SPECTACLE
Issue One
01 02 03
AAH Strategy and Leadership
Understand the vision and mission of the Academy
AAH Sub-Committees
Find out about all the activities of the Academy
AAH Features
Healthcare Design Awards
2024 FAIA Elevation
U40 Winners
PDC Summit Student Challenge Recap
ACA DEMY
Cover image: PDC Summit Student Challenge Presentations. Photo by Natalie Norton.
ARCH ITECTURE.
ABOUT SPECTACLE
Spectacle is the official journal of the Academy of Architecture for Health celebrating healthcare environments and those who are passionate about their design and operation.
We invite you to join us on a journey to discover how our community is enhancing the built environment, improving the quality of life for patients and caregivers, and shepherding values of health and wellness into the future.
From the President’s Desk
As the President, I’m delighted to introduce you to Spectacle a remarkable publication from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Academy of Architecture for Health (AAH). Allow me to share more about this publication:
Spectacle transcends mere ink on paper; it’s a symphony of ideas and a kaleidoscope of knowledge. In each issue, we delve into the heart of healthcare architecture thru the eyes of the Academy. Just as spectacles bring clarity to vision, our hopes is that this publication will communicate a clear vision moving foward.
What’s Inside?
• Committee Deep Dives : Journey alongside our committee. From sustainability researchers to equity advocates, they share their triumphs, challenges and knowledge.
• Next-Gen Spotlight: Meet rising stars—the architects who’ll redefine healthcare through fresh perspectives they are outlining for the future.
• Education Extravaganza: Dive into our educational initiatives. From webinars to workshops, we empower architects with the latest tools, trends, and techniques.
• Awards Alchemy: Witness magic unfold as we honor outstanding projects. The Healthcare Design Awards spotlight innovations that heal, inspire, and transform.
• Conference Countdown: Mark your calendars! We spill the beans on upcoming conferences, where minds collide, and ideas ignite.
Spectacle appears into your inbox quarterly like a trusted messenger. It’s your backstage pass to the AAH. Between issues, stay connected through the AAH website and social media platforms.
Feel free to immerse yourself in the world of healthcare design through Spectacle.
Trott President
Michelle Trott AIA, ACHA Academy of Architecture for Health President
Michelle
From the AAH Communication Team
Welcome to the inaugural issue of the new journal dedicated to the Academy of Architecture for Health, where we celebrate the transformative power of design in healthcare environments. Within these pages, we aim to spotlight the visionary work of committees across the country who are at the forefront of advancing the healthcare built environment. From innovative facility architecture that prioritize patient well-being to research on sustainable healthcare practices, Spectacle will offer a platform to explore how design intersects with the delivery of healthcare.
This issue features an introduction of the current AAH Board and a reminder of our mission, values and objectives. We profile the current work and leaders of the sub-committees and share the recent HCD Design Award Winners and PDC student design challenge. We’re also excited to celebrate the newest U40 award winners and elevation of AAH Members to FAIA.
In 2024, the importance of thoughtful, purposeful healthcare design and operation has never been clearer. The Academy of Architecture for Health plays a pivotal role in shaping this landscape, bringing together architects, caregivers, and researchers to envision spaces that promote healing, efficiency, and person-centered care. Together, we will strive to tell the compelling stories of our peers and welcome suggestion of any prompts or topics to explore.
Eugene Damaso Board Member
Jen Cagide-Alexander Chair
Jenny Cestnik Co-Chair
AAH Strategy & Leadership
Providing knowledge which supports the design of healthy environments by creating education and networking opportunities for members of – and those touched by – the health care architectural profession
The Academy has undertaken a broad-based strategic planning process to better understand and serve member needs
Between March and November of 2016 the Academy’s Board consulted the membership – from most active to least involved – via interviews, focus groups, and a membershipwide survey to solicit input on current program value and improving its value proposition.
The Academy Board recognizes that this plan represents a way point on the road to the future, since it is clear the future practice of architecture will be profoundly different from today’s practice and will ultimately require a very different Academy. We therefore make changes which will provide a return in the short-, near-, and long-term. The strategic themes for the Academy are focus and discipline in execution while at the same time seeking and embracing the future of professional practice and healthcare delivery.
In 2022, following the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Board re-evaluated the strategies adopted in 2016, made necessary modifications, and adjusted the Board structure to better align with the current initiatives. The mission and vision remain.
The Academy of Architecture for Health is built on the shoulders of many of the giants of the healthcare design industry. Its 75+ year history is filled with many firsts, and it has served throughout its existence as the model ‘Knowledge Community’ for the American Institute of Architects.
