One sign of a healthy economy is the number of cranes visible on the skyline. During the great recession, many healthcare organizations placed their new building and renovation projects on moth balls, as they figured out how to make do with their existing facilities to meet the healthcare challenges they faced.

As the economy has turned around, healthcare organizations across Kentucky are reinvesting in their infrastructure to address the way modern healthcare is delivered. This means that millions of dollars are being pumped into the economy and building and design experts are helping to shape the way healthcare will be delivered for years to come.

In this issue, Medical News takes a look at some of the exciting changes coming to skylines from Paducah to Pikeville as well as some of the challenges organizations face as they undertake massive projects. Whether it is a physician office renovation or building a signature facility, these projects will help shape the way patients interact with healthcare professionals and the healthcare system.

As you will read in the Architecture Roundup, significant changes are taking place at facilities across Kentucky and Southern Indiana. Many of these changes reflect new demands, such as the opioid epidemic.

However, some organizations are making infrastructure changes to help them more efficiently deliver healthcare. As we learned in our conversations, all of them are working with architecture firms and construction managers to address their unique needs.

While building is straightforward, the contract process with construction firms may not be. This month we feature an in-depth look at examining the contracts and some of the pitfalls organizations may face as they begin the process.

Finally, we take a moment to reflect on one of the thought leaders in the architecture community, Wayne Estopinal, who we tragically lost in an airplane accident late last year. As you can see in our tribute, Wayne’s impact can be felt across the commonwealth as well as the healthcare sector throughout the United States. He was a friend of this publications, a trusted adviser in the healthcare sector, and will be missed by many.