Intentional Design for Positive Patient Outcomes with Alana Morris
Dot Dot Dot: The NINE dot ARTS Podcast
Episode 82
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Preview the Episode
“The most beautiful architecture is designed with a deep understanding of and respect for people.” – Earl Swensson
How can design transform the way we experience healthcare? Alana Morris, Senior Interior Designer and Principal at Earl Swensson Associates (ESa), delves into this question and explores how thoughtful design, sustainability, and curated artworks come together to create healthcare spaces that heal, connect, and uplift.
With nearly 24 years at ESa, Alana has dedicated her career to shaping hospital environments that prioritize human-centered design and patient wellbeing. She shares how healthcare spaces have evolved from sterile, institutional settings to warm, hospitality-inspired environments that reduce stress and foster healing. From the selection of calming materials to the integration of carefully selected artwork, every design decision plays a role in supporting patients, families, and medical staff.
Looking ahead, Alana envisions a future where technology and design continue to merge—bringing innovations like interactive digital art, AI-driven personalization, and flexible treatment spaces that adapt to evolving healthcare needs. She also emphasizes the importance of culturally relevant and community-integrated design, ensuring that hospitals feel like an extension of the neighborhoods they serve.
Discussed in the Episode:
Alana Morris
Earl Swensson Associates
Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children
Art Collection at Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children
HCA HealthONE Rose Hospital
Saint Joseph Hospital
Art Collection at Saint Joseph Hospital
Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital
Art That Heals: How Art Transforms Healthcare Experiences
American Institute of Architects (AIA)
AIA 2030 Climate Challenge
Center for Health Design
Evidence-Based Design
ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)
FGI Guidelines
Where the Wild Things Are
Where the Wild Things Are Exhibition at the Denver Art Museum
Denver Art Museum
NINE dot ARTS Healthcare Capabilities
Alana Morris on LinkedIn
About Alana Morris
As a principal, Alana provides experienced interior design services for clients and helps promote the creation of healing environments in medical facilities across the country. She has been involved with many major medically-related projects throughout all design phases—from the schematic design and design development, through construction documents and installation.
Alana’s responsibilities include proposal creation, space planning, preliminary pricing package development, construction documents, signage planning and specifications for construction, furniture and drapery. She also performs site visits and routinely coordinates with clients, contacts and consultants. Alana strives to envision the “healthcare of the future,” while remaining committed to creating designs that help promote wellness, patient-centered care and operational efficiencies.
About Dot Dot Dot: The NINE dot ARTS Podcast:
Dot Dot Dot is the continuing conversation around art in the built environment. Episodes explore art, culture, placemaking, and more with a range of reputable art and business leaders. Tune in biweekly to learn how an original art experience can boost your business and make a positive social impact. Episodes are available wherever you get your podcasts!