Healthcare Interiors
Zeidler Architecture


Our approach to healthcare design centres on creating environments that promote healing, enhance well-being, and support the needs of patients, staff, and visitors.
By blending creativity with functionality, we design spaces that optimize workflows, ensure comfort, and uphold the highest standards of safety and accessibility Through thoughtful space planning, evidence-based design, and a deep understanding of healthcare operations, we create interiors that
foster patient recovery, improve staff efficiency, and contribute to positive healthcare experiences From intuitive wayfinding and inclusive design solutions to ergonomic furnishings and soothing palettes, we craft adaptable, patient-first environments that evolve with the communities they serve
Our healthcare design philosophy is grounded in patientcentred care . We collaborate with clients to deliver innovative spaces that promote healing, reduce stress, and foster wellness for patients, families, and healthcare providers Our projects range from outpatient clinics to large-scale hospital campuses, where we integrate stateof-the-art technology, sustainability, and accessibility to enhance both patient and staff experiences
Healthcare environments must evolve alongside changing patient needs and medical advancements Our designs incorporate flexible layouts, hybrid environments, and modular solutions that adapt to shifting demands By planning for the future, we ensure that spaces remain functional and resilient for years to come .
Sustainability and resilience are at the heart of our design approach . Our healthcare projects prioritize energy efficiency, resource conservation, and the integration of natural elements to create calming, healing environments We are committed to designing spaces that have a positive environmental impact, ensuring long-term sustainability and resilience for the communities they serve
We
specialize in delivering both expansive healthcare interiors and focused acute projects across Canada in close collaboration with our partners.
Zeidler has extensive experience leading interior renovations in operational healthcare facilities, addressing complexities with minimal disruption Whether designing clinics, hospitals, or long-term care facilities, we take a holistic approach—creating environments that enhance patient care, support clinical efficiency, and uplift the well-being of all who enter
With deep experience across the continuum of care, we collaborate closely with stakeholders to navigate challenges, build consensus, and drive projects to successful completion Our expertise spans various delivery models, ensuring high-quality design, budget adherence, and patient-centred outcomes
Inspired by salutogenic design principles, the CIBC Breast Assessment Centre redefines the patient experience by fostering emotional and physical well-being during breast cancer screening and diagnostics . The design transformed a former emergency department into a serene, non-institutional environment with natural materials, soft lighting, and framed views
International Academy of Health & Design Award —
International Health Project under 40,000 m2, 2017
Location | Hamilton, Ontario
Client | Hamilton Health Sciences Corporation
Completion | 2014
Size | 11,000 sq ft (1,000 sq m )
A glazed pavilion, encased in wood slats, filters daylight into the waiting area, creating warm, dynamic patterns while ensuring privacy . Thoughtfully selected textures and finishes enhance tranquility, offering a welcoming and restorative atmosphere that promotes comfort and dignity within the broader hospital setting .
City of Hamilton Urban Design & Architecture Awards — Award of Excellence in Architecture, 2015
International Academy of Health & Design Award — Future Health Project, 2012
Consolidating three locations, the design of BC Ministry of Citizen’s Service’s regional office fosters a calm, secure work environment, integrating natural elements and reflecting local Indigenous culture .
Location | Port Moody, British Columbia
Client | BC Ministry of Citizen’s Services
Completion | 2022
Size | 14,750 sq ft (1,370 sq m )
Key features, such as the culturally significant Circle Room for ceremonies, celebrate Indigenous traditions . Rigorous acoustic testing ensures the space supports smudging and drumming circles, balancing mindfulness with functionality .
The Burnaby Diabetes Clinic provides essential care in a calming, accessible environment . Relocated from Burnaby Hospital, the clinic prioritizes flexibility, comfort, and intuitive circulation within a compact footprint .
Thoughtful design integrates natural elements, Indigenous artwork, and durable yet warm finishes to balance hygiene with comfort .
Location | Burnaby, British Columbia
Client | Fraser Health Authority
Completion | 2023
Size | 3,466 sq ft (280 sq m )
This culturally meaningful workspace consolidates multiple locations into a single regional hub . Rooted in collaboration with the Cowichan Tribes and Elder Ruby Peter (sti’tum’at), the design honours the healing significance of the Cowichan River . A dedicated Circle Room provides a space for ceremonies, reinforcing Indigenous cultural connections and creating space for reflection, gathering, and community
Location | Duncan, British Columbia
Client | BC Ministry of Children and Family Development
Completion | 2023
Size | 9,311 sq ft (865 sq m )
Spaces like exam rooms and administrative areas meet CSA and infection control standards, while strategic glazing and lighting reduce environmental impact . The result is a functional, patient-focused clinic that enhances well-being and honours the surrounding community .
