At erstad, we believe that design can change lives—and the Idaho Youth Ranch “Hands of Promise” Center is a project that truly exemplifies this philosophy. Nestled on 258 acres in Caldwell, Idaho, this psychiatric residential treatment facility (PRTF) offers a safe and nurturing environment for at-risk youth, combining therapy, education, and residential support. As the first facility of its kind in Idaho, it fills a crucial gap in the state’s mental health services, and we are proud to have been a part of this transformative journey.
A Holistic Approach to Design
The design of the Idaho Youth Ranch Center was guided by one central idea: healing. Every detail of the project was designed with the youth in mind, from the layout of the campus to the materials and furniture in each room. Working alongside our partners at Cushing Terrell, The Land Group, and others, we aimed to create a space that felt secure yet welcoming—a place where healing could happen organically.
The campus itself features six key program elements, each in its own building: a Welcome Center, an Education Center with a year-round school, a Wellness Center offering individual and group therapy, a recreation building with a gym, a dining hall with a full-service kitchen, and several residential buildings. Together, these buildings form a supportive community, where youth can connect with nature, access therapeutic services, and build life skills.
Designing for Safety and Comfort
Designing a psychiatric treatment facility is no small feat. Balancing safety with comfort was a core challenge, and it informed nearly every decision we made. From our research, including interviews with IYR residents and their families, we learned that the space needed to feel like home while still being safe enough to support the mental health needs of the youth.
To address this, we incorporated custom-designed furniture with safety in mind. All pieces are non-movable, with rounded edges to reduce risk, and materials were selected for durability and ease of maintenance. We wanted the youth to feel safe and supported without it feeling like an institution. We also worked to include artwork and murals that inspire hope and growth, reflecting the metaphor of a journey—a key storytelling element that runs throughout the entire project.
A Journey Through Design
Storytelling is at the heart of our approach to design for this project. The metaphor of a journey guides the entire campus layout. From the physical paths between buildings to the nature-inspired murals in individual rooms, we wanted the youth to feel like they were on their own journey of growth and healing. The artwork throughout the facility represents this, offering a visual narrative that encourages resilience and empowerment.
By embedding this journey into the design, we created a space that is not only functional but also uplifting. Every building on the campus is designed in a rural ranch-style vernacular, connecting the facility with its Idaho roots. The campus feels like a part of the landscape—calm, open, and inviting.
More Than Just a Facility
The Idaho Youth Ranch “Hands of Promise” Center is more than just a psychiatric treatment facility; it is a place where young people can heal, grow, and build a brighter future. Beyond the therapeutic services offered, the campus provides education and life skills training, and even equine therapy, giving residents a holistic approach to their recovery.
Being a part of this project has been an incredible honor for the team at erstad. We’ve seen firsthand how design can shape experiences and change lives. The work we did at the Idaho Youth Ranch Center is a reflection of our commitment to creating environments that promote well-being, connection, and community.
Looking Forward
As we celebrate the completion of this facility, we remain dedicated to continuing our work in designing spaces that make a difference. The Idaho Youth Ranch “Hands of Promise” Center will stand as a beacon of hope for at-risk youth, offering them a safe place to heal and grow, and we are incredibly proud to have played a role in making this vision a reality.
Our partner from the Idaho Youth Ranch said it best,
“These remarkable facilities will truly transform the lives of the children we serve. erstad’s design exceeded all our expectations, and provided a safe and nurturing environment where Idaho’s youth can heal and thrive. Their attention to detail and understanding of our unique needs resulted in spaces that establish a new standard in meeting the needs of youth requiring residential mental health care. The space offers a sanctuary where youth can feel safe, supported, and empowered on their journey to recovery.”
Thank you to everyone who collaborated with us on this project, especially the Idaho Youth Ranch team, for trusting us to design such an important facility. This is more than a building; it’s a lifeline for Idaho’s youth.
Stay connected as we continue designing for wellness, growth, and community!