Business Details
46 Years
experience
Healthcare Architecture Experts Since 1980
At PKA Architects, we have dedicated our practice to advancing healthcare architecture through innovative design solutions. Founded in 1980, our firm combines over four decades of specialized experience with a collaborative team approach to address the complex needs of medical facilities. Our expertise spans hospital design, outpatient centers, and specialized healthcare environments, supported by a track record of over 2,700 completed projects across the West Coast. We prioritize client partnerships to deliver cost-effective, timely solutions that enhance patient care and operational efficiency. Our team includes licensed architects, medical planners, and interior designers with advanced degrees and certifications in healthcare design.Through evidence-based planning and technical precision, we create healing environments that respond to evolving healthcare demands. With offices in Portland and Central Oregon, we serve regional and national clients including major hospital systems like Kaiser Permanente and OHSU. Our commitment to excellence has earned us recognition as industry leaders in medical architecture since the 1980s. We maintain rigorous technical standards while fostering creative problem-solving to meet unique project challenges. This combination of experience, specialization, and client-focused service defines our approach to healthcare architecture.
Services
Healthcare Architecture
Medical Planning
Hospital Design
Outpatient Facilities
Healthcare Renovations
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- We have completed over 2,700 healthcare projects since 1980
- Our team includes specialized medical planners and certified healthcare designers
- We maintain long-term partnerships with major healthcare providers
- Our evidence-based designs prioritize patient healing and staff efficiency
- We offer technical expertise in complex medical facility construction
Services
Healthcare Architecture
Specialized architectural services for healthcare facilities including hospitals, clinics, and specialized care centers. Our designs integrate evidence-based planning to optimize patient outcomes and operational efficiency. With over 40 years of experience, we deliver code-compliant, future-ready environments that address evolving healthcare needs while maintaining strict budget and timeline controls.
Medical Planning
Comprehensive space planning and workflow analysis for medical facilities. We create functional layouts that enhance clinical efficiency while prioritizing patient comfort. Our planners collaborate with healthcare providers to develop solutions that accommodate advanced medical technologies and changing care delivery models through detailed programming and spatial analysis.
Hospital Design
Full-service hospital design from concept through construction. Our team specializes in acute care facilities, specialty hospitals, and regional medical centers. We focus on creating healing environments that balance aesthetic appeal with technical requirements, incorporating sustainable design principles and advanced healthcare technology integration to support modern medical practices.
Outpatient Facilities
Design solutions for outpatient clinics, diagnostic centers, and ambulatory care facilities. We create welcoming environments that streamline patient flow while meeting strict regulatory standards. Our approach emphasizes accessibility, infection control, and flexible spaces that can adapt to changing healthcare delivery methods and technological advancements.
Healthcare Renovations
Modernization of existing healthcare facilities to meet current standards and expand capabilities. We manage complex renovations while maintaining operational continuity, addressing life safety codes, accessibility requirements, and technology integration. Our solutions extend building lifecycles while improving functionality for contemporary medical practices and patient expectations.
People
Steve Kolberg
Co-Founder & Principal
Licensed architect with 40+ years specializing in healthcare design. Holds architecture degree from Cal Poly SLO. Recognized for leadership in complex hospital projects and understanding evolving healthcare facility needs.
Josh Kolberg
Architect
Transitioned from Intel engineering to architecture. Completed University of Oregon M.Arch program. Brings technical expertise from engineering background combined with healthcare design knowledge. Active in professional development and community engagement.
Brianna Smeds
Architect
Specializes in information coordination and Revit implementation. Holds UC Berkeley architecture degree. Focuses on technical documentation and project management for healthcare projects while maintaining creative design approach.
Thane Eddington
Medical Planner
Expert in evidence-based design for healthcare environments. Holds Texas A&M architecture degree. Specializes in creating therapeutic spaces that support patient recovery and staff efficiency through research-driven planning methodologies.
Alberto Rinkevich
Senior Architect
35+ years healthcare design experience across three countries. Holds architecture degrees from Buenos Aires and Barcelona. Focuses on sustainable healthcare design solutions that balance environmental responsibility with clinical functionality requirements.
Questions
What types of healthcare facilities do you specialize in?
We specialize in hospitals, outpatient clinics, diagnostic centers, behavioral health facilities, and medical office buildings across urban and rural settings.
How do you handle complex healthcare regulations?
Our team maintains deep expertise in healthcare codes and standards, ensuring all designs meet life safety requirements, accessibility guidelines, and specialized medical facility regulations.
Can you work with existing healthcare infrastructure?
Yes, we have extensive experience modernizing aging facilities while maintaining operational continuity and integrating contemporary healthcare technologies and practices.
What geographic areas do you serve?
Primarily the Pacific Northwest, with completed projects in Oregon, Washington, California, Hawaii, and Latin America through our international volunteer programs.
How do you approach sustainable healthcare design?
We incorporate energy-efficient systems, sustainable materials, and evidence-based design principles to create healing environments that reduce environmental impact while supporting patient outcomes.
What sets your firm apart in healthcare architecture?
Our exclusive focus on healthcare design since 1980, combined with our technical expertise in complex medical projects and long-standing client relationships with major healthcare providers.
