Regional Healthcare Lead Spotlight
Brian Holley, Director of Healthcare, Southern California Division
At Swinerton, our people are the foundation of every project we deliver. In Southern California, we’ve built a reputation as a trusted partner in healthcare construction—bringing deep expertise, innovative solutions, and an unwavering commitment to patient-centered environments. Our teams understand the unique challenges of healthcare facilities, from stringent regulatory requirements to the need for seamless operations during construction. This specialized knowledge allows us to deliver projects that not only meet technical standards but also support the mission of care providers and the communities they serve.
In this Healthcare Lead Spotlight, we talk with Brian Holley, Director of Healthcare, about his path into the construction industry, what drives his passion for healthcare construction, and his vision for the future of this critical market.
Early Foundation in Construction
Q: What is your background leading up to your career in construction?
I grew up in Colorado and went to Colorado State University. I originally planned to major in landscape horticulture and design golf courses and pursue a minor in construction management. But early on, I realized I didn’t connect with the landscape program—the classes and the culture just didn’t click for me. On the other hand, I really enjoyed the construction management courses, so I made the switch and never looked back.
Q: How did you get into the construction industry?
Construction has always been part of my life. My dad and grandfather were both hands-on DIY types, and I grew up around home renovations. That early exposure sparked my interest. During college, I worked a variety of summer jobs and internships—everything from concrete labor to general labor for homebuilders. My final internship was on a massive retail mall in Arizona. That experience solidified my passion for commercial construction and set me on this path.
Finding Purpose in Healthcare Construction
Q: What led you to our healthcare market?
It actually started by chance. After college, I had a few options: return to Arizona, go to Las Vegas, or stay in Colorado to work on a hospital expansion. I wasn’t particularly drawn to healthcare at the time, but I wanted to stay in Colorado—so I took the hospital job. That project ended up being a turning point. It was a technically complex expansion involving birthing suites and an emergency department. Seeing the hospital come to life and witnessing the first babies born there was incredibly moving. From that moment, I was hooked on healthcare construction.
Q: What are you particularly passionate about in healthcare construction?
Healthcare construction is deeply meaningful to me. These projects are technically challenging, constantly evolving, and they have a real impact on people’s lives. I’ve been in ICUs with family members; I’ve witnessed my children’s births—and now I help build the spaces where those moments happen. One of the most powerful experiences was working on Jacobs Medical Center for UC San Diego Health, where my neighbor later received advanced cancer care. We had talked during preconstruction about how that building could save lives—and it did. That kind of impact is why I’m so passionate about this work.
Building for the Future of Healthcare in Southern California
Q: What do you see as the future of healthcare construction?
The future is increasingly technology-driven. Patients and providers expect more—Wi-Fi, AV systems, integrated IT, and smarter ORs. The capabilities of both inpatient and outpatient facilities are expanding rapidly. At the same time, we’re being asked to build faster and more cost-effectively, despite rising complexity. There’s also a shift toward outpatient care and community-based facilities, while hospitals will focus on the most complex, high-acuity cases. Being able to deliver in both environments—efficiently and with quality—is going to be critical.
Q: What has been your favorite healthcare project?
That first hospital expansion project still stands out. It had everything—a great internal team, a collaborative client, a strong architect, and excellent subcontractors. We finished early, under budget, and with no major issues. It was the kind of project where everything just clicked. I still keep in touch with people from that job over 20 years later. It set the bar for what a successful project looks like, and I’ve been chasing that level of excellence ever since. Over the years, that pursuit has shaped our work on some highly impactful healthcare projects, such as DOCS Health Surgical Hospital, USC Keck Hospital, Sharp Coronado Hospital, Palomar Escondido Behavioral Institute, and Los Angeles County NoHo Integrated Care Clinic. Each one of reinforces our commitment to delivering spaces that support healing and innovation.
Leadership, Collaboration and Lessons Learned
Q: What skills or qualities do you think are most important for success in this market?
You have to be passionate about the deeper “why.” Healthcare projects are complex and stressful, and if you’re not invested in their purpose, it’s hard to push through the challenges. You also need to understand the unique drivers behind each project. Unlike commercial developments, hospitals often operate under different financial models—some are nonprofits, some are publicly traded, some are government-run. Understanding the mission behind the project—whether it’s community need, donor funding, or operational strategy—is essential to delivering the right solution. Our healthcare clients’ patients deserve the best, and I’m proud that Swinerton designs environments that help them deliver it.
Q: What innovations or changes do you hope to see in healthcare construction in the next 5–10 years?
I hope to see more collaboration across agencies and the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction community to cut through red tape and deliver projects more efficiently. Especially with initiatives like Prop 1, success will depend on our ability to bring these projects online quickly, affordably, and with the quality and safety required. We need to avoid repeating past challenges—like with seismic compliance mandates that didn’t fully materialize—and instead focus on measurable outcomes that truly improve access and care.
Leading with Purpose in Southern California
Q: What advice would you give younger professionals entering this industry and this market?
Stay curious and stay committed. Healthcare construction is not easy—it’s technical, highly regulated, and always changing. But it’s also incredibly rewarding. If you’re passionate about making a difference and willing to learn, this field offers a career full of purpose, challenge, and impact. And don’t underestimate the value of understanding the “why” behind each project—it will guide your decisions and keep you grounded when things get tough.
Swinerton delivers complex healthcare and life science facilities throughout Southern California and across the nation. From hospitals and outpatient centers to research and specialty care facilities, our teams bring technical expertise, collaborative partnerships, and patient-centered design to every project.
