Relaxation Awaits
A Look Inside the Newly Redesigned UH Wellness Center
The moment you step into the newly redesigned Wellness Center at UH, you’ll notice a series of thoughtful changes.
The dimmed and natural lighting.
The calming cool tones of the walls and surroundings.
The cozy bean bags that invite you to rest.
Every detail has been curated to create an atmosphere of relaxation.
At the heart of this transformation is Erica Solis, a proud 2022 UH alumna of the Graduate College of Social Work. Her interior design expertise has shaped not only the new Wellness Center but also several key spaces within her alma mater.
Solis, who designed seven unique spaces across the Graduate College of Social Work, shares how her journey led her to this pivotal role.
“It started during my internship at the college, where I helped create spaces that students had been wanting for a long time,” Solis said. “We transformed areas that had been underutilized, like the community closet, into vibrant, functional spaces.”
Solis explained that her involvement with UH Wellness began when Director of Wellness Reuben Parrish reached out after seeing her work and invited her to explore reimagining wellness spaces across campus.
“We did a walk-through and talked about what the team envisioned, and we also got student feedback. It was important that the redesign reflected what students wanted to see in their wellness spaces,” Solis said.
The new Wellness Center is more than just a space for students to decompress — it’s purposefully designed to support mental and physical well-being. Solis brought her background in social work and interior design to create an inclusive, supportive space that caters to a diverse student population.
“There’s a lot of research that shows how our physical surroundings affect us emotionally,” Solis shared. "We respond viscerally to things like color, texture and fabric, whether we’re conscious of it or not. I wanted to create a space that would feel both welcoming and invigorating. We also thought a lot about accessibility. Most of the electrical plugs are within easy reach, and we chose furniture that accommodates various body types and mobility needs. It was important to me to create a space that was as inclusive as possible.”
Erica Solis
Erica Solis
Notably, the space features artwork from current UH students, creating a personal touch and a sense of community within the center.
Notably, the space features artwork from current UH students, creating a personal touch and a sense of community within the center. Solis’s redesign also taps into broader trends in wellness design, which increasingly emphasize inclusivity, flexibility and intentionality. By incorporating elements like varied seating options, accessible plugs and calming colors, the center fosters an atmosphere that’s both functional and serene. Solis also points out the importance of disrupting traditional ideas about what wellness spaces should look like.
“A lot of the work I do is about transforming spaces and challenging the way we think about student environments,” she said. “In social work, we learn that everyone’s experience matters, and that’s reflected in the design of these spaces. We can’t leave anyone out of the conversation. I wanted students to feel like this was a place that truly belonged to them, where they could recharge and refocus.”
As the center’s director, Parrish is focused on how the redesign offers a variety of environments tailored to students’ needs.
“For students, this is a place to relax, chill and be in a serene environment,” Parrish explained. “They can come here to study, socialize or even take a nap. The front area is more for gathering with friends or working on group projects, while the classroom area is designed as a peaceful space where natural light fills the room, perfect for meditation or quiet reflection.”
Parrish highlights how the Wellness Center is both a standalone space and a model for future wellness initiatives across campus. “This location is based on research that shows mindfulness spaces are crucial for student well-being, and we’re excited that this will serve as a blueprint for similar spaces in other areas of campus.”
The redesigned Wellness Center is more than just an upgrade — it’s a reflection of UH’s ongoing dedication to student success, providing a sanctuary where students can unwind and recharge, prioritizing their mental health in an inclusive, thoughtful environment.
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