Interview Questions for Hospitality and Healthcare Design

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design are crucial in healthcare, ensuring equal access for people with disabilities. These standards cover a wide range of aspects, from building access and circulation to restroom design and signage. Key areas relevant to healthcare include:

• Accessible entrances and routes: Ramps with appropriate slopes, level changes, and clear pathways free of obstacles are essential. This guarantees wheelchair users and individuals with mobility impairments can navigate the facility easily.
• Accessible restrooms: These must include grab bars, appropriate clearances around toilets and sinks, and accessible lavatories. Proper maneuvering space is critical for people using wheelchairs or other assistive devices.
• Accessible parking: Sufficient accessible parking spaces, appropriately marked and located close to entrances, are mandated. This ensures patients and visitors with disabilities can access the building without undue hardship.
• Signage and wayfinding: Tactile and braille signage is essential for blind or visually impaired individuals. Clear and legible signage with appropriate font sizes is crucial for all individuals, including those with low vision.
• Accessible medical equipment and furniture: Adjustable examination tables and other equipment must meet ADA requirements, ensuring all patients have comfortable access to care.

Failure to comply with ADA standards can result in legal action and prevent individuals with disabilities from accessing necessary healthcare services. In my experience, meticulous planning and early consultation with accessibility experts are crucial in ensuring full ADA compliance.

Wayfinding in healthcare is paramount for patient and staff efficiency and safety. I’ve been involved in several projects where thoughtful wayfinding was key. For instance, in a large hospital expansion, we used a combination of strategies:

• Color-coded zones: Different wings or departments were assigned distinct colors, consistently used in signage, floor graphics, and even paint schemes, creating a visual hierarchy and making navigation intuitive.
• Landmark identification: We incorporated prominent visual landmarks – like large pieces of art or architectural features – into the wayfinding system, making it easier for people to orient themselves.
• Digital signage: Interactive kiosks and directional displays with clear maps and real-time updates proved very effective in guiding patients and visitors. These provided flexibility to adjust for temporary changes.
• Consistent signage style: All signs, regardless of their location, followed a consistent design language to avoid confusion. This ensured clarity and reinforced the overall wayfinding system.
• Accessibility considerations: We meticulously ensured all signs met ADA requirements, incorporating tactile and braille elements for visually impaired individuals.

By integrating multiple wayfinding tools and paying close attention to detail, we dramatically reduced patient anxiety and improved the overall efficiency of the hospital.

Universal design aims to create spaces usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. I integrate this philosophy through:

• Flexible spaces: Designing spaces adaptable to various needs, including adjustable furniture and easily reconfigurable layouts.
• Accessible routes and entrances: Ensuring easy movement throughout the space, regardless of mobility.
• Clear and varied communication: Using multiple modalities for information, including visual, auditory, and tactile cues.
• Simple and intuitive controls: Using easily understandable controls for devices and appliances.
• Tolerance for error: Designing features to minimize the consequences of mistakes, such as easily cleaned surfaces and clear warnings.

For example, in a hotel lobby, implementing adjustable height counters and seating options caters to both wheelchair users and those needing extra support. In a clinic, providing large, clear signage with both text and pictograms ensures readability for diverse populations.

Patient-centered design puts the patient at the heart of every decision. This means creating environments that promote healing, comfort, and a sense of well-being. Key considerations include:

• Privacy and dignity: Providing private rooms or spaces, especially in sensitive areas like examination rooms.
• Natural light and views: Maximizing natural light and providing views of nature to reduce stress and improve recovery.
• Comfort and amenities: Offering comfortable seating, temperature controls, and other amenities to enhance the patient experience.
• Family-friendly spaces: Designing spaces where family members can comfortably wait and support patients.
• Wayfinding and signage: Creating a clear and intuitive wayfinding system to reduce patient anxiety and confusion.
• Technology integration: Seamlessly incorporating technology to enhance patient care and communication.

For instance, designing a hospital room with adjustable beds, comfortable seating for visitors, and a dedicated area for medical equipment ensures functionality and a pleasant experience for both the patient and their loved ones.