We designed a secure, empathetic space for youth aged 13 to 18 to receive mental health support in a calming and welcoming environment . The Youth Mobile Team Social Space facilitates personalized care with dedicated areas for counselling, outreach services and, social support, ensuring accessibility for diverse needs .
Natural finishes create a peaceful atmosphere that fosters trust and security . Through stakeholder collaboration, efficient space planning, and cost-effective design solutions, we delivered a thoughtful, high-impact environment that supports both clinicians and the youth they serve .
Location | Vancouver, British Columbia
Client | Vancouver Coastal Health
Completion | 2023
Size | 2,300 sq ft (210 sq m )
The new Assertive Community Treatment unit supports mental health patients with diverse needs, particularly those not served by traditional outpatient programs . Designed to be safe, supportive, and universally accessible, the facility fosters a calm, welcoming environment for patients while providing staff with secure, comfortable workspaces .
Location | Maple Ridge, British Columbia
Client | Fraser Health Authority
Completion | 2024
Size | 3,441 sq ft (320 sq m )
The Fertility Partners (TFP) is a network of fertility clinics across Canada whose vision is to empower and enable their clinical partners, researchers, and teams in pursuit of exemplary clinical outcomes . Zeidler is TFP’s national design partner, delivering several clinics across the country
The clinics prioritize a comforting patientcentred atmosphere, transforming what can often feel like an institutional environment into a space of calm and reassurance . A warm colour palette, paired with natural wood textures, create an inviting aesthetics that puts patients at ease .
Location | Victoria, British Columbia; Winnipeg, Manitoba; Mississauga, Ontario
Client | The Fertility Partners
Completion | Ongoing
Size | 10,000–25,000 sq ft (929–2,300 sq m )
Thoughtful zoning of public, semi-private, and sterile areas promotes a smooth and intuitive flow through the space, while specialized rooms are designed with comfort and care in mind . The result is an environment that fosters emotional well-being and supports a more positive fertility care experience .
Using a cohesive material palette with complementary accent colours, we created a modern, unified aesthetic that balances functionality with warmth . To enhance the patient experience, we introduced antimicrobial, light materials in procedure rooms to maintain sterility while creating a sense of openness . Cool, calming tones paired with warm wood accents through custom millwork bring a spa-like feel, softening the clinical environment .
Location | Calgary, Alberta
Client | Private Medical Clinic
Completion | 2017
Size | 2,292 sq ft (222 sq m )
We transformed an under-utilized office space into a innovative nursing lab, creating a hands-on learning environment with mock patient rooms that simulate a hospital setting . A central gathering area fosters collaborative learning, while flexible, reconfigurable furniture supports evolving teaching methods
This dynamic, future-ready lab improves facility operations and strengthens nursing education within the university community .
Location | St Catherines, Ontario
Client | Brock University
Completion | 2022
Size | 2,550 sq ft (240 sq m )
We redesigned North America’s largest paediatric ophthalmology clinic, blending sophisticated medical facilities with a playful, childfriendly atmosphere . Vibrant colours, whimsical shapes, and natureinspired elements create an engaging yet calming environment, ensuring advanced care is provided in a setting that fosters comfort and healing for children and their families
Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario - Award of Merit, 2015
Location | Toronto, Ontario
Client | The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids)
Completion | 2013
Size | 9,500 sq ft (880 sq m )
Our design transforms a clinical setting into an immersive underwater world that sparks curiosity and eases the stress of surgery for young patients . Vibrant sea life graphics, colourful seating, and dynamic lighting create a sense of exploration, turning waiting time into a moment of discovery and engaged play .
Our approach to creating a calming, immersive space prioritizes the user experience, even in a complex healthcare setting .
Location | Toronto, Ontario
Client | The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids)
Completion | 2012
Size | 2,550 sq ft (240 sq m )
The redevelopment of this regional centre of excellence, transformed a fragmented site into a modern, intuitive healthcare facility . The design replaced outdated buildings with 425,000 sq .ft . of new construction and renovations, enhancing acute care and community services .
