For nearly a decade, Healthcare Design’s Rising Star Awards have recognized emerging professionals who, in fewer than 10 years in the field, have already begun to distinguish themselves.
This year’s five honorees came to healthcare design in different ways, but each has shown the same combination of curiosity, discipline, and momentum. Their work points to a strong understanding of the field’s technical and human demands, as well as the collaborative rigor it requires.
Over the coming weeks, you’ll find profiles of the 2026 Rising Stars linked below:
- Justine Baltessen, senior interior designer, HDR
- Sally Castrianni, lead healthcare planner, Array Architects
- Gretchen Kelly, associate, medical planner and architect, Gensler
- Heejin Park, architect, HOK
- Hao Zhong, architect, EwingCole
Recognizing the Rising Stars at the 2026 HCD Conference + Expo
The 2026 class of Rising Stars will also be recognized during the Magazine Awards Luncheon at the 2026 Healthcare Design Conference + Expo, Oct. 17-20 in New Orleans.
For more on the HCD Conference + Expo programming, events, and registration, go here.
