Healthcare architecture considers the needs of the rapidly evolving healthcare environment while anticipating future requirements. While research, new technologies, and advancements in patient care are pushing the design industry to keep pace, the architect also needs to understand the subtleties of how people perform their jobs in order to intelligently design spaces that enhance the quality of work conditions. 

Infrastructure needs updating or replacement as standards change to adapt to new tools, technologies, science and patient care advancements. Growing demand for healthcare services from an aging population also drives the need for expanded or new facilities. 

The public funding model for healthcare in Canada presents both opportunities and challenges to come up with solutions that deliver on the expectations that Canadians have for their standard of healthcare. ACI applies the growing body of research from the US and Europe to their project solutions in Canada. 

Facilities such as Alberta’s Cross Cancer Institute provide leading-edge care. ACI has the privilege of working on the Cross Cancer Institute redevelopment, which is a complex project, incorporating new and modern standards along with the latest best practices in healthcare design. Significant areas of the facility are being renovated to accommodate the growing demands on cancer treatment and research. One of the critical challenges of this project is keeping the facility operational through a multi-phase approach that requires tremendous coordination. The changes ACI is working on include:

• relocating the systemic therapy to the top floor,
• expanding the outpatient department,
• relocating the clinical trials department to the top floor,
• expanding and relocating the pharmacy to the basement, and
• replacing the linear accelerator.

With a background in pre-med and over 20 years of experience in healthcare projects and architecture, Allan Colpitts brings a wealth of knowledge to every project. It is important to Allan and ACI to elevate wellness standards in the work environment. For example, this can be achieved by incorporating natural elements from the outdoors or introducing lighting that mimics the sky. 

As many experienced healthcare architects and designers retire from the profession, it is harder to find trained, experienced professionals. ACI is a leader in the sector and well-positioned for growth.

ACI has worked on nearly 250 healthcare projects from 2015 to 2025, and touched every department within the hospital environment, including: 

• Alberta Surgical Initiative to update operating rooms and increase surgical capacity across the province.
• Red Deer ambulatory care P3 technical design requirements. ACI in collaboration with Cannon Design.
• Upgrading six pharmacies province-wide to meet more stringent national standards.
• Experienced bridging consultant