Cleanability and Maintenance of Performance Fabrics in Healthcare: What Specifiers Need to Know Today
Health and wellness undoubtedly have become a trend in recent years, particularly in the face of a pandemic, but many product manufacturers and experts in the healthcare space have understood the importance of proper cleaning and maintenance to avoid the spread of bacteria and viruses. In this episode, Jane Rohde, principal of JSR Associates and representative for the American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designers, shares her insights on the development of research, performance standards and test methods as part of her work with the Durable Coated Fabrics Task Group. She’s joined by Bill Fisch, president of The Mitchell Group, that recently announced a strategic partnership with CloroxPro to test its products for cleanability and disinfection. Listen in as these industry veterans share insightful information with regards to the challenges with cleaning and disinfection of durable coated fabrics in healthcare settings.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
https://aahid.org/resources/durable-coated-fabrics/
https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/cleaning/disinfecting-bleach.html
https://mitchellfauxleathers.com/
https://www.iands.design/projects/healthcare-senior-living/article/21438830/a-deep-dive-into-fabric-performance-in-healthcare
Meet our guests:
Jane Rohde, AIA, FIIDA, ASID, ACHA, CHID, LEED AP BD+C, GGA – EB, is the founding principal of JSR Associates Inc. in Catonsville, MD. JSR Associates Inc. celebrates 25 years of consulting services in 2021. Jane is the recipient of the 2015 Environments for Aging Changemaker Award and in 2018 she received the ASID Design for Humanity Award, was recognized as an Honorary Alumni of Clemson University’s Architecture + Health program, and has been honored as one of 10 notable Women in Design. For more information or comments, please contact Jane Rohde at [email protected] or “Chat with Jane” at www.jsrassociates.net.
Bill was introduced to the coated fabric business in 1982 by his father, industry veteran Mitchell Fisch, after graduating from The University of Arizona with a BS in Marketing. In the 1990’s Bill led the growth of coated fabric-matched products to leather for residential furniture markets, making leather coverings in home furnishings more affordable to the consumer.
As president of Mitchell Fabrics, he leads the company’s product development from technical, fashion, and quality assurance perspectives. Bill is happily married to Ann Brunett, his partner at Mitchell; together they have four children and two really great dogs.
About the Author
Robert Nieminen
Chief Content Director
Chief Content Director, Architectural Products, BUILDINGS, and interiors+sources
Robert Nieminen is the Chief Content Director of three leading B2B publications serving the commercial architecture and design industries: Architectural Products, BUILDINGS, and interiors+sources. With a career rooted in editorial excellence and a passion for storytelling, Robert oversees a diverse content portfolio that spans award-winning feature articles, strategic podcast programming, and digital media initiatives aimed at empowering design professionals, facility managers, and commercial building stakeholders.
He is the host of the I Hear Design podcast and curates the Smart Buildings Technology Report, bringing thought leadership to the forefront of innovation in built environments. Robert leads editorial and creative direction for multiple industry award programs—including the Elev8 Design Awards and Product Innovation Awards—and is a recognized voice in sustainability, smart technology integration, and forward-thinking design.
Known for his sharp editorial vision and data-informed strategies, Robert focuses on audience growth, engagement, and content monetization, leveraging AI tools and SEO-driven insights to future-proof B2B publishing.