Michael Hess joins CallisonRTKL

Michael Hess has joined global architecture, planning, and design practice, CallisonRTKL, as a vice president for the Midwest-based Chicago office. In a career that covers three decades, Hess has touched almost every aspect of the healthcare design continuum and brings a deep understanding of the operational engine that makes hospitals succeed through positive clinical outcomes and healing environments.

“CallisonRTKL has always placed the patient at the center of the design process,” said Kelly Farrell AIA, CRTKL’s CEO. “But Michael understands that today’s healthcare facilities are extremely complex organisms that balance the human factor with operational efficiency, financial performance and ever-changing technology. It’s rare to find that depth of expertise in a single professional, but we have. And we couldn’t be more pleased that Michael’s part of our team.”

Hess has more than 30 years of diverse expertise in all aspects of healthcare planning, design and delivery. With a career founded in project management and medical planning, he has partnered with some of the most recognized names in the industry (Johns Hopkins, Cleveland Clinic, Kaiser Permanente, among others in over 15 countries) to provide strategic, forward-thinking solutions. He is an invited speaker at leading global healthcare conferences on industry trends, new approaches and emerging technologies that are shaping the contours of healthcare across the globe.

“Michael is exactly the professional we need to take our Chicago healthcare team to the next level,” said Jim Henry, a senior vice president, and healthcare sector leader. “With his diverse background and arsenal of relationships, we’re comfortable in our ability to grow not only a strong regional presence but an expanded international footprint.”

“CallisonRTKL has always had a deep portfolio with world-class capabilities in all aspects of healthcare planning and design,” said Hess. “I look forward to blending my experience with that of the team and to helping our Chicago office play a significant role in our larger strategy of expansion. We’ve already begun to grow a new generation of talent, broaden our client relationships and redefine the healthcare paradigm.”

Hess has held a number of leadership positions, working for practices such as HOK, HGA, Perkins & Will and Stantec. He holds a bachelor of science degree in architecture from The Ohio State University.