Photo by Megan Leigh Barnard
Former director of Cleveland Clinic’s Healthcare Design Studio brings more than 18 years of owner’s perspective to architecture firm with studios in Columbus and Pittsburgh
DesignGroup announces the appointment of Travis Tyson (AIA, ACHA, NCARB) as principal and healthcare market leader. Tyson brings nearly two decades of experience from Cleveland Clinic, where he most recently served as director of the Healthcare Design Studio, overseeing hundreds of projects ranging from small renovations to major new hospital construction. Assuming his new role Sept. 2, Tyson will build upon DesignGroup’s 53-year legacy in healthcare design with a focus on strengthening existing client relationships and forging new connections across the Midwest.
“Travis represents the kind of leadership and vision we need as healthcare rapidly evolves,” said Jennifer Horvath, president of DesignGroup. “His perspective as a former client gives him insights that will be so valuable to our clients and our team. He understands not just how healthcare facilities are designed, but how they operate day-to-day.”
Tyson’s tenure at the Cleveland Clinic included leadership roles on countless notable projects, including the Avon Hospital and Richard E. Jacobs Health Center — the organization’s first ground-up regional hospital — and the Mentor Hospital, designed as a highly efficient, modular facility that could be replicated across multiple sites. He also spearheaded the development of enterprise-wide design standards for the Cleveland Clinic, ensuring consistent branding and functionality across the renowned health system.
“What drew me to DesignGroup is their approach to putting clients first,” Tyson said. “They’ve maintained their commitment to healthcare design for five decades, and that consistency and expertise really stood out. Having worked with many architectural firms over the years, I could see that DesignGroup operates differently. They truly understand the healthcare environment.”
Beyond project delivery, Tyson brings significant industry leadership experience. He currently serves on the Healthcare Design Advisory Board and the Healthcare Guidelines Revision Committee (HGRC) for the Facilities Guidelines Institute (FGI), which develops healthcare design standards used nationwide. Tyson sees significant opportunities ahead as healthcare systems grapple with cost containment pressures, workforce shortages and rapidly evolving technology including AI integration. “We’re in a period of major transformation in healthcare,” he noted. “Design has a critical role to play in creating more efficient, flexible spaces that can adapt to changing needs while supporting both caregivers and patients.”
His experience spans the spectrum of healthcare projects, from small community hospitals to major medical centers. This range particularly benefits DesignGroup’s diverse client base, which includes both large health systems and smaller regional hospitals facing competitive pressures.
“I’m confident Travis will help us take our healthcare design practice to an even higher level,” said DesignGroup CEO Sherm Moreland. “His leadership will expand both our reach and our ability to innovate for clients.”
The appointment comes as DesignGroup continues to expand its healthcare portfolio across the Midwest. Tyson’s network and expertise in areas such as sustainable design, technology integration and regulatory compliance position the firm to serve an even broader range of healthcare clients.
Tyson holds professional affiliations with leading healthcare design organizations and has been involved in developing industry standards and best practices throughout his career. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in technology, architecture and environmental design from Bowling Green State University and a Master of Architecture from the New Jersey Institute of Technology.
About DesignGroup
Founded in 1974, DesignGroup is a full-service architecture and design firm based in Columbus, Ohio, with expertise spanning healthcare, corporate, education and mixed-use development. The firm has maintained healthcare design as a core practice area since its founding, with a portfolio that includes hospitals, outpatient facilities and specialized medical centers across the Midwest. Clients include The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Norton Health, Allegheny Health Network, Ohio Health and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. DesignGroup operates studios in Columbus and Pittsburgh. For more information, please visit designgroup.us.com.
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