This post is in a series where we talk to healthcare interior designers about their work as interior designers in the healthcare market. Melissa Perry is a Senior Associate at Inventure. She is certified by the American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designers (AAHID).

What is one book, person, or talk that has been most influential in your career?

In late 2018, I attended the Healthcare Design Conference in Phoenix, AZ. The keynote speaker was Ingrid Fetell Lee, author of Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness. She shared her ideas and research around the aesthetics of Joy and how we can integrate that idea into healing spaces. As she spoke, I kept nodding and getting more and more excited. It felt like she was able to pull several ideas and thoughts that I have had into one succinct idea, “Color is fun and not just for kids!” I have always been drawn to bold colors and patterns, but have been somewhat hesitant using them in non-pediatric spaces. I truly thank Ingrid for empowering me to utilize color and joy into all of my spaces.

What products have you been excited about recently?

I have been loving the new types of wall protection, that are not only durable but very aesthetically pleasing, like p3tec. In my experience, hospitals are trending to a more high-end hospitality style. So being able to specify products that are attractive, but disguised as impact resistant, is a game changer.

I am so excited that terrazzo is trendy again! Especially since we use it a lot in healthcare design. But one of my favorite new products is from Coverings Etc. Their Eco-Terr Slabs collection is gorgeous and is made with recycled content.

Do you have any go-to design solutions or techniques for creating healing environments?

It really all comes down to patient experience. I work closely with my clients to understand their patient population and needs. When you have an understanding of their specific environmental culture, it makes it easier to design spaces that make the patients feel calm and welcomed.

If you could tell your younger self one thing, what would it be?

Know your worth and don’t be afraid to speak up!

What is one product that doesn't exist but should?

I wouldn’t say it doesn’t exist, but it’s very hard to find. And that is medium to large scale patterned vinyls, in colors that are not muted.

We've also talked to Michelle Clark (REES Associates), Jennifer Fink (BDA Architects), Lindsay Hampton (Pulse Design Group), Melinda Avila-Torio (THW Design), Lilliana Alvarado (UPHEALING), Ashleigh Pfluger (TJNG Partners Inc.), Jane Rohde (JSR Associates), John DuBard (Boulder Associates), Lisa Cini (Mosaic Design Studio), Susan Clark (Clark Patterson Lee), Crystal Hill (Odell Associates), Dr. Debra Harris (RAD Consultants), Libby Laguta (L2D.Design), Kristin Ellingsen (Office Furniture Group), Kimberly Bernheimer (PF&A Design), Kelley Dorsett (HDR), Christin Troutman (MCA), Keith Stanton (Thoma-Holec Design), and Clairanne Pesce (Array Architects).

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