Kyle Basilius is an accomplished American-licensed architect and board-certified healthcare architect based in Vancouver, British Columbia. With nearly two decades of experience, Kyle specializes in healthcare construction projects across the United States, Denmark, and Canada. He currently serves as a principal and shareholder at Parkin Architects, where he collaborates closely with clinicians and clients to deliver innovative and functional healthcare environments.
Kyle holds a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from Miami University of Ohio and a Master of Architecture from Boston Architectural College. His dedication to the field is evident in his active involvement with the American College of Healthcare Architects, where he co-chairs the Continuing Competence Committee. He is also a member of several international healthcare design groups, including the Canadian Standards Association and the Design in Mental Health Network.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Kyle is passionate about hiking, CrossFit, and exploring contemporary art and architecture. His commitment to continuous learning and client satisfaction drives his success, making him a leader in the field of healthcare architecture.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My typical day involves reviewing ongoing project designs, meeting with teams, and communicating with clients to ensure all their needs are met. I make my day productive by adhering to a strict schedule that allocates time for creative processes, team collaboration, and client interactions, ensuring that every hour contributes to our project goals.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I bring ideas to life by collaborating closely with clinicians and clients, integrating their firsthand experiences and needs into architectural designs. Listening is the most powerful problem-solving tool when designing healthcare facilities, as it allows us to understand how they intend to deliver and operationalize care. This approach ensures that our projects are not only innovative but also practical and beneficial to the end-users.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The trend toward zero-carbon, resilient, fully electric, and sustainable green building practices in healthcare architecture genuinely excites me. It aligns with my professional focus and personal values of promoting health and sustainability. I’m also intrigued by the decentralization of healthcare—moving away from mega hospitals and instead bringing specialty care directly into communities through smaller, more accessible facilities.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Starting my day with CrossFit helps me clear my mind and prepare both physically and mentally. It gives me a sense of accomplishment that sets the tone for tackling the emotional and mental gymnastics of the day. The projects I work on often involve managing a team of 25 people directly and coordinating with an additional 100–200 people on the wider project team.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would advise my younger self to network more actively and seize every learning opportunity, no matter how small it seems, as each experience is a stepping stone to bigger opportunities.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe the most innovative solutions in healthcare architecture often originate outside the healthcare industry. Drawing inspiration from sectors like aviation or technology (including AI) can transform how we design healthcare spaces. As AI continues to revolutionize industries and economies worldwide, the future of design lies in thoughtful curation and integration of these advancements.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
I recommend embracing continuous learning, adapting to change, and trusting your intuition. Architecture and healthcare are ever-evolving fields, making it essential to stay informed about the latest standards and innovations to achieve success.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When overwhelmed, I take a step back and go for a hike. It allows me to clear my mind and approach problems with a fresh perspective.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Building strong relationships with clients and consistently delivering beyond expectations has helped me grow in my career. This strategy has led to repeat business and valuable referrals.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my career, I took a project leadership role that I was not fully prepared for, which taught me the importance of pacing my career growth and accumulating sufficient experience before stepping up. I overcame this by seeking mentorship and investing in further education.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
An online platform that connects architects, healthcare professionals, and patients to co-design health facilities, ensuring that these environments meet the actual needs of users comprehensively.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Revit is indispensable in my work. It allows me to create precise drawings and make quick alterations based on client feedback, streamlining the design process significantly.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
“The Architecture of Happiness” by Alain de Botton has been influential, as it delves into the relationship between our environment and our well-being, which is central to my work in healthcare architecture.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed the series “Abstract: The Art of Design” on Netflix. It offers a unique look into the minds of innovative designers from various disciplines, providing fresh perspectives and inspiration.
Key learnings
- Interdisciplinary Innovation
- Client-Centric Approach
- Continuous Learning and Adaptation