Pulse Design Group, a healthcare architecture firm celebrating 40 years in business, has announced the retirement of managing principal/owner, Rick Embers.
Embers, who was instrumental in building the company, officially retired on December 31, 2021.
“I am excited to watch the firm continue to grow and am confident in the leadership, positive momentum and vision of the firm,” Embers said.
Embers joined Wilson Johnson Associates in 1990 and the firm rebranded as Wilson Johnson Embers in 2000, when Embers became a principal. In 2009, firm leadership made a strategic business decision to solely focus on healthcare design and rebranded to Pulse Design Group in 2011.
During Embers’ tenure at Pulse Design Group, he led a variety of regional and national projects and worked with numerous leading healthcare organizations and hospital systems. Several of his notable projects include Olathe Health System Vertical Expansion, The University of Kansas Vertical Expansion and Central Utility Plant, The University of Kansas Health System Indian Creek Campus, Lawrence Memorial Hospital West Campus, AdventHealth Hybrid Operating Room, and Treasure Valley Ambulatory Surgery Center.
Embers’ dedication and passion for advancing the field of healthcare design were paramount to the firm’s growth, as he was constantly leveraging technology and conducting research to deliver innovative, flexible design solutions.
“Rick was instrumental in creating a firm foundation rooted in strong employee culture, ethical business practices and a true passion for healthcare architecture. His fingerprints are all over this firm and we are grateful for his perseverance, guidance, knowledge, passion and humor. His strong leadership and innovative mindset built an incredible brand and a truly special firm where everyone is valued, supported, encouraged and appreciated,” said Dennis Burns, who joined Pulse in 2020 as the firm’s first president, a deliberate and intentional move to ensure a seamless transition.
In 2007, under Embers’ leadership, the firm established its own in-house Medical Equipment Planning department to provide comprehensive design services to clients. This service line allowed Pulse Design Group to develop new relationships and expand its national presence.
Embers was committed to leveraging emerging technology as a design tool and created an in-house virtual reality department service line that enhanced and transformed the design industry. This tool enabled clients and end-users to be immersed into virtual environments in real-time to fully understand the design intent and functionality of the proposed space. His passion for this virtual design tool led to the firm sponsoring the creation of the Pulse Design Group Simulation Lab and Health + Wellness Design Studio at the University of Kansas School of Architecture and Design. This space allows aspiring architects to experiment with the technology in the classroom before utilizing it in the real world.
Embers was also dedicated to educating the industry on the need to invest in the technology as a critical design tool and presented lessons learned, best practices, and emerging technologies at various local and national conferences and universities around the country.
Embers’ passion for continued education was focused on Pulse associates as well as advancing the design industry. He constantly encouraged employees to pursue licensure and gain credentials to help position associates for success, and to develop a diverse workforce of the best and the brightest.
To this end, Embers led efforts to implement an internal mentorship program to guide and shepherd junior staff members and help them navigate the industry with support and guidance provided by seasoned associates.
Throughout his professional career, Embers was dedicated to advancing the field of healthcare design. He held licenses in 25 states, was a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the American College of Healthcare Architects (ACHA), the Kansas City Area Healthcare Engineers (KCAHE) and achieved EDAC certification (Evidence-Based Design Accreditation and Certification) in 2008.
In 2018, Embers was named a University of Kansas Distinguished Alumni for his continued support and involvement. During his leadership, Pulse Design Group also received a “Best Companies to Work For” designation from Ingrams Magazine in 2019, a testament to his servant leadership and dedication to his craft.
“Rick single-handedly had the biggest impact on my professional career. He gave me an incredible opportunity, supported me, believed in me and was my biggest advocate. His unwavering encouragement, guidance and friendship positively influenced countless employees, clients and industry partners, not the mention his monumental impact on the industry. Rick is truly one of a kind, a great leader, and a life-long friend. I am truly grateful for the profound impact he had on my life both professionally and personally,” said Mary Moore, associate principal.
Embers will remain active in special projects and will serve as Principal Emeritus, offering his wisdom and expertise to guide the firm well into the future.
“Be passionate about what you do because, without passion, it’s just another job. Treat others with respect, continue to learn, challenge yourself, support your peers and have fun. I am confident that the current structure will lead the firm to accomplish great things and am proud to have been a Pulse family member,” Embers said to his staff upon departure.
Countless initiatives over the last decade have contributed to the firm’s growth, including the development and careful execution of a forward-thinking strategic plan. This plan was heavily influenced by firm fundamentals, ethical business practices, industry trends, and economic forecasting.
The firm’s success was, and will continue to be, aided by a significant investment in technology and a commitment to staff education and professional development. Having a concentrated emphasis on marketing and business development; a dedication to industry research in healthcare architecture; and completing a tactical relocation to the Country Club Plaza to increase visibility and positioning, has bolstered recruitment while also capturing the attention of current and prospective clients.
Firm leadership consists of the three shareholders/principals; Michael Andracsek, Basil Sherman II and Lindsay Hampton; president, Dennis Burns; and associate principals, Kevin Purvis, Matt Meier and Mary Moore.