Infection control is critical in healthcare design. It involves creating environments that minimize the risk of infection transmission. My approach integrates:

• Material selection: Using easily cleanable and disinfecting surfaces, such as sealed grout, sealed countertops and antimicrobial materials.
• Ventilation systems: Implementing effective ventilation systems with proper air filtration to reduce airborne pathogens.
• Hand hygiene facilities: Providing easily accessible handwashing sinks and hand sanitizer dispensers throughout the facility.
• Waste management: Designing appropriate waste disposal systems to prevent contamination.
• Spatial planning: Creating layouts that minimize crowding and facilitate efficient cleaning and disinfection.

For example, in a surgical suite, carefully planned air pressure differentials ensure that air flows from clean areas to less clean areas, reducing the risk of contamination.

Acoustics play a vital role in both healthcare and hospitality, significantly impacting patient/guest experience and staff well-being.

• Healthcare: Noise reduction is paramount to ensure a calm healing environment. Poor acoustics can disrupt sleep, increase stress levels, and hinder patient recovery. Solutions include using sound-absorbing materials, strategically placed partitions, and quiet HVAC systems. In intensive care units, for instance, soundproofing is essential to minimize disturbance to patients and promote rest.
• Hospitality: Creating a pleasant soundscape enhances guest satisfaction. Noise levels should be managed carefully in lobbies, restaurants, and guest rooms. The use of sound-absorbing materials, strategic room layouts, and background music can create a calming and comfortable environment. Imagine the difference between a bustling, noisy hotel lobby and one with appropriately managed acoustics.

In both settings, careful acoustic planning is essential for a positive experience and contributes directly to overall satisfaction.

Balancing functionality and aesthetics is a constant challenge but crucial for successful design. It’s not an either/or situation. I approach this by:

• Integrating design elements: Using materials and finishes that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. For instance, selecting durable, easy-to-clean surfaces that also have a visually appealing finish.
• Strategic use of space: Designing layouts that are both efficient and visually appealing. For example, incorporating natural light and views while maintaining effective workflow.
• Art and design features: Integrating art and other design elements to personalize and enhance the atmosphere. This can range from artwork in patient rooms to unique lighting and furniture choices in a hotel lobby.
• Collaboration: Working closely with clients and stakeholders to identify their priorities and preferences in terms of aesthetics and functionality, fostering a cohesive and effective design.

A successful design strikes a balance: a beautiful space that is also easy to navigate, clean, and maintain. In a hospital, this might mean incorporating calming colours and natural light into patient rooms while still maintaining easy access to medical equipment and ensuring adherence to infection control protocols.

Sustainable design in healthcare and hospitality isn’t just a trend; it’s a crucial aspect of responsible practice. It involves minimizing the environmental impact of a building throughout its entire lifecycle, from construction to demolition. This includes focusing on energy efficiency, water conservation, material selection, and waste reduction.

In healthcare, this might involve designing a hospital with high-performance windows to reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling, utilizing recycled materials in construction, and implementing rainwater harvesting systems. I’ve worked on a project where we integrated a green roof to improve insulation and reduce the urban heat island effect, significantly lowering the building’s carbon footprint.

In hospitality, sustainable practices might include using locally sourced materials, installing energy-efficient lighting and appliances, and implementing waste management programs to reduce landfill waste. For example, in a recent hotel renovation project, we incorporated smart thermostats and occupancy sensors to optimize energy usage in guest rooms, resulting in significant energy savings. We also prioritized the use of sustainable wood and recycled content in furniture and fixtures.

Proficiency in design software is essential for effective communication and efficient project execution. I’m highly skilled in several industry-standard programs, including:

• Autodesk Revit: For Building Information Modeling (BIM), allowing for comprehensive 3D modeling, design coordination, and documentation.
• Autodesk AutoCAD: For 2D drafting and detailed drawings.
• SketchUp: For quick conceptual modeling and client presentations.
• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign): For high-quality renderings, presentations, and marketing materials.
• Enscape: For real-time rendering and virtual reality walkthroughs, greatly improving client communication and design review.

My experience with these programs enables me to efficiently create and manage design documents, collaborate effectively with other team members, and ensure seamless project execution.

Managing a project’s budget and timeline requires a proactive and organized approach. I begin by carefully analyzing the project scope, identifying potential cost drivers, and establishing a realistic budget. This includes detailed cost estimations for materials, labor, and other associated expenses. I use project management software to track progress, allocate resources, and identify any potential delays or cost overruns.

