News Release: HGA Selected to Design a New Pediatric Heart Institute at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh

Acclaimed national interdisciplinary design firm HGA is pleased to announce that construction will begin on the new Heart Institute at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. The new Heart Institute will offer state-of-the-art imaging technology and seamless care for cardiac patients, improving and saving more children’s lives. 

In collaboration with the UPMC construction team, HGA developed the programming, planning, and design of the three-story, 50,000 square-foot pediatric Heart Institute, which will be built on top of the existing parking garage on the UPMC Children’s Lawrenceville campus. 

With UPMC, the design firm also planned the specialty cardiac diagnostic and interventional procedure rooms, private prep/recovery rooms, staff support spaces and a larger combined registration and waiting area. 

Creating a Compassionate Environment That Incorporates State-of-the-Art Clinical Spaces 

The Heart Institute design features cutting-edge facilities equipped with the latest technology to ensure accuratediagnostics and interventions, such as an interoperative catheterization lab and MRI, to meet the specific needs of pediatric cardiology, providing a seamless blend of advanced medical equipment and a child-friendly atmosphere. 

In addition, inpatient and outpatient procedural spaces, and private prep recovery rooms were designed to optimize and streamline patient care. These areas prioritize efficiency without compromising the comfort and well-being of young patients, supporting a holistic approach to pediatric cardiac care. A new conference center dedicated to education and collaborative initiatives is also part of the project. 

Design Development Through Virtual Reality  

To enhance the empathetic design process, Virtual Reality technology was leveraged throughout the project’s design phase. This innovative approach allowed the clinical team to virtually experience and test the designed spaces collaboratively. By immersing themselves in the virtual environment, UPMC healthcare professionals provided valuable insights into the functionality and user experience of each space, ensuring that the final design is not only beautiful but also practical and patient centered. 

“We used virtual reality to allow users and clinical leaders to ‘walk through’ the space and provide real-time feedback,” said Kyle Weisman, principal at HGA. “We worked closely with UPMC to design a facility that will advance care and enhance the use of technology in pediatric cardiology for patients and their families.” 

A Design with a Delicate Balance  

The Heart Institute features vibrant colors, playful motifs, and custom-designed environmental graphics creating a setting that not only aligns with the hospital’s established aesthetic but also brings a fresh and engaging feel. The utilization of lively colors, soothing lighting, and age-appropriate furniture will contribute to an atmosphere conducive to healing and emotional well-being, creating a world-class pediatric cardiology center. 

The contractor is Rycon Construction, Inc. Additional project collaborators include Allen and Sharrif, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineer; Barber Hoffman, structural engineer; and DRS, local architecture partner. 

Construction is scheduled to be completed in early 2026. Learn more about the expansion from UPMC here. 

About HGA  

HGA is an acclaimed interdisciplinary design firm committed to making a positive, lasting impact for our clients and communities through research-based, holistic solutions. We believe that great design requires a sense of curiosity—forming deep insight into our clients, their contexts, and the human condition. We are a collective of over 1,000 architects, engineers, interior designers, planners, researchers, and strategists, with 13 offices. Our national practice spans multiple markets, including corporate, cultural, education, local and federal government, healthcare, and science and technology. Visit HGA.com or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.