The environment for professional associations (in general) and ours (in particular) is very different today than in the past, especially in terms of:
1. Time pressures
2. Value expectations
3. Member market structure
4. Generational differences
5. Competition, and
6. Technology.
With these and other factors in mind, the Academy Board set out to at the same time focus our efforts on what is important today and continue to develop the Academy’s future. The strategies, tactics, metrics and time frames which form this plan provide the road map for transformation of our association.
We welcome all who share our vision to join us on this journey.
2024 Board of Directors
Michelle Trott President
Executive Committee Member, oversees the Governance & Collaboration SubCommittees
Kenneth Webb Past President
Executive Committee Member, oversees the Operations & Recruitment SubCommittees
Southern Ellis President Elect
Executive Committee Member, oversees the Connections SubCommittees
Pierce McVey President Elect-Elect
Executive Committee Member, oversees the Codes & Standards SubCommittees
Roderic Walton Board Member
Oversees the Education SubCommittees
Eugene Damaso Board Member
Oversees the Marketing & External Visibility SubCommittees
Karthik Ramadurai Board Member
Oversees the Recognition SubCommittees
Corie Baker Board Member
Oversees the Conferences SubCommittees
Mission + Vision
The Mission Statement of the Academy outlines the reason for the Academy’s existence:
The AIA Academy of Architecture for Health provides knowledge which supports the design of healthy environments by creating education and networking opportunities for members of – and those touched by –the healthcare architectural profession.
The Academy’s vision, which is what we hope to achieve by executing on our mission:
Together, we will improve the world by serving as the authoritative voice for the design of healthy environments, leading the way to effective future practice, and advocating with those who share our goals
Strategic Focus Area 1: Initiatives
We Provide Networking Opportunities for our members via conferences and events.
We Educate Our Industries about healthcare architecture.
We Communicate on these topics with our members using a mix of passive and active vehicles.
Strategic Focus Area 2: Talent
Provide clarity to the membership experience to efficiently use member time at whatever level they may wish to commit,
Provide continuity via a clear pathway for progressive commitment to the Academy and its work by members.
Empower Committee Chairs to serve as extenders of governance and to complete all tasks associated with their appointment.
Strategic Focus Area 3: Leadership
Providing More Knowledge, Easily Accessed, for those we wish to connect (inwardlooking),
Connecting with and Influencing Others whether their interest is passive or active and orientation internal or external, and
Serving as the Voice of Healthcare Architecture within and without, communicating the power of design to inspire and improve health.
Strategic Focus Area 4: Organization/ Governance
Align Academy Governance better with the delivery of its work on behalf of members,
Improve Governance Functionality by making it more transparent, lean, and supported by strong committees and local components, and
Better Connect the Local and National Membership Experience by providing value to local component committees (connections and collaboration are facilitated), and
Secure access to the resources required for a sustainable future and optimize investment value.
Sub Committees
As a knowledge community of the AIA the Academy of Architecture for Health undertakes an effort to ensure that all are engaged with the broader healthcare design industry.
AIA AAH Organization 2024
Board Member
Roderic Walton
Education
Webinars
Rita Ho Research
Marjorie Brown & Asma Sanaee
Board Member
Eugene Damaso
Marketing & External Visibility
Communication
Jen Cagide- Alexander Jenny Cestnik
AAH Spectacle
Jen Cagide-Alexander & Jenny Cestnik
Board Member
Karthik Ramadurai
Board Member
Corie Baker
Recognition Conferences
Design Awards
Hans Walter HCD
U40 Awards
Alison Leonard Fellows & Scholars
Shary Adams
Sara Shumbera PDC
Akshay Sangolli SLS
Wenz Tuttle
Sustainability developed across committees
Diversity Inclusion
Goals developed across committees
Operations + Recruitment Governance + Collaborations
Nominating
The Nominating Committee will consider candidates for membership on the Board, including recommendations from the general Academy membership, as solicited via official AIA communications. The Nominating Committee shall present their selection to the full Board in advance of the November Board meeting, for approval at the November Board meeting. Upon approval by the AIA (targeted by the December board meeting), new Board member(s) shall be notified by the Past President of their election to the Board. New Board members will be announced in January at the beginning of their term.
Outreach
The Outreach Committee identifies influential organizations involved in the creation of healthcare environments and in health and healthcare delivery, policy, strategy and research with whom the Academy can collaborate. By establishing new or strengthening existing relationships with these groups, the Outreach Committee expands knowledge of critical policy and other issues important to our members and clients and shares Academy viewpoints with these other groups. We collaborate with these groups to create joint projects that will improve the quality of healthcare design and the design of healthy communities.
