Insights
Jan 6, 2026 _ insights
Strategy, Concept, Implementation: Lessons Learned from Cincinnati Children’s New Mental Health Facility
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, one of the nation’s top ranked pediatric healthcare system, was already the county’s largest provider of inpatient pediatric care when it strategically decided to invest further in the psychiatric and behavioral health needs of children and adolescents. What began as a meticulous 10-year study to align care, facility, and business needs, has culminated in their new William K. Schubert M.D. Mental Health Center.
At this year’s Healthcare Design Conference + Expo, we presented lessons learned with Michael Browning, vice president of facility planning design, construction, and real estate for Cincinnati Children’s. Our presentation dove into the strategic thinking and key design decisions the organization made throughout the planning and implementation process to create an inclusive, welcoming, and durable facility. Our presentation shared key moments in Cincinnati Children’s investment in behavioral health despite the economic realities of this service line. Attendees learned how creating a strong concept and narrative helped guide design decisions throughout the process. We also shared key design decisions to implement a safe, uplifting, and durable environment for patients, staff, and families.
See the full presentation here.
Learn more about the William K. Schubert M.D. Mental Health Center here.
See more of our healthcare work here.
Aaron Anderson AIA, LEED AP believes healthcare design, when rooted in empathy and craft, can elevate every aspect of the care experience. A principal and healthcare market design leader at GBBN, he helps teams translate complex healthcare needs into meaningful places that foster identity, pride, and a sense of ease. His leadership spans GBBN’s healthcare portfolio—from pediatric and behavioral health to academic medical centers—integrating sustainability, computational design & fabrication, and research tools into the design process. He approaches design as both purposeful and poetic, ensuring that each decision supports clinical outcomes, emotional well-being, and long-term community value.
Scott Vidourek, LEED AP believes that moments matter—and that thoughtful design can shape meaningful experiences for patients, families, and caregivers. As a GBBN principal and healthcare delivery leader with more than 25 years of experience, he guides projects from vision to reality, helping clients make informed decisions through mockups, renderings, and immersive tools like AR. Balancing design insight with technical details, Scott leads teams in creating spaces that not only support effective care delivery but also foster comfort, connection, and well-being.
