Design plays a critical role in the way people react to buildings and spaces. Good design helps people feel safe and welcomed. This is especially important in designing spaces that service people dealing with homelessness and mental and behavioral health issues.

Guidelines developed by the United Way of Greater Los Angeles in association with HOK provide a roadmap for service operators looking to create environments that promote a sense of security and healing. HOK recently won a $10,000 grant from the American Society of Interior Designers to share the guidelines with other service agencies and study how the design protocols affect client outcomes.