Buchan’s global health team continues to expand with the appointment of Elisa Nakano as a Senior Associate.

Nakano is an architect and creative design thinker with over 15 years of experience, specialising in the delivery of large-scale healthcare projects with a focus on clinical planning.

She is adept at taking complex clinical briefs and collaborating with key stakeholders, clients and expert health leads with an emphasis on the end-user experience. Alongside clinical services, she places importance on the holistic well-being of patients, carers, clinicians and staff within hospital settings.

Nakano said she is excited to be joining a dynamic, forward-thinking team that places healthcare at the heart of the community. She is keen to challenge the status quo and find unique solutions.

“With our greater understanding of how public spaces, retail and amenity can contribute to community health, a new wave of energy is taking traditional hospital design beyond clinical requirements,” said Nakano.

Nakano brings extensive experience gained on a range of projects across Australia and New Zealand including the Westmead Hospital Clinical Acute Services Building; Prince of Wales Hospital – The Bright Alliance; Sunshine Coast University Hospital; and Dunedin Hospital.

In addition, Nakano brings well-rounded experience across the education, civic and mixed-use sectors.

Buchan Principal and Health Sector Lead, Sandra Stewart, welcomes Nakano and said she is an excellent fit with Buchan’s evolving health precinct work.

“Health facilities are becoming ‘town centres’ in themselves and the campus model presents boundless opportunities to serve local communities. In addition, the new health hubs are looking for niches in the market where they can supplement the public and private offer.”

“Elisa’s expertise brings another layer to our health, precinct and life science discussions, supported by her wider experience in relevant sectors.”

Stewart said Nakano’s energy and passion will add depth to the team as it continues to expand its client base.

“I look forward to working alongside Elisa to explore exciting new models for community-centred healthcare.”

Photography | Jes Lindsay