Industry Perspectives: Healthcare Design in a Time of Change
Shepley Bulfinch is featured in Healthcare Design’s 2026 A/E/C Survey: Insights From Industry Leaders—Part 2, highlighting how firms across the industry are navigating a rapidly shifting landscape shaped by financial pressures, evolving care models, and emerging technologies.
Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA. Photo by Raj Das.
The survey captures a sector in transition. Across the industry, healthcare organizations are continuing to advance projects, but we’re seeing a greater sense of caution. Slower capital decisions, reduced project scopes, and rising costs are driving demand for more efficient and adaptable design strategies.
Shifting Priorities in Healthcare Delivery
The survey also points to a notable shift away from large-scale acute care projects toward more targeted investments, including renovations, outpatient facilities, and behavioral health environments. These trends reflect a broader transformation in healthcare delivery, moving toward one that prioritizes accessibility, flexibility, and community-based care.
At the same time, persistent challenges such as labor shortages, rising material costs, and reimbursement pressures continue to reshape how and when projects move forward.
Labor Shortages Impact Projects
Labor shortages continue to affect construction as well. With large technology and manufacturing projects competing for the same skilled trades, healthcare projects are feeling the squeeze.
The greatest challenge over the past several years—and continuing into this year—has been hiring. Our work is characterized by high engagement, high touch, and high complexity, which requires a rare combination of skills, experience, and dedication.
Designing for What’s Next
These insights reinforce the importance of designing environments that are not only responsive to today’s constraints, but resilient for the future. Our healthcare portfolio highlights our approach each project, one recognizing that healthcare environments must continuously evolve alongside the systems they support.
Emily Hooper
Senior Brand + Communications Manager
Emily leads brand and communications strategies across six physical and virtual studios.