Sara Kennedy

Biography

Sara combines research-driven insight with a passion for creating environments that support human health and well-being. She earned her B.A. in Interior Design from Michigan State University and is completing her Ph.D. in Design and the Built Environment with a focus on architecture and health. Her dissertation explores how the built environment impacts staff workflows, communication, and workload during robotic-assisted surgery.

Sara’s work centers on understanding how design can improve experiences for patients, families, and healthcare providers. Through research, observations, interviews, and evaluations, she approaches each project thoughtfully and with adaptability, always focused on the people using the space. She values exploring multiple solutions and allowing human experience to guide the design process.

Passionate and resilient, Sara brings curiosity, optimism, and excitement for new challenges to the Childers team. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, horseback riding, hiking, and antiquing.