Mike McKay Returns to ERDMAN

Mike McKay Returns to ERDMAN to Help Shape What’s Next in Healthcare Design

MADISON, WIS. — ERDMAN is pleased to announce the return of Mike McKay, AIA, ACHE, EDAC, LEED AP, NCARB, as Healthcare Market Sector Leader. A nationally recognized architect and thought leader with more than 35 years of experience in healthcare design, planning, and construction, McKay brings a unique blend of visionary leadership and owner-side expertise that will enhance ERDMAN’s continued progression as a design firm centered on healthcare, integrative thinking, and collaboration.

Most recently, McKay served as Director of Planning, Design, Construction, and Real Estate at UW Health in Madison, Wisconsin, where he led major initiatives across a system of more than 128 buildings and nearly 10 million sf of healthcare environments. His strategic leadership shaped a $5 billion, 10-year capital plan and advanced enterprise-wide design standards, master planning, and innovation in care delivery environments.

Previously, McKay spent more than six years at ERDMAN as Vice President of Architecture, where he led multidisciplinary design teams across the country and helped expand the firm’s reach into new markets. His work was recognized nationally by the American Institute of Architects and the Institute for Patient-Centered Design, earning top honors in national design competitions focused on Family-Centered Cancer Care and Behavioral Health Design. McKay’s influence extends beyond project work—he has been an active voice in advancing the industry through publications, national presentations, and thought leadership in evidence-based design.

“This is a homecoming with purpose,” said Paul DuCharme, Senior Vice President of Architecture and Engineering at ERDMAN. “Mike brings an impassioned view of design and healthcare, backed by decades of experience shaping innovative solutions across the healthcare space. His leadership, insight, and passion for healthcare design will be instrumental as we continue to evolve and collaborate with clients in shaping the future of care.”

“Mike is no stranger to ERDMAN—during his previous tenure, he played a pivotal role in both design competitions and key client engagements with organizations like Centura, LVHN, Shepherd, and Rush,” added Rustin Becker, ERDMAN President, and CEO. “His experience from the owner’s side of the table brings invaluable insight that will enrich our strategic partnerships and project outcomes. Mike’s vision and collaborative leadership will be instrumental in driving forward ERDMAN’s mission of growth, learning, and innovation.”

A lifelong learner and mentor, McKay is known for his passion for teaching and inspiring teams to think beyond the project toward long-term purpose and performance. His leadership philosophy is rooted in service—to clients, teams, and the community’s healthcare environments that are designed to serve.

“I’m excited to return to ERDMAN and contribute to a firm that continues to push the boundaries of healthcare design,” McKay said. “This is an opportunity to build on the foundation of integrative thinking that defines ERDMAN and to help shape what’s next in healthcare environments nationwide.”