Denise Tom-Sera

West County Health Center. Visioning sessions revealed how design could contribute to healing and the feeling of being valued and recognized when you walk in the front door. What we learned informed the design of the building, both inside and out, and resulted in a cohesive design with one voice.

The role of the arts in healing was given a physical place, as spaces could be reconfigured to provide performance and exhibit space for art, dance, music, and storytelling. Culture, diversity, and resilience were further expressed through artwork that was created by local artists and integrated into the architecture, making the new health center a special place of healing for this community.

From listening to the people who are using and caring for the space.

Design based on a deep dive into the client’s core values, culture, motivation, and ways of working and playing – not on a prescribed style.

A range anywhere from hip hop through opera, depending on the intention. Hip hop – culturally connected, fluid, raw. Opera – a beginning, middle, and end, with lots of drama in between.