Between the Lines with FGI Facility Guidelines Institute

Addie Abushousheh shares her insights on the evolution of residential health, care, and support facility design and construction, particularly focusing on the role kitchen and dining spaces have in enhancing residents’ quality of life. Key points include shifts in language to empower residents, the importance of various kitchen types for autonomy, and the significance of dining areas for socialization and therapy. Addie highlights new language in the upcoming 2026 draft Guidelines for Design and Construction of Residential Health, Care, and Support Facilities document, emphasizing the intent to support choice for both those building these facilities and the people calling them home.  

 

Sponsored by:  

Specified Technologies, Inc. (STI): Your partner in barrier management solutions. 

 

 

Link to show notes https://fgiguidelines.org/podcast/e9-ding-ding-a-toast-to-residential-care-dining-spaces-addie-abushousheh

Learn more about AIA self-reporting LUs: https://fgiguidelines.org/aia-self-reporting-lus/ 

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Unless you’re an expert in acoustics, it’s likely the acoustic-related requirements in the Guidelines read like a foreign language. Acoustic engineer Mandy Kachur joins hosts John and Bridget to not only talk about the impact noise can have on patient care, but also turn a complex topic into a digestible concept. Various acoustic tables in the Guidelines are explained, touching on speech privacy, speech intelligibility, exterior noise control, and sound isolation. Mandy also cautions designers about the easiest mistake to avoid before the threat of costly retrofits and explains how reducing noise in patient care spaces can be directly tied to reimbursement.
 

Sponsored by: Specified Technologies, Inc.: Your partner in barrier management solutions. 

 
Link to show notes: https://fgiguidelines.org/podcast/e8-the-sound-of-silence-mandy-kachur/

Learn more about AIA self-reporting LUs: https://fgiguidelines.org/aia-self-reporting-lus/ 

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In this week’s episode, Bridget and John discuss the intricacies of design and construction standards as they unravel both the misconceptions and the significance of Part 1 of the Guidelines for Design and Construction. Exploring topics ranging from risk assessments to equipment specifications, they offer valuable perspectives on navigating building codes, emphasizing the importance of thorough planning and collaborative discussions. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a curious observer, their conversation captivates and informs, leaving you with a deeper understanding of the complexities inherent in the planning, design, and construction of health care facilities.
 
This episode is sponsored by Northstar Management Company: "Smart Builds Start With Us."
 

Link to show notes: https://fgiguidelines.org/podcast/e7-is-part-1-of-the-guidelines-optional-john-williams-and-bridget-mcdougall

Learn more about AIA self-reporting LUs: https://fgiguidelines.org/aia-self-reporting-lus/ 

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In this episode, Bridget and John enter the world of electrical receptacles in patient care areas with electrical engineer expert Krista Biason. They simplify complex regulations, dig into related Guidelines minimum requirements, and emphasize the importance of inclusive planning for functional, patient-centered spaces. Krista's expertise shines as she explains technical nuances, from distinguishing between critical and essential branches to discussing emerging technologies like USB charger outlets. The trio's candid exchanges inject humor, making the topic engaging, as they stress the need for flexible designs that balance functionality with adaptability.
 
This episode is sponsored by Northstar Management Company: "Smart Builds Start With Us."
 
Link to blog: https://fgiguidelines.org/podcast/e6-its-electric-receptacles-krista-biason
Learn more about AIA self-reporting LUs: https://fgiguidelines.org/aia-self-reporting-lus/
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“We usually think of treatments being medications, devices, surgeries. But we need to realize that the environment can be a treatment, too.” Dr. Scott Zeller joins hosts Bridget and John to explore the importance of designing supportive spaces for individuals experiencing mental health crises. Learn about the innovative EmPATH model that led to the inclusion of the behavioral health crisis unit in the 2022 edition of the Guidelines.
 
This episode is sponsored by Northstar Management Company: "Smart Builds Start With Us."

Link to Blog https://fgiguidelines.org/podcast/e5-behavioral-health-crisis-units-scott-zeller/(
Learn more about AIA self-reporting LUs: https://fgiguidelines.org/aia-self-reporting-lus/
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Infection preventionist Lela Luper joins hosts John and Bridget to explore the critical nexus of facility design and infection control in healthcare. From furr downs to fish tanks and everything in between, today’s episode illustrates the often-overlooked hidden dangers in the health and residential care physical environment. Lela underscores the value of including infection preventionists early in design conversations and highlights the importance of being a collaborative partner rather than a rigid enforcer.  
 
This episode is sponsored by Northstar Management Company: "Smart Builds Start With Us."

Link to show notes:
https://fgiguidelines.org/podcast/e4-infection-preventionists-as-collaborative-partners-lela-luper

Learn more about AIA self-reporting LUs: https://fgiguidelines.org/aia-self-reporting-lus/ 

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