The Center for Health Research & Design emerged as a formal entity in 2015 after years of shared vision between leadership at Washington University, the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts, Christner Architects, and BJC Healthcare. Thought leaders from these organizations saw an opportunity to leverage the expertise of local health care organizations, practitioners, and leading researchers to launch the CHRD. Three projects have been funded through support from BJC Healthcare to understand office environments, inpatient rooms, and ambulatory care.