Episode 73, Ghina Itani, MBA, CHID, NCIDQ, EDAC, ASID, Owner/Principal Interior Designer of Itani Design Concepts (IDC)

"Art is underutilized as a tool. We should ask: what's the intent behind this piece? Why this piece… and what is this going to do for patients?" —Ghina Itani on HID2.0 What if "beautiful" isn't just a nice-to-have — but a clinical tool?

In this episode, Cheryl sits down with Ghina Itani, MBA, CHID, NCIDQ, ASID, EDAC — founder and principal designer of Itani Design Concepts (woman-owned, founded in 2007). Together they unpack how healthcare design decisions ripple outward: influencing everything from patient stress to staff retention, wayfinding, and even workplace culture.

You'll hear Ghina's origin story — including the moment she rediscovered her portfolio in a box during her "little ones" season and realized her career was still waiting — and how one early hospital project helped raise expectations for what healthcare spaces could feel like.

Then we will dive deep into neuroaesthetics (the brain's response to beauty and environment), why designers must avoid "paint-by-numbers" claims, and how color research can be shared without overpromising. Along the way, Ghina breaks down the famous Baker–Miller Pink story and what it teaches us about context, demographics, and why no single color is a universal prescription.

Finally, you'll explore art as care — including the idea of museum prescriptions — and why art is often underutilized as a real tool for healing and connection (not just decoration.)

What you'll hear in this episode A powerful origin story about timing, identity, and returning to ambition

Why healthcare design is never just aesthetic — it's operational

Neuroaesthetics: what it is, why it matters, and what it isn't

Color guidelines: where they help… and where they fall apart

The "pink prison" story — and what it teaches about context over clichés

How designers can present research logically (especially with clinical leaders)

Art as a care intervention, not an accessory — including museum prescription programs