As a behavioral health planner and architect, Brian has a deep understanding of current research and trends in mental health design and uses his expertise to create innovative, research-based solutions that improve the patient experience in mental health environments. Brian has served as the mental health expert on numerous projects around the world, holding roles in planning, design, and consulting for inpatient, outpatient, community, and crisis services, guiding project teams towards improved outcomes in mental health environments.
At HDR, Brian leads the behavioral health design studio, introducing current trends and design strategies to a broader team and works with smaller focus groups to discuss and develop strategies to improve the mental healthcare environment for patients and staff. Brian has presented on the topic of mental health at multiple conferences around the country, including the Healthcare Design Conference where he presented his team’s award winning behavioral health patient room design. In addition to building design, Brian works with manufacturers to design and evaluate furniture and accessories for behavioral health environments, focusing on improved safety, comfort, functionality, and aesthetics. He is a member of the Facility Guidelines Institute 2022 Health Guidelines Revision Committee focused on behavioral health design in the emergency department and has been recognized nationally for his contributions to the field.
Brian enjoys finding opportunities to share his passion and expertise with the next generation of architects and designers in his local community. He is currently an adjunct associate professor at the University of Kansas, has served as a design critic and juror for multiple design studios focused on mental health, mentors architecture students at the University of Minnesota.