Press Releases September 6, 2021

New York Strengthens Healthcare Practice with New Hire

Perkins&Will Welcomes New Health Practice Leader to New York studio
Laura Morris, Associate Principal, Design Principal
Laura Morris brings over 20 years of experience to the firm, delivering both healthy buildings and communities throughout her career

The New York studio of global architecture and design firm Perkins&Will announces the appointment of Laura Morris as its new Health Practice Leader. An expert in healthcare interior design, she will help lead the continued growth of the New York studio’s health practice, as it expands its portfolio across the U.S and beyond.

Morris, who also joins the studio as Associate Principal, will lead all health design and planning work connected with the firm’s seven research labs. Her new role will involve the delivery of exceptional client service through the execution of the most advanced strategies, insights and tools.

Morris will also lead the studio’s efforts to guide clients during a time of evolution for the health industry at large. Through rigorous data gathering and scenario planning for a range of revenue models, Perkins&Will provides healthcare organizations with critical metrics that unlock economic opportunities while also optimizing space and patient treatment and recovery.

Morris is returning to familiar ground with her appointment to the New York studio, having worked with the practice from 2008 to 2013.

“I’m thrilled to be returning to Perkins&Will—a firm who continues to deliver healthcare facilities rooted not only in elevating the patient experience, but the experience of caregivers and families as well,” said Morris. “Now more than ever, delivering truly resilient health facilities demands empathy, critical thinking and a long-term lens. I’m excited to work with a team of experts who celebrate this ethos with each and every project.”

With decades of design leadership experience, Morris has contributed to a variety of notable healthcare projects. During her time at Perkins&Will, Morris’ contributions included Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, Einstein Medical Center in Pennsylvania, and the Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital in Palo Alto, California.

Morris rejoins the New York studio at an exciting time for both the practice and healthcare design at large. As the industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace, from advancements in Telehealth to greater awareness around mental health and neurodiversity, Perkins&Will continues to deliver designs that are both flexible and resilient.

Their portfolio of projects include the University of Rochester Medical Center and the Animal Medical Center, located in Manhattan, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, NYU Langone Health, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

“Laura brings unmatched knowledge and leadership to our healthcare practice,” said Bill Harris, managing director. “With experience leading the design of many types and sizes of healthcare projects, her knowledge and industry insights will be instrumental as our health practice continues to evolve and grow.”

"I have always had a passion for healthcare, starting my career focused on medical planning, which gave me a strong understanding of how the spaces we design function and impact overall patient and caregiver experience."