Sharon Lee, Executive Administrator of Acquisitions and Integration<\/strong><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stefano Mauro, Executive Administrator, Regional Operations, Imaging, and Radiation Oncology<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong>: Janet Kim, Associate Administrator, USC Care Ambulatory Services<\/strong> Sophia Lee, Associate Administrator, Design and Construction Planning<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Healthcare environments are often defined by function first. Why was it important for Keck Medicine of USC to also invest in a thoughtful art program for this space? <\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sharon Lee<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong> Sophia Lee<\/strong><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n When you think about the role art can play in a medical setting, describe why you feel it\u2019s meaningful, whether for patients, visitors, and\/or staff? <\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Stefano Mauro<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong> Janet Kim<\/strong> Sharon Lee<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n The interior design approach for the new Keck Medicine of USC Pasadena location exists within a larger conversation about healing and well-being. How do you see art contributing to the emotional experience of care? <\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Stefano Mauro<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong> Sharon Lee<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Many of the works in the building draw from nature in subtle ways. Why do natural references, materials, or palettes feel especially resonant in a healthcare environment? <\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Stefano Mauro<\/strong><\/strong> Janet Kim<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n What initially drew you to work with Kevin Barry Art Advisory on this project, and what kind of partnership were you hoping for? <\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sophia Lee<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n How would you describe the collaborative process with KBAA as the art program took shape? <\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Stefano Mauro<\/strong><\/strong> Janet Kim<\/strong><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n When looking at the finished build, is there a moment when the art truly transformed how the space felt or functioned? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Stefano Mauro<\/strong> Janet Kim<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n What do you hope people feel or take away when they move through the building and experience the art firsthand? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Janet Kim<\/strong> Sharon Lee<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n How does this project reflect Keck Medicine of USC\u2019s broader approach to care, community, and the environments you create for healing? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Stefano Mauro<\/strong>
I work very closely with the Construction and Design team to facilitate all new locations for Keck Medicine of USC. I am the liaison between that team and the operational leaders to assist them in the opening of our new locations. We strive to give all of our patients a consistent, positive experience while creating unique and personalized environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/kevinbarry.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kbaa_AprilBlog2_02-1-1024x690.png\")
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I oversee clinical operations within the Keck Medicine of USC Pasadena location, as well as diagnostic imaging and radiation oncology departments for USC Care ambulatory services. The opening of the new Keck Medicine Pasadena location is exciting and important to me personally as a resident of Pasadena and honors our commitment to providing exceptional care to the communities of the San Gabriel Valley. We continue to expand our world-class specialists deeper into the community so patients can receive the care they need closer to home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I manage all clinical operations for Keck Medicine multispecialty clinics in Pasadena and La Ca\u00f1ada, as well as the cardiology electrophysiology practice in Monterey Park. I manage the day-to-day operations of ambulatory services at these locations to ensure safe, well-coordinated, patient-centered care so that every patient receives a five-star experience at every visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I lead all design and construction projects for Keck Medicine of USC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/kevinbarry.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kbaa_AprilBlog2_03-1-1024x820.png\")
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Our clinical spaces feature standardized layouts, ensuring consistency and efficiency throughout our facilities. At the same time, curated artwork introduces creativity and character to each environment. This thoughtful integration of art not only enhances the experience for our patients, but also creates a cohesive and inspiring atmosphere for the staff and physicians who work in our buildings every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ultimately, it\u2019s a better experience for anyone who enters our building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Artwork plays a vital role in creating a welcoming and healing environment for everyone who enters our buildings. Through careful selection and placement, art helps foster a sense of comfort and well-being, enriching the experience for patients, staff, and visitors alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We carefully selected colors throughout our clinical spaces to create a soothing atmosphere, helping to put patients at ease from the moment they arrive. This approach supports comfort and well-being for everyone in our care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many of the patients who seek care with Keck Medicine are facing serious health challenges and rely on our specialized expertise. For this reason, creating a calm, soothing, and healing environment is essential in all of our spaces. Thoughtfully integrated artwork serves as a vital element in fostering this atmosphere, supporting the well-being of our patients, staff, and visitors throughout their care journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/kevinbarry.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kbaa_AprilBlog2_04-1-960x1024.png\")
