High Point, NC — October 22, 2025 — Carolina, an OFS company, returns as the Presenting Sponsor of the Healthcare Design Conference + Expo (HCD), on October 26–28, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri. This marks the company’s eighth consecutive year as presenting sponsor, reflecting its continued leadership in creating environments that nurture healing through thoughtful, human-centered design.
At this year’s conference, Carolina invites attendees to explore how future-forward design and hospitality-inspired care come together to create spaces that adapt to the evolving needs of patients, caregivers, and guests.
Design is the quietest form of care
The Carolina space at HCD embodies the belief that “design is the quietest form of care,” a philosophy that recognizes thoughtful, intentional design as a powerful act of compassion. Every element of the space has been purposefully crafted to demonstrate how design can quietly support healing, reduce stress, and enhance comfort for patients, families, and caregivers alike.
At its core, the space illustrates that when design works quietly in the background, it transforms healthcare environments into places of dignity, comfort, and calm. It is a living example of how design, when guided by compassion, becomes care itself.
“At Carolina, we believe that design is the quietest form of care,” said Stan Gray, VP of Healthcare at Carolina. “When we talk about care, we tend to think of actions, but design can speak care fluently without saying a word. Every curve, surface, and texture we craft is meant to ease the experience of those who heal, support, and serve.”
“Design is the quietest form of care” is brought to life through eight thoughtfully designed zones in the Carolina space. Each area demonstrates how subtle, intentional design decisions can quietly enhance healing, comfort, and connection across the continuum of care.
The waiting spaces, including arrival, secondary, pediatric, and family areas, create calm, welcoming environments that promote relaxation and connection for patients and visitors. The materials zone highlights innovation, sustainability, and tactile comfort, while the behavioral health wall focuses on safety, dignity, and emotional well-being. Hospitality and café spaces bring warmth and a sense of community to care settings. The patient suite and exam room show how comfort and function work together to support patients, families, and caregivers. Each space reflects the belief that thoughtful design can be a quiet, powerful form of care.
Featured highlights at HCD
Offshore lounge
Designed by Achella Design, the expanded Offshore collection builds on its original sleepover design to include lounge and tandem seating. Designed for durability, flexibility, and calm aesthetics, Offshore brings a cohesive sense of comfort to even the busiest healthcare spaces.
Elara modular enhancements
Designed by Thijs Smeets, Elara expands with new modular shapes, tablet, and arm options, giving designers greater freedom to create serene, adaptable environments. The next evolution of Elara will launch in 2026, further advancing its mission to bring comfort and calm to every space.
Phone Booth by ROOM x Carolina
The ROOM x Carolina Phone Booth combines healthcare-grade finishes with sustainable soundproofing to create a quiet, private retreat in healthcare settings. It enhances both patient privacy and caregiver well-being.
“Healthcare spaces often come with constant noise and limited privacy,” said Elyse Heckman, SVP Brand and Comms at ROOM. “By bringing the best of both the ROOM and Carolina brands together, we are creating thoughtful spaces that support patient privacy and foster caregiver wellbeing, leading to more inclusive, efficient facilities for all.” The ROOM x Carolina Phone Booth is set to launch in early 2026.
Vela textile collection
Developed specifically for healthcare environments, Vela is Carolina's first proprietary coated upholstery designed to balance performance, sustainability, and beauty. Available in nine colors, Vela offers a modern, high-performing solution crafted to meet the demands of today’s healing spaces.
“As we continue to expand our textile offering, we’re being very intentional about the resources we work with and how they align with the value we place on innovation, reduced environmental impact, and performance,” said Celia Yow, Textiles Program Manager at OFS. “Vela’s material design provides a beautiful, responsible option developed specifically for healthcare environments.”
A space designed with care, for care
The Carolina experience at HCD demonstrates that care can be integrated into every detail of design. Soft edges, soothing colors, and intuitive comfort blend seamlessly into the background of healing. It is in these quiet gestures that empathy is formed, compassion is tangible, and design is the quietest form of care.
About Carolina
For over 80 years, Carolina has designed and manufactured quality healthcare furniture for customers around the globe. Founded in 1947, Carolina has constantly evolved their products and expanded their knowledge to meet the needs of tomorrow’s challenges, as well as today’s. Carolina is based in High Point, NC, and was acquired by OFS in 2007. Due to the unique connection to OFS, Carolina can also draw from their full offering of products designed for administrative working spaces.
Media Contact
Brooke Lueken
blueken@ofs.com