“The process of taking an existing space and reimagining how that can be used to better provide a service within a facility is my favorite part of design. Then being able to turn around in schematic design and start applying that thought and idea, that image in your head, onto paper and demonstrating how that can work for the client — it’s a lot of fun.”

Meet the Team | Jason

Design professional Jason Barry is a resident healthcare expert at KMB architects. With projects ranging from minor tenant improvements and outpatient clinics to major hospital renovations, the unifying quality in Jason’s approach is his emphasis on listening to the needs of the diverse users of the space, including facilities staff, healthcare providers, and security personnel. Since joining KMB architects, Jason has leant his expertise to healthcare facilities for our tribal, state, and justice clients.

Emergency Rooms (ERs) are Jason’s favorite space because they are the most dynamic in the healthcare environment — a single space that serves as a center for crisis, trauma, diagnostics, maternity, and more. Jason’s wife works in an ER which provides him with ample opportunity to hear the first-hand experience of healthcare providers and to dig into her ideas on how to improve the function and flow of such a diverse facility. Earlier in his career, Jason gained direct experience navigating medical facilities while he was caring for his mother after she required intensive care.  

“I draw inspiration from my past experience, and a lot of that comes from listening to staff — from the person in housekeeping who changes the sheets and mops the floors, to the security guard who needs to prevent a patient from leaving, to my wife in the bullpen at the ER. I listen to the opinions of staff for safety and security measures. I listen to facilities directors. I listen to how the facilities function, why they function that way, and look for ways that we can help.”

Jason finds the diversity of projects at KMB architects rewarding, with the mix allowing him to apply his expertise to innovative private projects, as well as to essential healthcare facilities needed in the public sector such as detox centers in prisons and nursing stations at psychiatric hospitals. This allows Jason to stretch and expand his skills to continue serving clients effectively while gaining an understanding of new sectors from his colleagues.

Improving lives and being of service to others are also important in Jason’s personal life, where he uses his creativity in woodworking with reclaimed lumber to develop custom pieces for members of his community. One of his favorite pieces is an equipment caddy for a police officer that he designed to hold all the officer’s tactical gear, complete with a secret hidden compartment. Of course, Jason drafts his creations in AutoCAD, and for this commission, he also printed and framed the plans in a retro “blueprint” format as a gift to the officer.