For timelines, I develop a detailed project schedule with clear milestones and deadlines, using critical path analysis to identify tasks that are critical to project completion. Regular progress meetings with the project team are vital to monitor progress, address any issues, and make necessary adjustments. In one project, we were able to stay on schedule despite unforeseen material delays by proactively adjusting the construction sequence and utilizing alternative materials without compromising the overall design.

Collaboration is the cornerstone of successful design projects. I have extensive experience working with architects, engineers, and contractors, fostering a culture of open communication and mutual respect. This includes regular meetings, shared design platforms (like BIM), and a clear understanding of each team member’s roles and responsibilities.

For example, in a recent hospital renovation project, I worked closely with structural engineers to ensure that our design met all safety and building codes. I also collaborated with mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineers to coordinate the design of building systems and ensure efficient space planning. Open communication and proactive problem-solving were key to the project’s success and completion within budget and on schedule.

Design changes and revisions are inevitable in any project. My approach is to manage them proactively and transparently. This begins with clear documentation of all changes, including their impact on the project budget and timeline. I utilize project management software to track revisions and ensure that all stakeholders are informed of any updates.

For significant changes, I prepare detailed cost estimates and schedule impact assessments before implementation. I always prioritize communication with the client and the project team to ensure everyone is on board and to minimize any disruptions to the project. A well-defined change management process and clear communication are key to successful project delivery even with unexpected design alterations.

My approach to problem-solving in design involves a systematic and creative process. I start by clearly defining the problem, gathering relevant information, and analyzing potential solutions. This often involves brainstorming sessions with the team to generate multiple ideas and explore different approaches.

Next, I evaluate each solution based on feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and its alignment with the project goals. This process frequently involves creating prototypes or mock-ups to test the practicality of the design solutions. Data analysis and user feedback are crucial for refining the design and selecting the optimal solution. For example, in one project, we discovered an unforeseen access constraint during construction. We collaboratively brainstormed solutions, ultimately developing a creative alternative that met all requirements while minimizing disruption.

Incorporating user feedback is paramount to creating functional and user-friendly designs. I use various methods to gather feedback throughout the design process, starting with initial stakeholder interviews and questionnaires to understand their needs and expectations. During the design phase, I regularly present design concepts to users and solicit their feedback through interactive workshops, surveys, and focus groups.

This feedback is then analyzed to identify areas for improvement and refinement. It’s crucial to consider the feedback in context, understanding the users’ perspective and prioritizing feedback based on its importance and feasibility. For example, in designing a new hospital waiting area, feedback from patients and families highlighted the need for more comfortable seating and improved signage. Incorporating this feedback resulted in a more welcoming and efficient space.

Creating a positive and healing environment in healthcare goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about designing spaces that promote well-being and facilitate recovery. My strategy focuses on several key elements:

• Biophilic Design: Incorporating natural elements like daylight, plants, and natural materials reduces stress and improves mood. For example, I recently designed a pediatric oncology ward with a large, central atrium filled with sunlight and vibrant greenery, creating a calming and uplifting atmosphere.
• Sensory Considerations: Careful attention is paid to acoustics, lighting, and even scent. Reducing noise levels through sound-absorbing materials and strategically placed quiet zones is crucial. Similarly, warm, adjustable lighting can create a more soothing environment. Subtle, pleasant scents (like lavender) can be incorporated thoughtfully.
• Wayfinding and Signage: Clear and intuitive wayfinding systems minimize patient and staff confusion and reduce stress, especially in large and complex facilities. Signage should be easy to read and understand, using clear visuals and simple language.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Designing spaces that can be easily reconfigured to meet changing needs is vital. Modular furniture and flexible layouts allow for future expansion and adaptation to new technologies or treatment methods.
• Family-Centered Design: Involving family members in the design process ensures spaces are comfortable and supportive for patients and their loved ones. This often includes dedicated family waiting areas and private spaces for rest and connection.

Ultimately, a healing environment integrates these elements to create a space that feels safe, comfortable, and conducive to both physical and emotional recovery.

