Bill Pickford

Senior Medical Planner Bill Pickford approaches facility planning as a process for improving operational efficiency, patient care and experience, and long-term adaptability. An expert in the Integrated Medical Facility Planning (IMFP) model, he helps healthcare organizations develop spaces that align with strategic goals, ensuring capital investments remain flexible and responsive over time. With more than 35 years as principal medical facility planner in a major national healthcare system, he understands how to shape facilities that balance cost, access and quality while supporting high-performing care environments.

Over his career, Bill has led planning for eight comprehensive hospitals and more than 40 medical office buildings, developing systemwide facility standards for a 12-million-member healthcare network. He played a key role in the accelerated planning of a 322-bed acute care hospital in San Diego, where leadership relied on his expertise to deliver a state-of-the-art facility with minimal end-user meetings. His experience spans inpatient and outpatient facilities, renovations and new construction, equipping him to navigate complex healthcare environments and deliver designs that serve both patients and providers.

As part of LPA’s integrated design team, Bill works across disciplines to translate operational priorities into spaces that enhance access, streamline workflows and support high-quality care. His approach integrates master planning with service delivery strategies, ensuring that healthcare facilities are designed not just for today’s needs, but for long-term performance and adaptability.

Based in Sacramento, he holds a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from Cal State East Bay and a bachelor’s in geography and environmental studies from the University of Oregon. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, brewing, playing music and swimming with his German Shepherd in Lake Tahoe.