Nicki Hellem

RID, ASID, EDAC, LEED AP ID+C

Associate Principal, Health, Dallas

Nicki leads with warmth and empathy. Studying design’s influence on psychology and workflow, she uses her skill to support patients as they heal and clinicians as they work. She understands the emotional difficulty of a hospital visit, and she’s intent on making it easier. This holistic, evidence-based approach—combined with Nicki’s team-player spirit and authentic desire to connect with people—reliably shapes a more beautiful, functional, positive experience of care. She specializes in adult inpatient care units, women’s services, and public healthcare spaces.

Growing up in a small-town in Indiana, Nicki took every art class available. An art history professor in college encouraged her creativity, and she found the detail-oriented, purpose-driven work that suits her in interior design. Outside of her career, the cornerstones of faith and family keep Nicki optimistic, and she’s never happier than when she’s hanging out with her son.

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Say hello to Nicki

Nicki's work on this Renown Health pediatric ICU offers young patients an imaginative escape to a campground under the stars at Lake Tahoe. She models here for the project photoshoot.

“I’ve experienced hospitals from the patient perspective a few times, and it’s a strong reminder of how deeply design can impact stress levels and healing. As healthcare designers, I believe we owe our clients and communities our best work, every time.”

In college, Nicki played Division 1 softball as a pitcher and first baseman.

Nicki at a COE event in 2019 with colleagues Mark Roan and Robin Guenther

Nicki with her son, Jaxon, and their husky, Nala

Small Project, Big Impact

Nicki recently led one of our Social Purpose projects. This project was especially sensitive: SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) suites host survivors that come to the Emergency Department needing exams, medical attention, and nonjudgmental, compassionate care. Our task was to design a SANE suite for Baylor University Medical Center—the first across all its campuses. In addition to design efforts, Nicki coordinated donations of materials and art.

The Forensic Nursing Supervisor shared that patients are finding the space calm and comfortable, and that this is exactly what the clinicians needed to help survivors through such a difficult time. For Nicki, there’s no better feedback.

Nicki's Featured Work

Renown Tahoe Tower NICU/PICU

Reno, Nevada

University of Oklahoma Medical Center Expansion

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Singing Hills Recreation Center

Dallas, Texas