Evidence-based design (EBD) is integral to my approach. It’s the process of basing design decisions on credible research to optimize outcomes. My experience with EBD includes:

• Research Review: I consistently review peer-reviewed studies on the impact of design elements on patient outcomes, staff satisfaction, and operational efficiency. For instance, research on the impact of natural light on patient recovery guides my lighting design choices.
• Data Analysis: I analyze data from post-occupancy evaluations (POEs) to assess the effectiveness of design solutions. This feedback loop is crucial for refining future projects and ensuring designs meet their intended goals. I recently used data from a POE to improve the workflow efficiency in a hospital’s operating room suite.
• Collaboration with Healthcare Professionals: I work closely with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to understand their needs and perspectives. This collaborative approach is essential for designing functional and effective spaces that support the clinical workflow. During a recent project, I partnered with nurses to optimize the layout of a medication room.

Incorporating EBD leads to improved patient care, increased staff morale, and cost savings in the long run. It’s a continuous learning process that guides informed decisions throughout the design phase.

Compliance with building codes and regulations is paramount. My approach includes:

• Thorough Code Review: I carefully review all applicable codes and regulations early in the design process, including those related to accessibility (ADA), fire safety, infection control, and life safety. I understand and stay updated on local, state, and national standards.
• Collaboration with Consultants: I collaborate with specialized consultants (e.g., fire protection engineers, accessibility specialists, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineers) to ensure complete compliance. Their expertise ensures the design adheres to the strictest standards.
• Detailed Documentation: All design documents, including drawings and specifications, are meticulously detailed to demonstrate compliance. This ensures clear communication with contractors and inspectors during construction.
• Regular Inspections and Audits: I monitor the construction process to ensure ongoing compliance with codes. This includes coordinating with building inspectors and addressing any discrepancies proactively.

Compliance is not just a box to check; it is a core principle that informs every decision, ensuring safety and legal adherence throughout the project lifecycle.

While both hospital and hotel design aim to create comfortable and functional spaces, their priorities differ significantly:

• Functionality vs. Luxury: Hospitals prioritize functionality and hygiene above all else. Design focuses on efficient workflows, infection control, and equipment accessibility. Hotels, on the other hand, emphasize comfort, aesthetics, and luxury amenities.
• Hygiene and Infection Control: Hospitals require stringent infection control measures, including specialized materials, finishes, and ventilation systems. Hotels prioritize cleanliness but not to the same stringent level.
• Safety and Security: Hospitals have stricter safety and security protocols, including emergency systems, access control, and specialized security features. Hotels also prioritize security but with a different emphasis on guest privacy and protection from theft.
• Technology Integration: Hospitals require sophisticated medical technology integration, whereas hotels typically incorporate technology for guest convenience and entertainment.

In essence, hospital design is a highly specialized field demanding expertise in medical technology and infection control, while hotel design prioritizes guest experience and hospitality service.

Prioritizing safety and security is crucial in both healthcare and hospitality settings. My strategies include:

• Emergency Planning: Designs incorporate features such as clearly marked emergency exits, adequate lighting, and easily accessible fire suppression systems. This ensures safe and efficient evacuation routes in emergencies.
• Access Control: Secure access control systems, including keycard entries and surveillance systems, are implemented to control access to sensitive areas and prevent unauthorized entry. This can also include secure storage for medications and other valuable items.
• Material Selection: Choosing durable, non-combustible materials reduces the risk of fire and enhances overall safety. This also extends to considering materials’ resistance to damage and ease of cleaning for infection control.
• Security Systems: Integrating security systems with features like CCTV cameras, alarm systems, and panic buttons enhances security and allows for immediate response in emergencies. These systems should be integrated seamlessly into the overall design.
• Staff and Patient Considerations: Designs should be built with staff and patient safety in mind. This includes features such as adequate lighting, clear signage, and the avoidance of trip hazards.

Safety and security are not afterthoughts; they are foundational elements integrated into every stage of the design process.

