Behavioral healthcare for children and adolescents is more critical than ever in the United States. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), nearly 20% of children aged 3-17 have been diagnosed with a mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder. Factors such as academic pressures, social media influences, family dynamics, and broader societal anxieties all impact…
The Need for Regulation in Interior Design Interior designers shape the environments where we live, work, and heal–from the lighting in an office to the materials and furniture selected for a healthcare facility. Their work directly impacts occupant safety, accessibility, and well-being. Yet, for years, the profession lacked clear legal recognition in Pennsylvania, often leading…
At IKM Architecture, equity is more than one of our core values. It’s at the heart of how we design and collaborate. We believe the best design solutions emerge when diverse voices contribute to the conversations that challenge us most. This Black History Month, we asked our team to reflect on the Black architects, artists,…
K-12 education is transforming and is driven by advancements in pedagogy, technology, and a growing emphasis on student well-being. The traditional classroom model, such as rows of desks facing a teacher at the front, is becoming obsolete. Instead, schools are rethinking how physical spaces can support diverse learning styles, enhance safety, and prepare students for an unpredictable future.
In our recent spotlight on AHN Forbes Hospital’s Emergency Department Behavioral Health Suite, which was featured in Healthcare Design Magazine, we explored its key design elements. Now we’re taking a deeper dive into an essential component: the Milieu. A milieu is more than just a space – it’s a therapeutic environment that supports patients in…
When the Butler Area School District faced the challenges of aging facilities and shifting demographics, they took steps to rethink their campus to better serve their students and community. With declining enrollment and the financial strain of maintaining multiple outdated buildings, the district decided to close an aging middle school and redistribute its students. This…
Architects and designers are notoriously hard to shop for, so we asked the talented staff at IKM Architecture for their top gift recommendations for the holiday season and beyond. From magic hat toothpick holders to tea that brews to an exact Pantone color shade, these gifts are well-designed, practical, and would look great sitting on…
Brian Roth, AIA, LEED AP, Associate and Senior Project Manager at IKM Architecture In today’s fast-paced world, the demand for skilled labor in industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and technology is at an all-time high. Traditional educational models are often ill-equipped to meet this demand, leaving a significant gap between what students learn in classrooms and…
Chelsea Jno Baptiste’s journey began at the College of Engineering Design, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley. Driven by a passion for innovative design, she furthered her expertise at the Harvard Graduate School of Architecture, earning a Master of Architecture. Currently, Chelsea serves as a Project Designer at IKM Architecture’s Pittsburgh office. In addition to her professional role, she dedicates her time to shaping the next generation of architects as an adjunct professor, guiding first-year architecture students at both the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University.
Project Designer Ty Juan Swanson-Sawyer, from our Cleveland office, is a graduate of Kent State University. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and a dual Master’s degree in Architecture and Urban Design. His architectural trajectory began with participation in the Architecture, Construction, and Engineering (ACE) Mentor Program of Cleveland. Here’s a glimpse into his inspiring career path within the architecture community.