Healthcare is changing quickly, and staying ahead means understanding consumer expectations and the spaces that shape patient care. As our health sector continues to grow, new leadership is ready to guide clients through the evolving industry. We sat down with our new health project director, Nan Knecht, to learn more about her background, insights on the healthcare industry, and how Henderson can continue to deliver innovative solutions to our clients. Â
Nan, tell us about your background and what led you to the role of health project director at Henderson.Â
I spent about 25 years working within a large healthcare system, where I started as a graphic designer, then brand manager, and worked in an operations role before transitioning into project management, and finally the regional lead for consumer experience. It became clear to me that the brand was more than just a logo or pretty artwork. Over time, my experience taught me how design impacts the operations of hospitals, clinics, and ultimately, patient experience. I became really involved in the design and construction of clinical spaces, overseeing the opening of facilities, and learning how the built environment directly impacts a patient’s healing journey and the staff’s daily work. Â
After completing my Master of Business Administration at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, I was looking for a change and stepped into a leadership role at a large design and construction firm prior to joining Henderson. Through the years, I collaborated with Henderson on several projects at the health system and was impressed by the company’s expertise and culture. When the opportunity presented itself, I knew it was the right fit. Â
As you’ve stepped into this role how do you view the overall state of the healthcare industry?Â
Healthcare is at a point where change is necessary. Unlike other industries, rising costs can’t be passed on to consumers. In healthcare, pricing and reimbursement is largely determined by insurance companies and Medicare. With labor, construction, and supply costs going up, healthcare systems must control their costs by cutting expenses because they can’t raise their prices. Since the pandemic, healthcare providers have been struggling to normalize patient volumes while also dealing with shortages of physicians, nurses, other frontline workers, and people who want to go into the healthcare industry. This supply and demand gap is forcing healthcare organizations to pay more to hire and retain employees, making it difficult to control cost and increase margins, which has led to the closure of smaller clinics and hospitals, especially in rural areas. Â
Another struggle is the increasing demand for services. According to the
World Health Organization, by 2030, 1 in 6 people in the world will be 60 years or older and the number of persons aged 80 or older is expected to triple between 2020 and 2050. As people age, the need for healthcare grows, but there is not enough access to care due to staffing shortages and space constraints. Many facilities aren’t being used as efficiently as they could be, and many health systems are struggling with how to best utilize the real estate they have. There’s also a growing shift from inpatient (hospital-based care) to the outpatient setting (clinics and ambulatory surgery centers) that’s being driven by reimbursement from insurance companies and consumer preference for avoiding hospitals. Health systems are incentivized to take care of more patients using less resources, requiring new technology and more in-home care models. Hospital towers are still necessary but have become a place for the most critically ill patients. Â
The shift in healthcare means our team needs to adjust how we approach projects. Instead of focusing on large hospitals, we’re seeing a demand for more flexible outpatient spaces and multi-use developments. Healthcare clients are looking for ways to make the most out of the space they already have by either repurposing underutilized buildings or creating designs that are flexible enough for immediate needs and future growth. With rising costs and tighter budgets, healthcare systems need innovative solutions to stretch their resources while providing quality care. Â
What are you hearing from our clients related to the changes they’re facing?Â
Clients are focused on delivering care in the most efficient, cost-effective way possible. It’s about finding where the margins are the highest, getting the most patients in, and staying ahead of both insurance requirements, and patient demands while making the most out of their space. Virtual care is also here to stay, another factor changing how facilities are used.Â
We’re also seeing healthcare systems find creative ways to partner with nursing and medical schools and recruiting health professionals from outside the U.S. to address staff shortages. The reality is rising costs from construction, real estate constraints, and staffing shortages are all forcing providers to rethink how they operate. At Henderson, we understand these challenges and are collaborating with clients to find solutions that balance cost control with thoughtful, patient-centered design.Â
Where do you see Henderson providing the best value for our healthcare clients?Â
Our forward-thinking approach helps us evaluate which buildings can be retrofitted or used to support different services. There’s also a growing opportunity for us to support client’s sustainability goals. Healthcare, as an industry, is behind in sustainability efforts, but due to the factors I’ve already mentioned they’re looking for ways to reduce operational costs and save energy. It’s important for us to be mindful of thin healthcare margins and be a good partner by delivering smart, creative, cost-effective solutions, that drive sustainability and long-term savings in a way that makes sense for their buildings and communities. Â
Tell me a little about how your team is structured. Â
One thing that impressed me when joining Henderson is how involved our leadership team is, especially with building client relationships and driving business development. It’s refreshing to see leaders who are engaged and genuinely committed to client success. That kind of engagement sets the tone for the entire team, and it makes being part of this group feel exciting, especially as we focus on growth and creating a lasting impact. Having worked alongside Henderson in previous roles, I’ve always admired the team’s knowledge and the strong relationships they build. It’s not just about delivering great work; it’s about creating a culture where our team is engaged and actively involved every step of the way. I believe the health sector is well positioned for huge growth over the next 5-10 years and I’m incredibly excited to be a part of that.Â
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