Design
Dialogues
Meet the expert:
Welcome to Hord Coplan Macht's "Design Dialogues" blog series! At Hord Coplan Macht, we pride ourselves on our team of talented and dedicated professionals who are at the forefront of architectural innovation and design excellence. This series is designed to introduce you to the exceptional minds behind our most successful projects, offering a glimpse into their expertise, passion, and the unique perspectives they bring to their work.
AIA
Heather Flannery is a principal and Certified Interior Designer in Hord Coplan Macht’s healthcare studio. She is responsible for leadership in the design process from concepts to contract documents, and she has been doing so for over 20 years. Heather’s background in architecture allows her the flexibility to work across studios and brings additional knowledge to lead complex interior healthcare projects.
Through insightful Q&A sessions, you'll get to know our experts on a deeper level. Discover what drives their creative processes, the challenges they overcome, and the latest trends they are pioneering. More importantly, learn how these insights can be applied to your own architectural and design projects.
Meet the Expert:
maria caridi
Architect
Operating room design is one of the most complex areas in healthcare architecture. Can you share your approach to designing these critical spaces and what key considerations you keep in mind?
What are some of the most exciting trends you're seeing in healthcare interior design right now, and how are these trends influencing your projects?
How do you incorporate evidence-based design principles into your healthcare projects, and what benefits have you observed for patients, families, and staff?
Can you share a recent project where innovative interior design solutions significantly improved the functionality and aesthetics of a healthcare facility?
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Operating room design is one of the most complex areas in healthcare architecture. Can you share your approach to designing these critical spaces and what key considerations you keep in mind?
The key to design is knowing the type of procedures, the equipment, and, most importantly, the room's flow. Depending on the type of procedure, up to 7 or more individuals are moving about the operating room—detailed listening to how each surgical team member functions during the procedure results in an effective design. There is vast team outside of the clinical staff. Environmental Services, Materials Management, Pharmacy, and support staff are all brought in to understand not only the surgical area but the entire surgical suite.
maria caridi
Equipment specification is crucial in OR design. How do you stay updated on the latest technologies and ensure that each operating room is equipped to meet the needs of diverse surgical procedures?
It is essential to listen to your clients to understand what they want and no longer care for in their current system. I often work with an equipment consultant to fine-tune selections and stay up to date, as working closely with the major equipment vendors becomes very beneficial to coordinate their equipment needs and stay abreast of their new offerings.
Can you describe a recent project where you successfully integrated advanced equipment into the OR design, and what impact did it have on the surgical team's efficiency and patient outcomes?
MedStar Franklin Square Surgical Pavilion is one of my favorite projects. The project scope included 14 new operating rooms. Four of which are dedicated to robotics and one hybrid OR. The robotics room expanded the hospital's capacity, allowing an increase in surgical volume. The Hybrid was new to the clinical area at Franklin Square, as it was the first in Maryland to utilize the cutting-edge Philip Azurion System with a flexible arm for interventional procedures.
What's one hobby or interest you have that might surprise people?
I am an avid crocheter, first learning from my paternal grandmother at age 8 to make simple chains and frilly doll skirts. I perfected my skills later in life when my youngest son asked for a Yoshi figure. From there, I took off making everything from stuffed Baby Yoda, to operable 14-inch dragon dolls. Some of my creations are seen on desks in the Healthcare studio. To double down on my interests, I am also a part of my local church’s crochet club that sells our creations at a yearly bazaar, giving all profits to a local charity.
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Hord Coplan Macht, 2025
About
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What are some of the most exciting trends you're seeing in healthcare interior design right now, and how are these trends influencing your projects?
How do you incorporate evidence-based design principles into your healthcare projects, and what benefits have you observed for patients, families, and staff?
Can you share a recent project where innovative interior design solutions significantly improved the functionality and aesthetics of a healthcare facility?
What inspired you to specialize in healthcare interior design, and how has your journey shaped your approach to creating healing environments?
Operating room design is one of the most complex areas in healthcare architecture. Can you share your approach to designing these critical spaces and what key considerations you keep in mind?
Equipment specification is crucial to OR design. How do you stay updated on the latest technologies and ensure that each operating room is equipped to mee the needs of diverse surgical procedures?
Can you describe a recent project where you successfully intergrated advanced equipment into the OR design, and what impact did it have on the surgical team's effiency and patient outcomes?
What's one hobby or interest you have that might surprise people?