Photo: Welsey Rehabilitation Hospital is an example of how forward-thinking design can offer healthier, safer and more supportive environments for the nation’s growing older population. | Photo Credit (all): Barge Design Solutions
By Lindsey Coulter
Florida, long a destination for retirees, remains at the center of the United States’ retirement boom. Population growth within the Orlando area in particular is already among the highest in the U.S., and with more than 4.1 million Americans reaching retirement age each year through 2027, healthcare demand in the state is set to surge.
While the state’s recent Certificate of Need (CON) reform has expanded access to healthcare, three challenges remain: insufficient staffing, insufficient infrastructure and continued population growth.
Barge Design Solutions, a multidisciplinary engineering and architecture design firm with 30+ years of healthcare experience and a strong presence in Florida, is addressing this three-pronged challenge by designing future-proofed facilities before the system reaches a breaking point.
Michael Compton, the firm’s director of Healthcare in Florida, recently spoke with Healthcare Construction + Operation News about how forward-thinking design can help meet the needs of Florida’s aging population, the implications of CON reform on the state’s healthcare system and the role of architecture in designing for population growth.
HCO News: How can forward-thinking design help meet the healthcare needs of Florida’s aging population?
Compton: Change is inevitable. To address Florida’s constantly shifting population—the state’s Demographic Estimating Conference projects over 300,000 new residents each year through 2026, about 900 people daily—healthcare design needs to adapt.
Healthcare design must be flexible, safe and accessible. Flexible layouts can meet evolving medical needs and technology. Universal design—clear wayfinding, slip-resistant floors, and barrier-free access—supports safety and independence for seniors. Biophilic elements and shared spaces foster social connection and mental well-being. Integrated technology enables telehealth and remote monitoring, improving care efficiency. Resilient, sustainable buildings can withstand Florida’s severe weather and reduce costs. Combining independent living, assisted care, rehabilitation, and acute services on connected campuses allows seniors to age in place with continuity of care and minimal disruption. This ultimately creates healthier, safer, and more supportive environments for Florida’s growing older population.
HCO News: In what areas are Florida healthcare professionals expecting the greatest growth in demand, and how can those specific areas be future-proofed?
Compton: True crystal ball moment. This question has two key aspects: geographic areas and healthcare specialties. Florida’s healthcare demand is rising in urban centers, retirement hubs and rural areas—each requiring tailored solutions. Future-proofing these regions involves expanding infrastructure, telemedicine, workforce incentives, policy adjustments, and public-private partnerships to improve access and efficiency.
In terms of specialties, the greatest growth is expected in primary care, geriatrics, behavioral health, emergency medicine, oncology, cardiology and nursing. Addressing these needs requires increasing medical education opportunities, leveraging telemedicine, offering workforce incentives, adjusting policies to expand provider roles and investing in healthcare infrastructure.
By strategically implementing these measures, Florida can ensure sustainable healthcare access for its growing and aging population while addressing disparities in underserved areas. A proactive approach will help meet rising demand and create a resilient healthcare system for the future.
HCO News: How has the reform of Florida’s Certificate of Need impacted the state’s healthcare system and providers’ ability to respond to projected facilities-related needs?
Compton: Florida’s 2019 reform of its Certificate of Need (CON) laws eliminated requirements for general hospitals and certain specialty services, significantly impacting the state’s healthcare system. By removing regulatory barriers, the changes allow providers and new entities to open and expand facilities more freely, which proponents argue increases competition and lowers costs. Hospitals and healthcare organizations now have greater flexibility to build and expand without state approval, though the Agency for Healthcare Administration still oversees planning and construction.
While urban centers benefit from expansion, rural areas may still struggle with provider shortages, and urban hospitals may face staffing challenges as new facilities emerge. To address projected needs, public-private partnerships (PNPs) must invest in infrastructure, enabling providers to respond more quickly to population growth. Additionally, telemedicine and alternative care models can help expand access, particularly in underserved areas, ensuring a more resilient and responsive healthcare system.
HCO News: How can architects help clients better understand long-term facility and infrastructure needs and plan/design accordingly?
Compton: Architects help clients understand long-term facility and infrastructure needs through planning, collaboration, and forecasting, ideally revisited every 3–5 years. Key approaches include:
- Facility Condition Assessments: Evaluating buildings, including major building systems (exterior envelope, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and technology) to identify strengths, weaknesses and future needs.
- Master Planning: Developing adaptable, long-term strategies aligned with organizational goals, revisited every three to five years and/or as demographic shifts dictate.
- Key Decision Maker Engagement: Collaborating with entities and community members to ensure facilities meet evolving demands.
- Technology and Sustainability Integration: Designing resilient, energy-efficient spaces that accommodate future growth.
By combining industry expertise with forward-thinking design, architects create flexible, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions that support long-term operational success while ensuring facilities remain adaptable to changing needs.
