Children’s Village began with a simple but powerful vision from the CEO of Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital: to create a place where families of children with disabilities could find comprehensive support under one roof. A place that would ease burdens, remove barriers, and bring comfort during some of the most challenging moments in a family’s life.

Early in the design process, we listened closely to the experiences of parents and caregivers. One mother shared that her child would begin to cry every time they approached a hospital—a moment that profoundly shaped the direction of the project. From that insight came a guiding question: What would it take to create a building that a child actually wants to visit?

Working hand‑in‑hand with staff and providers, we explored how children imagine places of comfort and safety. When asked to draw a place they’d want to go when feeling sick, most children sketched scenes resembling their own homes. Guided by their instincts, we developed a concept inspired by a small, welcoming town—complete with wood siding, residential touches, and the warmth of familiar architectural forms. Although we explored everything from spaceships to castles, it was the village concept that resonated most deeply.

Texture, pattern, and color were then playfully woven throughout the design to capture children’s imaginations and create moments of delight. These elements offer not only visual interest, but also comfort—turning anxiety into engagement and helping visitors feel at ease from the moment they arrive.

At its core, Children’s Village was designed to foster community, connection, and encouragement for families navigating the realities of having a child with special needs. Over the years, families consistently share the same sentiment: Children’s Village has become a bright spot in their lives—a place filled with hope, support, and the reassurance that they are not alone.