10Qs: Getting to Know the People Behind the Projects…John Rodenbeck

“Where I typically excel is during the visioning period at the forefront of the project design. This is the period where you are building a bond with the client, learning their values, and interpreting those into thoughtful design.”

John Rodenbeck, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, EDAC, is a Principal based in the New York City office. John was instrumental in the founding of the Philadelphia office where he continues to serve clients within Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley region.

1. Where did you grow up?

In a small suburban neighborhood outside Dayton, Ohio called Kettering. I went to school in Cincinnati, where much of my family still lives, so I often refer to that as “home.”

2. How did you get into design?

I was always interested in art and took private art classes as a child. I loved sketching and used to draw caricatures of my parents’ friends when they came over. In middle school and high school, I excelled in math and science, so I guess I was a natural born designer, both left and right brained…or just really confused.

3. Who influenced you?

Hands down, it was my father. He was trained and licensed as a civil engineer, and I remember being utterly fascinated watching him draft plot plans on his manual drafting board with ink on mylar. His drawings were true works of art. He also had his own business as long as I can remember, which instilled a real drive in me to own my successes and recover from my failures.

4. Why healthcare architecture?

I literally stumbled into healthcare design. I was recently graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture and with the economy trying to recover from the recession of the 80’s, a job in architecture was hard to find. I moved to Raleigh, NC where the nearby Research Triangle Park (RTP) was exploding and bringing all kinds of economic demands. My senior thesis advisor had recently relocated there with his wife and encouraged me to try it. There, I landed a job with a small design firm that was tapping into the growing healthcare market. Having no idea what that was, I convinced my prospective boss I was a fast learner, so he took me in and trained me by having me shadow patients at a local hospital. This was way before HIPAA so I was able to see first hand what a patient experiences from the moment they arrive in a facility to the moment they leave. It was this experience that made me passionate about creating environments that support a safe, effective, comforting, and dignified experience for both patients and caregivers.

5. What inspires you?

Thoughtfulness and attention to detail. Mies van der Rohe said “God is in the details.” I truly believe this applies not only to design, but also to how we experience life.

6. What advice can you give young designers?

Three things come to mind:
1.     Get started on your professional development ASAP. Many careers require or encourage professional licensure and have Intern Development Programs (IDP’s). There are ways to earn those hours even prior to graduation. The sooner this is done, the sooner you can take the exams, as the longer you wait, the more difficult the exams are to navigate.
2.     Networking is critical. Get to know everyone in your industry, and never underestimate the value of professional memberships and networking events. Engagement opens doors for both you and the company you represent.
3.     Never burn bridges. The design industry is way too small, even in NYC. Everyone knows everyone, and your actions and decisions WILL be remembered and talked about. Treat everyone with respect and as difficult as it may seem, try and always part ways on good terms

7. Most memorable project?

Two come to mind:
1.     My first full replacement hospital, a new freestanding regional medical center in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Having planned every department within the facility, it was here I realized the intricacies and complexities of understanding how a medical facility works and the interdependency of each department on the other.
2.     A 32-bed addition for a small long-term rehab hospital in Central Connecticut. The actual project itself was very straight-forward and responded to their clinical needs, however, the impactful part was the engagement with this amazing institution. Their culture of passionate commitment to care and wellness has truly inspired me in my work and personal career. This project was completed in 2008 and I am still part of their “family” and their go-to architect for all new work.

8. What is your favorite part of the design process?

Where I typically excel is during the visioning period at the forefront of the project design. This is the period where you are building a bond with the client, learning their values, and interpreting those into thoughtful design. I would say, however, my favorite part is opening day when the excitement of the end users is finally realized and the stress of the process and waiting is over.

9. Where do you see healthcare design in 5 years?

As technology is a primary driver of this industry, I see more virtual and “smart” environments, especially as Millennials and Gen Z’rs, who rely on technology, impact the consumer market. I think the priority of physical convenience or accessibility will be replaced by an app on your phone.

10. How do you unplug?

I need to physically step away and experience a new environment. Whether it’s dining in Paris, camping in Alaska, or walking to the store, I need to stimulate my senses to reinvigorate myself.