Kyle Weisman, AIA, NCARB, is a Principal at HGA in the healthcare practice. Since joining the firm in 2013, he has led interdisciplinary teams on multiple healthcare projects and has established expertise in Lean project delivery and prefabricated construction.
Kyle recently was named to the Building Design + Construction 40 under 40 Class of 2023, sharing accolades with architecture, engineering, and construction professionals around the country for their “career achievements, passion for the AEC profession, involvement with AEC industry organizations, and service to their communities.”
Among his notable projects is STAAT MOD™, a prefabricated modular healthcare solution, in which he coordinated a team of designers, trade partners, and construction partners through prototyping and delivery in a fully virtual setting during the pandemic in 2020. STAAT MOD solutions have now been installed on multiple healthcare campuses nationally and continue to provide clients with innovative, speed-to-market solutions.
He also is currently the project manager for the largest healthcare project in HGA’s history—a $1 billion replacement hospital and expansion under construction for UPMC in Pittsburgh. He manages daily activities of a 70-person team and leads clinical and experience design processes and lean delivery strategies. The 17-story tower features iconic architecture in an urban setting, universal patient rooms, light-filled interiors, rooftop gardens and other outdoor spaces, and integrated digital technology to streamline treatment and enhance caregiver-to-patient communication.
In the following, Kyle discusses the design work that inspires him—and his outlook for the future.
Congratulations on making the 40 under 40 class. What does this acknowledgment mean to you?
Being recognized nationally with other up-and-coming AEC leaders is beyond humbling. I have had a unique opportunity to work on a variety of project types throughout my professional career that have challenged me to be a better leader and practitioner. In addition to the project work, I also have had much mentorship and guidance that has shaped my outlook on our profession and how important it is to keep innovating. It is truly rewarding to be recognized for all the hard work, and I owe a lot of the recognition to my colleagues and mentors along my journey.
The award, in part, recognizes your team leadership. Tell us how you approach team building.
Respect for people and driving collaboration are foundational to my leadership style. My goal is to set up a unique space for all team members to feel comfortable bringing their own unique value. Understanding each team member’s conditions of satisfaction helps drive high performance and achieve the best outcomes, allowing everyone a space to succeed.
STAAT MOD certainly is an example of team innovation. What drove the development of this project?
At the onset of the pandemic, we had a unique opportunity to help our clients solve the increased need for patient care space. Our team saw the tents and convention center hospitals being set up around the country and we said we could do better. This time of crisis pushed our team to solve the problem at hand. Over a weekend, a small group of us developed a high-quality inpatient unit that met all clinic needs to support patients suffering from the pandemic. The all-hands-on-deck approach drove hyper collaboration to create something truly unique.
Is modular construction the future?
Prefabrication and modular construction will be an important part of our industry for the future. The tenets of prefabrication have been around for 100 years, but now more than ever the industry is truly embracing new ways to deliver projects faster, cheaper, and of a higher quality without sacrificing design.
What inspires you when you log on in the morning?
Solving problems. At the heart of what we do as architects is problem solving, whether optimizing the patient experience or integrating new technology into our clinical designs, we are always solving unique challenges. This gives me an opportunity to, hopefully, have a profound impact on people who experience the built environment. This opportunity inspires and drives me every day.
Do you have advice for the next class of 40 under 40 (or 30 under 30)?
I would say two things: Find something you love and make that your job—AND have fun doing it. The work we do is challenging and exciting. Having fun will make the tough times easier.
Any favorite activity outside of work?
I am an avid husband and father, golfer, and Wisconsin sports fan. There is nothing I like more than spending time with my kids in the backyard practicing their golf swing. Also, the occasional Packer or Brewer game is loved by all.
What’s on the horizon?
More innovation. I was blessed with a mindsight of continuous learning, so the tinkering is never done. We have found unique ways to support our clients with the productization of the built environment, and we are continually improving it. The future is bright as we find creative ways to solve industry challenges.