KPS GROUP BRINGS HOME TWO NEW HONORS FOR UAB MEDICAL WEST HOSPITAL

Celebrates Big Wins at the American Society for Healthcare Engineering 2026 Vista Awards

Birmingham, AL | March 17, 2026 – KPS Group, Inc. is pleased to announce two award wins for its work on UAB Medical West Hospital at the 2026 Vista Awards, presented by the American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE) during ASHE’s annual PDC Summit in Houston, which gathers and celebrates industry leaders in health care planning, design and construction.

The UAB Medical West Hospital project in Bessemer was the focus of both awards. The project replaced a 1960s-era hospital with a modern, patient-centered facility designed to meet the unique and diverse needs of a rapidly growing rural area. The challenge was creating a warm, inviting, and technologically sophisticated environment within a tight budget, while enabling innovative models of healthcare delivery. Flexibility and ease of access were key to the design; the final layout features clustered imaging, rehab and specialty clinics to move patients smoothly between care areas, while universal exam, patient, operating and imaging rooms enable spaces to adapt between service lines.

For its work on this project, KPS Group is the recipient of the 2026 ASHE Vista award and the Healthcare Environment Award in collaboration with HKS, Inc. The ASHE Vista award recognizes extraordinary teamwork and innovation in healthcare design and construction, while the Healthcare Environment Award recognizes how design can improve safety, enhance patient experience, increase organizational efficiency and improve outcomes.

“This recognition from ASHE reflects the strength of the partnership and the shared vision that brought this project to life in a way that delivers quality care with the Southern hospitality that we’re known for, resulting in an enhanced experience for patients and caregivers alike,” said Topper Parham, AIA, Director of Healthcare, Senior Vice President, at KPS Group.

The awards highlight the collaborative effort behind the 415,000 square-foot, 200-bed hospital and adjacent 128,000 square-foot medical office building. With its thoughtful design and strategic planning, UAB Medical West Hospital will meet the evolving healthcare needs of the region for years to come.

KPS GROUP TAKES HOME TWO TOP AWARDS AT 2025 IDIE AWARDS

IIDA Alabama’s 16th Biennial IDIE Awards honor excellence in interior design across state

Birmingham, AL | April 28, 2025 – KPS Group, Inc. is pleased to announce it is the recipient of both the Healthcare (Large) award and the Hospitality / Multi-Family award at the 2025 IDIE Awards presented by The International Interior Design Association – Alabama Chapter (IIDA-AL). The International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Alabama Chapter proudly celebrated the outstanding achievements of the state’s design community at the Sixteenth Biennial IDIE Awards Gala & Design Competition at Regions Field in Birmingham on April 11, 2025.

KPS Group submitted its UAB Medical West Hospital project for consideration in the Healthcare category. This ambitious project was completed in conjunction with HKS, Inc., and replaces a 1960s-era hospital with a modern, patient-centered facility designed to serve rural communities. This project aimed to create a warm, inviting, and technologically sophisticated environment within a tight budget, while enabling innovative models of healthcare delivery. The 415,500 square-foot, 200-bed hospital and adjacent 128,000 square-foot medical o-ice building achieves this through hospitality-inspired interior design. The lobby evokes a welcoming “front porch” atmosphere, with serene views of 125-foot pines and natural wetlands. Warm wood tones and stonework complement the surrounding landscape. Each floor features curated native botanical artwork, accompanied by a distinct color palette.

“Receiving the 2025 IIDA Alabama IDIE award for Best Healthcare (Large) project for UAB Medical West is a tremendous honor for KPS Group. This facility embodies our commitment to designing spaces that not only meet the advanced healthcare needs of rural communities but also nurture well-being through thoughtful, patient-centered design. The integration of a contemporary Southern aesthetic, biophilic elements inspired by Alabama’s native flora, and a deep focus on wellness creates a truly healing and welcoming environment,” said Topper Parham, Director of Healthcare for KPS Group

KPS Group also submitted its Sheraton Birmingham Lobby Renovation project for considerations in the Hospitality / Multi-Family category. Birmingham’s vibrant downtown called for a modernized guest experience in the Sheraton Hotel’s lobby and surrounding areas. This ambitious renovation revitalized the space, infusing it with contemporary elegance and enhanced functionality. A sophisticated new bar, inviting lounge areas, upgraded lighting, and flexible conference studios now seamlessly blend work and leisure. The result is a captivating space reflecting the Sheraton brand’s commitment to sophistication and solidifying the hotel’s position as a premier downtown destination.

“It’s an honor to receive the 2025 IIDA Alabama IDIE award for the Sheraton Birmingham Lobby Renovation. Our design aimed to breathe new life into this downtown landmark by embracing Birmingham’s industrial aesthetic. Through thoughtful material choices, strategic lighting, and the creation of distinct functional areas, we’ve crafted a lobby that is both sophisticated and reflective of the city’s evolving identity,” said Donna Dowling, Director of Interiors with KPS Group.

The 2025 IDIE Awards brought together professionals from across Alabama to honor excellence in interior design, recognizing both design firms and furniture dealers for their creative, innovative, and impactful projects. The evening was filled with celebration, inspiration, and a shared passion for advancing the profession.

Out of 86 submissions from 26 firms and dealers, a jury of esteemed design professionals from across the country selected winners in a range of categories. Each winning project demonstrated a high level of creativity, functionality, and design excellence. The event culminated in the announcement of the prestigious “Best of Show” award, presented to the firm or dealer whose project received the highest overall score from the jury.

“The 2025 IDIEs have honored outstanding Registered Interior Designers in Alabama, recognizing their creativity, dedication, and passion,” said Jessica Babler, IIDA Alabama President. “This year’s winners have set new benchmarks for design excellence, shaping inspiring spaces and advancing the industry. At IIDA Alabama, we are proud to celebrate their achievements and the impact they have on the future of interior design.”

IIDA-AL is the state’s association for the commercial interior design industry, providing resources to professionals and students in the industry and their clients to advance the profession and enhance business value. The chapter has City Centers located in Birmingham and Huntsville, as well as Campus Centers at Auburn University, Samford University and the University of Alabama. Members enjoy a variety of professional development programs and networking events throughout the year to support culture, enhance business value, solve problems and bring awareness to the field of commercial interior design.

For more information about IIDA-AL, visit https://www.iida-al.org/