RDG Strengthens Healthcare Planning Practice with Strategic Hire

RDG Planning & Design has recently welcomed Alison Topp, AIA, ACHA, NCARB, LEED AP, as a healthcare planner and partner in its Omaha office. Topp joins RDG’s Healthcare Market with more than two decades of experience leading planning efforts for complex healthcare, research and clinical environments across Nebraska and national healthcare systems. Her addition reflects RDG’s continued investment in strengthening its healthcare planning and design capabilities to support evolving models of care and patient experience.

Topp brings a thoughtful, operationally grounded approach to healthcare planning shaped by years of collaboration with providers, clinicians and institutional leaders. Her work focuses on helping healthcare organizations navigate complex operational and planning challenges, translating evolving models of care into environments that better support patients, staff and long-term organizational goals. In addition to her experience in architectural practice, she brings a valuable perspective from working within a major healthcare system, giving her a deep understanding of the operational realities healthcare organizations face.

“Alison understands the complexity behind today’s healthcare environments and how thoughtful planning can support better outcomes for both providers and patients,” said RDG Healthcare Market Leader and Senior Partner Kerry Cheung, AIA, LEED Green Associate. “Her collaborative approach and deep understanding of clinical operations will strengthen the way we help healthcare organizations plan for the future.”

Throughout her career, Topp has guided planning efforts for major healthcare initiatives ranging from specialized clinical spaces to long-range campus development strategies. Her experience includes work on major initiatives such as the VA West Los Angeles Critical Care Center, Bryan Health’s East Campus Master Plan and emergency department expansion, and numerous planning and capital improvement projects for Nebraska Medicine and the University of Nebraska Medical Center. She is particularly recognized for her work in behavioral health and pediatric settings, as well as for her ability to guide planning efforts across active healthcare campuses and evolving operational systems.

“I’m excited to join a team that approaches design with curiosity and a strong sense of purpose,” said Topp. “The spaces where care happens can shape people’s experiences in lasting ways, and I’m looking forward to helping create environments that feel supportive, responsive and grounded in the needs of the people who use them every day.”

Topp holds a Master of Architecture and a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. She is a registered architect, a member of the American Institute of Architects and is certified by the American College of Healthcare Architects. In addition, Topp has served in multiple leadership roles with AIA Omaha and remains active in professional and community organizations focused on mentorship and healthcare design.