Congratulations to Basil Sherman II, AIA, NCARB, EDAC, ACHA, for celebrating 20 years with Pulse Design Group! Basil began his career as an architectural associate at Pulse Design Group in 2005. Today, he is a principal whose leadership, dedication, and vision have made a lasting impact on healthcare facilities and the industry at large. We are proud to celebrate this impressive milestone and commemorate his immense contribution to healthcare design excellence. We asked Basil a few questions to reflect on the last 20 years and his answers are below.
What led you to start your career at Pulse Design Group and what inspired you to stay for 20 years?
"I was drawn to healthcare design because I wanted to do work that truly impacts people’s lives. What’s kept me here for two decades is that I’ve found more than just a career, I’ve found a second family. Even on hard days, the work is meaningful, and the people are incredible. That’s the difference between having a job and building a life’s work."
As you reflect on the last 20 years, what project stands out as especially meaningful?
"The open house for the new Bone Marrow Transplant unit at The University of Kansas Hospital. I was just a few years out of school when a patient walked into the space and started crying. When asked why, she said, 'I can get better here.' That hit me like a lightning bolt—what we design truly matters. If I can help even one person feel that way, then my work has meaning. And if we, as a firm, can do that for thousands? We’re changing the world."
How has healthcare design changed over the past two decades, and how has Pulse Design Group adapted to those changes?
"Healthcare has become very consumer-driven, which has challenged the industry and our organization to adopt a hospitality-centric approach to design. The built environment serves a function, but it can also be beautiful, intuitive, efficient, welcoming and a positive experience for patients, staff and visitors. Pulse Design Group has leaned into this shift with focus, purpose and precision. That is what drives us. That is who we are."