The Rising Tide of Therapeutic design: Amy Mays’ Appointment Signals a New Era in Healthcare Interiors
The healthcare landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, moving beyond simply treating illness too actively promoting wellness. This shift is increasingly reflected in the built surroundings,and the recent promotion of Amy Mays,IIDA,LEED AP,EDAC,to Health Director,Interiors for HDR‘s global design practice,underscores this critical evolution. This isn’t just a personnel change; it’s a strategic realignment signaling the growing recognition of the powerful impact healthcare interior design has on patient outcomes, staff well-being, and overall operational efficiency. (Updated November 3, 2025).
Did You Know? A 2024 study by the center for Health Design found that well-designed healthcare spaces can reduce patient anxiety by up to 30% and accelerate healing times by an average of 8.5%.
A Quarter-Century of Shaping Healing Environments
Amy Mays brings over 25 years of experience to this newly created role,with a critically important 12-year tenure within HDR’s New York architecture studio. Her career trajectory isn’t simply about aesthetic design; it’s about a deep understanding of the complex interplay between physical space and human physiology. Mays’ leadership has been instrumental in the growth of both the New York studio and HDR’s interiors practice across North America.Currently, she’s leading interior design efforts for The Ohio State University Wexner Medical center University Hospital, slated to open in 2026 - a project poised to become a benchmark for innovative healthcare design.
This project, like many others she’s spearheaded, isn’t just about creating visually appealing spaces. It’s about incorporating evidence-based design principles – a methodology that utilizes research to directly link design elements to measurable health outcomes. For exmaple, the integration of biophilic design (incorporating natural elements like light, plants, and natural materials) is a key component, proven to reduce stress and improve patient recovery.
Pro Tip: when evaluating healthcare interior design firms,look for professionals with certifications like LEED AP and EDAC. These demonstrate a commitment to enduring practices and evidence-based design.
The Role of Health Director, Interiors: A Holistic approach
The creation of the Health Director, Interiors position at HDR is a significant progress. It signifies a move towards a more integrated and holistic approach to healthcare design. Mays will be responsible for strengthening client relationships, mentoring emerging talent, and leading project teams – all while championing a design culture that prioritizes health and well-being.
Her role extends beyond individual projects. she will collaborate with health practice leadership across HDR’s West, Central, and East regions to advance strategic business goals, foster growth, and elevate the standard of interior design within the healthcare sector.This regional collaboration is crucial, as healthcare needs and design best practices can vary significantly based on geographic location and patient demographics.
Consider the differences in design needs between a rural hospital in Montana and a large urban medical center in New York City. The former might prioritize creating a calming and welcoming environment to counteract feelings of isolation, while the latter might focus on optimizing space for efficiency and managing high patient volumes. Mays’ ability to navigate these nuances will be critical to HDR’s success.
Recognizing Leadership and Championing the Profession
Mays’ contributions to the field haven’t gone unnoticed. She is the recipient of the International Interior Design Association New York’s 2025 Leadership Award of Excellence, a testament to her dedication and influence. Her past presidency of the IIDA New York chapter further demonstrates her commitment to fostering a thriving design community and advocating for the profession. This leadership extends beyond HDR, actively shaping the future of hospital design and healthcare architecture.
Here’s a comparison of key certifications relevant to healthcare interior design:
| Certification | focus | Relevance to Healthcare Design |
|---|---|---|
| LEED AP (leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional) | Sustainable building practices | Ensures environmentally responsible design, contributing to healthier indoor air quality and reduced environmental impact. |
| EDAC (Evidence-Based Design Accreditation and Certification) | Evidence-based design principles | demonstrates a commitment to using research to inform design decisions and improve patient outcomes. |
| IIDA (International Interior
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