DHS Waiting Room Redesign

YBA Architects teamed up with Andersen Construction and Embrace Oregon to transform a cold and sterile waiting room into a warm and playful space for children and families at the Department of Health Services East Branch. The design – featuring three custom built playhouses, soft seating, natural wood elements, and an indoor “reading lawn” – is the realization of a vision born out of many work sessions with staff and families. Everything from the natural color scheme to the child-scale furnishings was selected to create an environment where children – many of whom are going through stressful family transitions – feel safe and loved. Being able to give back to the community is these small ways is what makes design so powerful!