A Sanctuary for Mindful Healing Through Psychedelic Therapies

Gensler was in uncharted territory when it conceived the Bill Richards Center for Healing in Rockville, Maryland: It was one of the country’s first purpose-built spaces for psychedelic ther­apies, where cancer patients with depression and others who qualify for clinical trials would come for psilocybin-assisted therapy. “We were defining a new prototype for care,” senior associate, co-global healthcare leader, and design director Bonny Slater says. The setting would be a crucial part of treatment.

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Interior Design celebrates Gensler's 60th anniversary with this special section featuring Q&As and dozens of projects in four of the firm's practice areas including cities, health, workplace, and lifestyle. Check it out today.

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Slater and her team at Gensler Washington began the 2,500-square-foot project with a visioning session that brought together physicians, patients, scientists, artists, and experience designers. “We had to understand the careful choreography of the therapies and how spaces can impact the outcomes—in other words, how to avoid a bad trip,” Slater says. The resulting environment is tranquil, comfortable, and safe, avoiding visual triggers or overstimulation, with slate-look resilient flooring and vertical white-oak slats curving along walls.

At the entrance, a warm common area with lounge furniture helps patients relax before sessions; it can also host yoga classes or group workshops. Neutral, residential-style therapy rooms feel welcoming and familiar, with blackout drapes for light sensitivity. Cove lighting emits a soft glow throughout, with one exception: At the end of the therapy corridor, a large circular fixture reminds patients to focus their intentions before the trip.

TAMA DUFFY DAY; BONNY SLATER; ALEJANDRA DELGADO; KARLA SEPULVEDA; VAL DOBREV; PATRICK FOLEY.