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A stark, sterile white wall can feel unwelcoming and impersonal. We view each wall as a canvas, using artwork to transform our spaces and promote healing. Through thoughtful selection and placement, art brings warmth, comfort, and inspiration to our environment, supporting the well-being of everyone who enters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We approached our art selections with great care, recognizing that while art and beauty are subjective, certain colors consistently evoke feelings of warmth and calm. Our goal was to create an environment that is both visually appealing and emotionally supportive for everyone who enters our spaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In our growth and expansion projects, Keck Medicine is dedicated to celebrating the unique identity of each community we serve through thoughtfully selected artwork. For our Pasadena location, we choose pieces that reflect the city\u2019s rich history, vibrant culture, and iconic landmarks. This approach ensures that our spaces feel welcoming and connected to Pasadena, creating an environment that resonates with patients, staff, and visitors alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Given Pasadena\u2019s strong connection to nature, with the San Gabriel Mountains and foothills as defining features of the city, it was a natural synergy for us to focus on nature-themed artwork in our spaces. By incorporating pieces that reflect the beauty and tranquility of the local landscape, we create an environment that resonates with the community and supports a sense of healing and well-being for our patients, staff, and visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/kevinbarry.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kbaa_AprilBlog2_05-1-1024x990.png\")
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We worked with Kevin Barry Art Advisory previously and decided to include them on our list of potential vendors. I also saw a recent installation and liked what I saw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
KBAA provided us with a comprehensive framework for selecting artwork throughout the building, beginning with an in-depth interview to establish our preferred styles, themes, colors, and mediums. Keck Medicine was committed to showcasing local artists, and KBAA identified and curated pieces from Pasadena natives and neighboring communities. With the Eaton Fires still fresh in everyone\u2019s mind, we also chose to feature works from Altadena artists, further honoring the resilience and spirit of our local area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Providing samples for review was a critical part of our selection process, ensuring that each piece aligned with our vision for the space. The oncology floor was chosen as the ideal location to install a display case for showcasing local Pasadena artists with rotating pieces. Given the nature of cancer care and the frequency of patient visits, this clinic offered a unique opportunity to introduce regularly changing artwork, fostering a dynamic and uplifting environment for patients, staff, and visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The pieces selected for the lobby, featuring a variety of mediums, create a striking first impression for our guests and patients. This thoughtful curation elevates the building\u2019s atmosphere, setting a welcoming and inspiring tone from the moment visitors arrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once all of the artwork was installed, it truly served as the finishing touch that unified every element of the building. The result is a polished and cohesive environment, with each floor featuring its own distinct and unique focus. Most importantly, this thoughtful integration of art has a meaningful impact on patient well-being\u2014creating spaces that are welcoming, comforting, and supportive throughout the healing journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/kevinbarry.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kbaa_AprilBlog2_06-1-1024x690.png\")
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Many of our patients frequently comment on the beauty of the building, expressing how the carefully designed spaces and artwork contribute to a welcoming and uplifting atmosphere. This feedback underscores the meaningful impact that our design choices have on patient well-being and their overall experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our approach to selecting artwork for the building was guided by a thoughtful and collaborative design process. We aimed to choose pieces that are bold and beautiful, yet seamlessly integrated into their surroundings. Throughout the process, we prioritized cohesion, recognizing that many of our patients move throughout the building as part of their care journey. By carefully considering each space and how the artwork would interact with its environment, we created a unified and welcoming atmosphere that enhances the experience for patients, staff, and visitors alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keck Medicine is dedicated to integrating into the diverse communities we serve, incorporating local culture, diversity, and natural beauty into each of our facilities. Through this approach, we strive to create environments that reflect and celebrate the unique character of every community, ensuring our spaces are welcoming and supportive for patients, staff, and visitors alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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