Designing for specific patient populations requires a deep understanding of their unique needs and challenges. My experience includes:

• Geriatrics: Designing for geriatric patients involves incorporating features that promote safety, independence, and comfort. This includes wider corridors, grab bars in bathrooms, and easily accessible controls. A recent project involved designing a geriatric rehabilitation center with specialized lighting to reduce glare and improve visibility for patients with declining eyesight.
• Pediatrics: Designing for children requires creating stimulating, playful, and comforting environments. This may involve incorporating bright colors, engaging artwork, and age-appropriate furniture. I designed a pediatric outpatient clinic with themed waiting areas and play spaces to minimize children’s anxiety.

Each patient population presents unique design challenges, necessitating a tailored approach and collaborative effort with healthcare professionals specializing in their care.

The design process, from concept to completion, is a multi-phased journey involving meticulous planning, collaboration, and continuous refinement:

• Programming and Conceptual Design: This phase involves understanding the project’s goals, user needs, and constraints. We conduct extensive research, stakeholder interviews, and site analysis to develop a clear understanding of project requirements and create initial design concepts.
• Schematic Design: Conceptual ideas are developed into detailed schematic drawings. This phase typically includes floor plans, sections, elevations, and initial material selections.
• Design Development: The design is refined based on feedback from stakeholders. Detailed drawings, specifications, and cost estimates are developed. This phase includes engineering input and coordination of various building systems.
• Construction Documents: Complete construction drawings, specifications, and bidding documents are prepared. These detailed documents ensure accurate construction and provide a clear framework for the construction team.
• Construction Administration: We oversee the construction process, ensuring adherence to the design plans and specifications. This phase involves regular site visits, resolving issues that arise during construction, and coordinating with contractors and subcontractors.
• Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE): After the building is occupied, we conduct a POE to evaluate the design’s success. This involves collecting feedback from users and analyzing data to identify areas for improvement in future projects. This process allows us to fine-tune our approaches and leverage past experiences.

This iterative process ensures a successful outcome, meeting both functional and aesthetic goals, while adhering to budget and schedule constraints.

Designing a healthcare reception area requires a delicate balance between functionality, aesthetics, and patient experience. It’s the first impression, setting the tone for the entire visit. My approach prioritizes creating a calming and welcoming atmosphere while ensuring efficient workflow.

• Wayfinding and Signage: Clear, intuitive signage is crucial. I incorporate color-coding and easily understandable symbols to guide patients to their destinations, minimizing confusion and stress. For example, in a large hospital, I might use a color-coded system with distinct colors for different departments (e.g., blue for pediatrics, green for oncology).
• Seating and Space Planning: Comfortable seating arrangements are vital, considering both patient and visitor needs. I ensure adequate spacing to maintain privacy and allow for social distancing while optimizing the flow of traffic. This often includes different types of seating to cater to varying needs, such as waiting room chairs, private seating nooks, and potentially wheelchair accessible areas.
• Ambient Atmosphere: Natural light is incorporated whenever possible to create a brighter, more inviting space. Soft, calming colors are used on walls and furniture, and the sound environment is carefully considered; we often use sound masking systems to reduce noise levels and improve acoustics. Plants can bring a touch of nature indoors, enhancing the overall sense of well-being.
• Technology Integration: Check-in kiosks and digital signage can streamline the registration process and provide patients with information. However, I make sure technology is user-friendly and accessible to all age groups and technical abilities. The focus remains on the human interaction at the reception desk, supplementing, not replacing, it.

Material selection in healthcare and hospitality spaces is critical, impacting both aesthetics and functionality. It requires careful consideration of durability, hygiene, sustainability, and the overall design aesthetic.

• Healthcare: In healthcare, I prioritize materials that are easy to clean and disinfect, resistant to stains and wear, and meet stringent infection control standards. This often includes materials like solid surface countertops (Corian or similar), sealed wood, antimicrobial vinyl flooring, and easily washable fabrics. I always check for certifications and compliance with relevant regulations.
• Hospitality: Hospitality design allows for a wider range of materials. However, durability and ease of maintenance remain key. I favor materials that are visually appealing and create the desired ambiance, balancing aesthetics with practicality. For example, a hotel lobby might use natural stone, high-quality wood veneers, or designer fabrics, but with finishes that resist staining and are easy to clean.
• Sustainability: In both sectors, I strive to incorporate sustainable materials whenever possible, such as recycled content or locally sourced materials with low environmental impact. This aligns with a growing demand for eco-conscious design.

