GB&D: Reimagining America’s Jail Design to Focus on Healing
By: Ken Ricci
Civic & Justice Business Development Leader, Ken Ricci, recently shared his unique insights into jail design, drawing on decades of experience. Ricci’s powerful perspective was shaped early in his career when he briefly locked himself in a jail cell, sparking his passion for creating more humane, rehabilitative environments.
Ricci’s designs have transformed detention facilities across the U.S., prioritizing safety, humanity, and sustainability. His approach integrates natural light, improved sightlines, and thoughtful acoustics to enhance the well-being of both occupants and staff, shaping jails into places for healing and growth.
Read more with GB&D here.
Ken Ricci, Vice President | Business Development Leader
As both architect and advocate, Ken has devoted his 40-year career to the programming, planning, and design of justice and correctional facilities throughout the country, leading clients and design professionals in restoring dignity to a justice system used by millions of individuals. A philosophy of humane design guides his work, courthouses, and detention centers (adult and juvenile) that promote human dignity, sustainability and normative behavior. Reach out to him at kricci@nelsonww.com.
Up next