12.11.24

Designing for Equity: Serving the Underserved

On December 3rd, Perkins&Will hosted a thought-provoking panel discussion, Designing for Equity: Serving the Underserved. The event brought together healthcare leaders to explore how design can address disparities in access to affordable and equitable healthcare.

Panelists:

• Long Duong, Senior Director at Kaiser Permanente
• Maryellen Westerberg, Chief Operating Officer of SAC Health
• Audrey Simons, CEO of San Fernando Community Health Clinic

Moderated by:
Tina Giorgadze, Managing Principal at Perkins&Will and VP Equity, Diversity & Inclusion for the IIDA Southern California Chapter

Each panelist shared their unique experiences in recently completed healthcare facilities dedicated to serving underserved populations. Despite focusing on distinct demographics and communities, the projects demonstrated innovative, context-specific design solutions rooted in the narratives of the populations they served.

The takeaway: How thoughtful design can play a transformative role in enhancing accessibility and affordability in healthcare.

This impactful event underscored the power of design in addressing healthcare inequities and fostering community empowerment.

Special thanks to Nick Mason, Marketing Coordinator at Perkins&Will, for helping organize the event.

Click here to see more photos!