Location | Hamilton, Ontario
Client | Health Sciences Corporation
Completion | 2012
Size | 425,000 sq ft (39,400 sq m )
In Joint Venture with Invizij (formerly Garwood-Jones & HanHam
Guided by salutogenic principles, the space promotes healing with natural light, rounded forms, and vibrant materials . A central corridor connects key areas, improving navigation and accessibility .
The program includes a state-of-the-art Emergency Department, expanded oncology and orthopaedic care, and strategically planned shelled space for future growth, ensuring long-term adaptability .
We designed the UPCCs to deliver patient-centred, culturally safe healthcare in a calm, welcoming environment . Integrating natural light, colour, and artwork, the spaces foster reassurance, while specialized lighting and photographic sky ceilings in radiology and CT rooms enhance the patient experience .
Flexible layouts support evolving healthcare needs, with public, semi-public, and restricted zones refining clinical workflow .
Location | Langley and Surrey, British Columbia
Client | Vancouver Coastal Health
Completion | Ongoing
Size | Langley: 9,770 sq ft (910 sq m )
Surrey: 9,160 sq ft (850 sq m )
We designed this facility to consolidate multiple Fraser Health services, creating a unified healthcare model for individuals living with mental illness and substance use disorders . A streamlined intake and assessment process ensures efficient access to care, while an outreach-focused model prioritizes low-barrier, easily accessible support for the community’s most vulnerable members
A sacred room serves as a sanctuary for reflection and healing, integrating natural elements and Indigenous-inspired colours, textures, and patterns . This thoughtful design fosters a sense of connection, supporting both physical and spiritual well-being .
Location | Abbotsford, British Columbia
Client | Fraser Health Authority
Completion | 2024
Size | 7,500 sq ft (700 sq m )
We transformed this primary care space into a tranquil yet highly collaborative environment, integrating natural elements and functional layouts to enhance both productivity and well-being . Thoughtful space planning balances serene atmospheres with dynamic workspaces, creating a supportive setting for staff and patients alike .
Location | Vancouver, British Columbia
Client | Vancouver Coastal Health
Completion | 2024
Size | 1,076 sq ft (100 sq m )
Zeidler is driven by the human experience, as architects, interior designers, and technologists, we collaborate with healthcare providers, institutions, and communities to create spaces that promote healing, wellness, and learning . We listen, engage, and continuously grow our expertise to deliver solutions that improve patient care, enhance staff efficiency, and contribute to healthier, more sustainable communities . Our design process is grounded in empathy, evidence, and a deep understanding of the operational needs of healthcare and institutional environments
Our designs are centred on people Whether it’s a healthcare facility that fosters healing, an academic building that supports innovation, or a research centre that advances knowledge, we focus on creating meaningful spaces that make a lasting impact Our portfolio includes a diverse range of projects—from healthcare clinics and hospitals to institutional research facilities and academic spaces Each of our designs reflects the unique needs, culture, and vision of our clients, ensuring that every project supports the communities it serves .
Our design process thrives on collaboration . We nurture a culture where ideas are shared freely, and team members are encouraged to think creatively Through mentorship, continuous learning, and engagement with the latest in sustainability and healthcare design standards, we develop thoughtful, evidence-based solutions We are committed to addressing the challenges of today’s healthcare and institutional landscapes by integrating innovative approaches that prioritize patient safety, operational efficiency, and environmental responsibility
We believe that good design evolves from an understanding of our clients’ unique identities . We are always eager to explore how we can collaborate with healthcare leaders to create spaces that promote healing, wellness, and innovation .
We look forward to hearing how we can help bring your vision to life .
Edward Chan Partner
echan@zeidler com
T 647 688 8823
Margo Smith Senior Associate
msmith@zeidler com
T 604 250 9529
zeidler.com | info@zeidler.com
Toronto
600-158 Sterling Road
Toronto, Ontario
M6R 2B7
T 416 596 8300
Calgary 300-640 8 Avenue SW
Calgary, Alberta
T2P 1G7
T 403 233 2525
Vancouver 1981 Main Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
V5T 3C1
T 604 423 3183
Victoria 400-1207 Douglas Street
Victoria, British Columbia
V8W 2E7
T 250 388 9494