JLL Design transforms teen lounge at Shriners Children’s Chicago

CHICAGO, May 2, 2025 – In a hospital setting, thoughtful design directly impacts patient recovery, care and overall well-being of everyone using the space by creating environments that reduce stress, promote healing and enhance the quality of care delivered. JLL Design recently worked with Shriners Children’s Chicago, a pediatric specialty care provider on Chicago’s far west side, to transform the hospital’s teen lounge and billiard area into bright and energizing spaces.

“Shriners Children's Chicago is where hope and healing meet and this redesigned space for children and their families exemplifies that,” said Craig McGhee, Midwest Market Administrator at Shriners Children’s Chicago. “The treatment we provide is life-changing for many of our kids, and it’s incredibly important that we have a peaceful space that is designed to support their mental and physical health with child life activities, help them achieve goals in recreational therapy and encourage wellbeing for our patients and their families.” Since the redesign, the area has seen a huge rise in popularity with parents waiting for patients in therapy or surgery.

The space and the work that went into it is featured on the latest episode of Behind the Mystery/The Balancing Act airing on Lifetime TV.

“Watching leaders of industry like JLL, and our other incredible partners, pour their resources and hearts into our humble mission reminded me that true leadership isn’t measured by scale or status—but by the willingness to serve something greater than ourselves,” said Amy Robinson, Senior Producer of BrandStar Entertainment.

The new family and patient lounge strikes the balance between functionality and visual appeal, featuring a bright and lively aesthetic that uplifts spirits and brings people together. The redesigned space showcases carefully selected textiles that meet rigorous healthcare standards, ensuring both safety and comfort while creating a welcoming atmosphere that promotes healing and relaxation. Every element of the lounge has been thoughtfully curated to create a space that is not only visually pleasing but also conducive to the well-being of everyone in it.

“The redesigned lounge personifies how thoughtful design can positively impact the healing process for children facing serious illnesses,” said Christina Piper, Senior Vice President of Workplace Design at JLL Design. “I'm a huge believer in the power of the hope, treatment and support that Shriners Children’s provides and am incredibly proud of the work we did to contribute to the healing environment of the space. We’re honored to have been a part of this project that highlights JLL Design's commitment to creating transformative spaces that inspire and support people in various environments, including healthcare facilities.”

Social interaction and fostering community are paramount in good design, especially in a hospital setting. Recent JLL Research found that a top design trend for 2025 is people-centric design, focusing on the role of the built environments for experience, wellbeing and social interaction.

JLL Design delivers innovative solutions that transform spaces and inspire people, guided by creativity, global expertise and data-driven insights. With 600+ designers across 65 studios in over 30 countries, the team manages diverse projects spanning strategy, branding and interiors. JLL Design's comprehensive approach covers workplace, retail and hospitality, offering end-to-end support from concept to completion. Addressing complex design challenges, the expert team ensures spaces are functional, forward-thinking, and adaptable to evolving needs. Backed by JLL's extensive real estate ecosystem, JLL Design creates lasting value through transformative designs that enhance daily life and business performance. Learn more at JLL Design.

For more news, videos and research resources on JLL, please visit JLL’s newsroom.

Shriners Children’s improves the lives of children by providing pediatric specialty care, conducting innovative research, and offering outstanding education programs for medical professionals. Children with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate are eligible for care, regardless of the families’ ability to pay, and receive all care and services in a compassionate, family-centered environment. For more information, please visit shrinerschildrens.org.

Behind the Mystery™ is a recurring series on The Balancing Act® television show devoted to advocating for rare and genetic diseases. The series clarifies the often-complex issues by offering easy-to-understand explanations from top experts in the field through partnerships with foundations and pharmaceutical companies. We amplify the voices of patients, families, and advocates affected by rare diseases via our national television platform. Tune in to Behind the Mystery weekdays at 7:30 a.m. (ET/PT) on Lifetime® and find all previously aired episodes on TheBalancingAct.com/rare.