For example, in a recent hotel project, we used reclaimed wood for feature walls, adding character and sustainability while still ensuring easy maintenance.

Creating a sense of place and identity hinges on understanding the context and the target audience. It involves weaving together elements of the local culture, history, and even the client’s brand identity to create a unique and memorable experience.

• Research and Analysis: I start with thorough research, understanding the local context, the client’s values and brand story, and the needs of the users. This includes studying the local architecture, art, and cultural heritage.
• Material Palette and Color Schemes: The selection of materials and colors plays a key role. I often use natural materials and colors reminiscent of the location to create a strong connection with the place. For example, a coastal hotel might incorporate blues, greens, and natural wood, while a mountain lodge might use earthy tones and stone materials.
• Artwork and Decor: Locally sourced artwork, handcrafted items, or culturally relevant decorations further reinforce the sense of place. This could involve commissioning local artists to create pieces specific to the space, fostering a sense of community and authenticity.
• Storytelling Through Design: I often integrate narrative elements into the design, telling the story of the location or the client through subtle design cues. This could be through the incorporation of historical images, thematic patterns, or curated collections.

For instance, in a recent project, we incorporated local indigenous patterns into the carpet design of a resort, celebrating the local culture and creating a distinctive identity.

My experience encompasses a range of projects, from small-scale renovations to large-scale developments. The approach, while adapting to scale, maintains a consistent focus on user experience and design excellence.

• Small-Scale Projects: These projects, like boutique hotel renovations or smaller medical clinics, require focused design solutions with meticulous attention to detail. Efficiency and cost-effectiveness are prioritized, while still achieving a high-quality design.
• Large-Scale Projects: Larger projects, such as hospital expansions or large hotel complexes, demand a more complex and collaborative approach. I’m experienced in managing large teams, coordinating with multiple contractors, and adhering to strict budgets and timelines. Effective project management software and clear communication are crucial.
• Adaptability: Regardless of the scale, I maintain a flexible and adaptive approach, adjusting the design process and methodologies as needed to meet the project’s unique requirements.

I’ve successfully managed both the renovation of a small, historic bed and breakfast and the interior design of a large multi-story hospital wing, demonstrating adaptability and a consistent level of design quality across different scales.

Technology significantly enhances both the design process and client communication. I leverage various tools to improve efficiency, collaboration, and client engagement.

• Building Information Modeling (BIM): BIM software allows for 3D modeling, enabling better visualization, coordination of building systems, and efficient space planning. It’s invaluable for large-scale projects.
• Computer-Aided Design (CAD): CAD software remains a core tool for creating detailed drawings, specifications, and presentations.
• Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR): These technologies enable clients to experience the design before construction, leading to better understanding and fewer revisions. VR walkthroughs are particularly helpful for large-scale projects.
• Cloud-Based Collaboration Platforms: Platforms like Dropbox, Google Drive, and project management software facilitate seamless collaboration among team members and clients. This ensures everyone is on the same page and promotes efficient communication.
• Digital Presentation Tools: High-quality digital presentations, including mood boards, material samples, and 3D renderings, enhance client communication and make design concepts more readily understandable.

For instance, in one project, we used VR to showcase the renovated hospital lobby to the administration board, leading to immediate approval and minimized revisions during the construction phase.

My strengths lie in my ability to blend creative vision with practical problem-solving, ensuring designs are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. I excel at client communication, building strong relationships based on trust and collaboration.

• Strengths: Creative problem-solving, strong client management skills, attention to detail, proficiency in various design software, and a deep understanding of both healthcare and hospitality design principles.
• Weaknesses: Like many designers, I can sometimes get overly invested in details, which can occasionally lead to slight delays. I actively work on improving time management through prioritizing tasks and delegating effectively when needed.

I constantly seek feedback and actively work on my weaknesses. I’m committed to ongoing professional development to enhance my skills and stay abreast of the latest industry trends.

In five years, I envision myself leading a team of designers, expanding my expertise in sustainable design and technology integration within healthcare and hospitality. I aim to mentor junior designers, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.

My goal is to continue contributing to the creation of spaces that enhance the well-being of people, blending aesthetics and functionality to create truly transformative environments. I’m also keen to explore opportunities to contribute to research and publications within the field of design for health and wellness.