicians, who practice based on medical evidence, and administrators, who reduce costs and improve organizational effectiveness. Studies have shown how the physical environment can influence well-being, promote healing, relieve patient pain and stress and reduce medical errors, infections and falls, and I aim to help achieve an environment that accomplishes all of these successful outcomes.”
How do you define creativity?
Creativity is truly defined by how one answers a problem. You often see the most creative solutions come out of using what’s at your disposal: information available from research, project evaluations and evidence gathered from client operations. This creative problem solving process results in improvements to an organization's outcomes, economic performance, productivity and patient satisfaction.
How does your personal experience influence the planning and design of healthcare environments?
With all of today’s uncertainty, planning for tomorrow’s healthcare model demands a new approach. Determining the future of healthcare facilities no longer begins with space, it begins with considering time, cost and the optimal patient and family experience. My planning process is based on the idea that integrated solutions informed by clinical, operational, strategic and critical design perspectives will drive optimal outcomes.
Doug has been married for 25 years and has a son and a daughter, who both attend the University of Kansas. His wife works in assisted memory care as an Activity Specialist. In his spare time he enjoys boating, traveling, and spending time with his family.
Use three words to describe yourself.
Three words that describe me are collaborative, focused and dedicated.
What's a fun fact about yourself that many people may not know?
I love cooking and am a bit of a foodie. It doesn’t matter if it’s cooked on a stove, grill or smoker, I will always try anything new.
If you weren't an architect, what would you be doing?
I’ve long been fascinated with archaeology and have always considered it as an additional passion of mine.
What is one thing on your bucket list?
I would love to travel to Australia someday.
Our Focal Point series provides a behind-the-scenes look at the talented team members who bring our work to life. Read previous focal points on Jake Wollensak and Paige Sullivan.