The UCSF Real Estate Health Design & Construction (HD&C) team recently led the completion of an exciting transformation on the 4th floor of the Ron Conway Gateway Medical Building — creating a state-of-the-art pediatric clinic designed to inspire exploration and comfort for young patients and their families. The GMB 4A Pediatric Medical Specialties Clinic Renovation, a $9.8 million project that was completed in January 2025.
The clinic at 1825 Fourth St. at Mission Bay is now home to three pediatric clinics with overlapping specialties: The Stad Center for Pediatric Pain, Palliative, and Integrative Medicine; the Wellness Center for Youth with Chronic Conditions; and Pediatric Rehabilitation Services. The space is scheduled to open for patients in March 2025.
The Real Estate team collaborated with the project team and the clinics’ providers to create an innovative space that meets the unique needs of children who experience chronic pain, physical disabilities, and sensory sensitivities, including those on the autism spectrum. The goal was clear: to design a place that didn’t look or feel like a traditional medical clinic but instead fostered a healing environment that is welcoming, engaging, and fun for patients and families who spend significant time with their care teams.
For Henry Tam, the HD&C Project Manager, the project was unlike any he had worked on before at UCSF because of its natural sunlight, Northern California scenic décor to promote a healing natural environment, and other unique features like curved walls and a family waiting area instead of a waiting room. Henry also learned firsthand how creating a space that is welcoming, bright, and non-traditional can change the experiences of pediatric patients and their families at the doctor's by making them more at ease.
“This space is unlike any other clinic at UCSF,” Henry said.
Design work began in August 2022. In January 2023, Kayla Henson, Associate Director of HD&C, began guiding the project through permitting and bidding, with Henry overseeing the construction and activation phases. Their collaboration, along with input from key stakeholders on the clinical teams, brought this visionary healthcare space to life.
Joanne Hong, an architect from NBBJ who played a crucial role in bringing the vision of this clinic to life, said there are many wonderful features of the space to love, but her favorite is the multisensory room. There, visitors can relax in a floating leaf chair and lose themselves in the mesmerizing world of bubble tubes. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind experience, she said — immersive, calming, and simply magical.
"It has been an incredible journey partnering with UCSF and Dome to bring this project to life, transforming it into a one-of-a-kind, vibrant clinical space for kids, families, and staff,” said Joanne. “Seeing children laughing and playing in the colorful seating nooks, ringing the gong, climbing the rock wall, tracing their fingers along the tiled wall, and engaging with the digital waterfall fills my heart with joy. This immersive experience allows them to receive treatment in a way that feels anything but clinical — turning moments of care into moments of wonder.”
The clinical leaders of the space say the new clinic offers a comprehensive, integrative, and supportive healing environment for pediatric patients, with a design that enhances the patients’ well-being and fosters a sense of community and resilience. In their own words, they shared their favorite parts of the new pediatric clinic.
Dr. Stefan Friedrichsdorf
Stefan Friedrichsdorf, MD, FAAP, is the Elisa and Marc Stad Professor in Pediatric Pain Medicine, Palliative Care, and Integrative Medicine. He also is the Medical Director of the Stad Center and Chief of the Division of Pediatric Pain, Palliative, and Integrative Medicine.
What makes this project significant for your patients?
“Pediatric pain is the most common and most distressing symptom of children and adolescents. This specifically designed clinic allows children and adolescents suffering from acute and chronic pain (such as headaches, abdominal pain, and musculoskeletal pain) to meet an interdisciplinary rehabilitative team at the same time in the same room. Trained pediatric pain physicians, psychologists, social workers, and physical therapists help children to heal and regain their life by exercising, returning to school, normalizing sleep and social life, and adjusting medications to overcome pain. Integrative modalities, such as massage, acupuncture/acupressure, self-hypnosis, and aromatherapy, help on the healing journey.”
What is your favorite part about the new clinic space?
“The specifically designed healing environment space is designed to relieve stress and anxiety even before the child and family see the first clinician. I love the light, nature, and especially the multi-sensory room and the interactive waterfall.”
Is there anything else that you would like to add?
“The unique UCSF pain, palliative, and integrative medicine program is the largest program of its kind in the United States. Children and adolescents 0-17 years with serious illness as well as with acute and chronic pain can be referred to our new Stad Clinic by their pediatrician.”
Dr. Stephen Wilson
Dr. Stephen Wilson, MD, PhD, is a Pediatric Hospitalist and Pediatric Pain Medicine Specialist, as well as the VP & Chief Clinical Strategy Officer at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals. As the lead physician who sponsored this project, he shares his perspective on its impact.
What makes this project significant for your patients?
“With this project, we have created a truly unique place for patients to heal. Whether here for pain management, integrative treatments, wellness visits, or physical and occupational therapy, this space will foster a real sense of well-being.”
What is your favorite part about the new clinic space?
“I particularly love the electronic waterfall and the curved hallways. Both inspire curiosity and wonder.”
Do you have anything else you want to add?
“I am so appreciative of all the people who contributed to and made this project possible. I truly believe this clinic will set a new standard for children’s ambulatory care.”
Dr. Emily von Scheven
Dr. Emily von Scheven, MD, MAS, is a Pediatric Rheumatologist, Chief of Rheumatology, and Director of the Wellness Center for Youth with Chronic Conditions.
What makes this project significant for your patients?
“For children with chronic medical conditions and their families, coming to UCSF can be scary and traumatizing. We used a human-centered design approach to develop the programming for the Wellness Center and to inform the design of the physical space. Creating a physical space to support wellness that is welcoming, provides respite from the usual chaos of a medical center, supports all patients to feel like they belong, and embraces FUN will be very impactful for the patients cared for in this new clinic.”
What is your favorite part about the new clinic space?
“My favorite part is the community room. When meeting with patients and their families, we learned a lot about the isolation that they experience, and the importance of community for healing. The community room provides a welcoming non-medical space 24/7 where we can bring patients and families together for educational and supportive activities, and to have fun together.”
Is there anything else that you would like to add?
“The climbing wall was included in the gym to foster confidence and help kids tap into their own resilience. We take a strength-based approach to helping young people who are growing up with chronic medical conditions navigate their own personalized wellness journey. Providing fun and engaging challenges that build confidence along the way is central to fostering well-being and advancing health and life skills for life.”
About the Clinical Space
To support the diverse needs of pediatric patients, the clinic includes:
- 8 Exam Rooms – Including specialized rooms for acupuncture and massage therapy.
- 8 Consult Rooms – Featuring a multisensory playroom tailored to sensory-sensitive patients.
- Physical Therapy Gym – Complete with a climbing wall to support strength-building and rehabilitation.
- Digital Waterfall – An interactive feature that encourages playful exploration.
- Community Room – Designed for educational sessions, cooking and art classes, and movie nights.
- Waiting Niches – Replacing a traditional waiting room, these niches provide calming and comfortable spaces for families.
The Team
This project was a testament to the power of teamwork, involving numerous experts to ensure the highest quality outcome. The team included:
- Architect: NBBJ Design
- MEP Engineers: WSP
- Structural Engineer: Estructure
- Experience Designer: Belle & Wissell
- Contractor: Dome Construction
- UCSF Health Project Managers: Henry Tam, Kayla Henson, and Ellen Schumm