Committees of the AAH Board
Additional committees under Operations + Recruitment and Governance + Collaborations are primarily focused on the successful organization and engagement of AAH.
• Sponsorship
• AIA Appointments
• Volunteers (Talent Development)
• Financial + Legal
C2C Mentorship
The mission of the AAH Colleague to Colleague Mentorship program is to empower a diverse cross-section of professionals within the health design field through an intentional community fostering growth, networking, and leadership creation.
This year’s program will have nine monthly sessions on a variety of industry-focused topics that gives a broad overview of our profession to each participant. Attendees are organized into smaller vertical pods led by industry leaders/mentors discussing each of these topics in-depth to further the learning process.
Focus topics include
• Healthcare System Types
• Career Pathways
• Involvement in Professional Organizations
• Specialty Health Project Types
• Healthcare Codes
• Firm Structures + Organization
• Business Development + Networking
• Medical Planning + Operations
Jill Bergman Co-Chair
Steve Langston Co-Chair
Committee Members
Brenna Costello, Southern Ellis, Michelle Trott, Karthik Ramadurai , Andres Mitchell, Isabella Rosse
2024 Pod Mentors
Jeff Galvin, Steve Templet, Brad Fink, Tripti Singh, Peter Bardwell, Bob Yohe, Thinh Nguyen, and Stephen Parker
2024 Program Candidates
Arkar Hein, Christa Quintana, Pranav Shauche, Geselle Neal, Anchal Bhaskar, Jenna Pultorak, Dani Kolker, Hao Huang, Licha Liu, Malina Pickard, Madilyn Dubois, Judith Kanara, Alexus Davis, Prerana Kamat, Dayemi Garcia, and Chris Daelo
Components Council
The mission of the AAH Components Council is to establish a more visible and recognized regional presence for the Academy for Architecture for Health (AAH) through the recruitment of prospective academy members and to provide educational and networking opportunities to our current members. It is to serve as the network for all local AAH Knowledge Community (KC) components, to advise AAH leadership on its mission and challenges, and to create a potential path to national leadership.
The vision of the AAH Components Council is that this group is a conduit for change and working diligently to improve quality in healthcare. It will bring issues and raise awareness of regional challenges and opportunities and be focused both on what we practice and how we practice.
Focus Areas
• Marketing and Branding: Enhance exposure and awareness of local activities, exchange expertise and resources.
• Committee Structure: Operational manuals, bi-laws or other resources and partnerships with other organizations.
• Awareness: Discuss efforts to increase awareness of local components.
• Finances & Sponsorship Strategies: Local AIA is involvement in AAH components and sponsorships for programs and activities.
Goals
• Monthly Meetings
• Recurring agenda items at each meeting : JEDI + Climate
• National Updates at meetings
• Promote each other’s KC events
• Support new KCs
• Engage/Develop Next Gen
Marybeth Dietz Co-Chair
Angela Holcomb Co-Chair
Christopher Haedt Co-Chair
Component Council Locations
Local councils are located across the country, many serving multiple cities and states. AAH and Local AAH Components can collaborate through:
• Education: Speakers, Webinars, Online Resources
• Networking Opportunities: Conference, Visibility
Codes + Standards
The AAH Codes and Standards committee focuses on education and advocacy of the various codes and standards that are commonplace in the healthcare environment. Backed by data, research and science, the intent is to create a platform that encourages and supports code revisions that will ultimately improve patient satisfaction and outcomes. The committee actively participates in various code development groups including FGI (Facility Guidelines Institute Guidelines for Design and Construction), IBC (International Building Code), NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code), and NFPA 99 (Health Care Facilities Code) as well creating and distributing white papers and hosting webinars on topics of importance applicable to healthcare
Past Year’s Events
• Submitted proposal language for the 2026 FGI Guidelines
• Hosted webinar for NextGen
• Hosted webinar on codes and regulations through the Academy
• Presented at ASHE PDC:
• “Navigating the Labyrinth of Health Care Codes”
• “How Suite it is”
Tina Duncan Chair
Communications + Spectacle
Communications
The committee’s goal is to foster greater communication between members through social media channels. We focus communications on current issues in the health care market, and highlights of upcoming Academy events and programs. Close coordination with the Academy Board and all committees results in up-to-date connections to the healthcare industry
Spectacle
Spectacle is the official journal of the Academy of Architecture for Health celebrating healthcare environments and those who are passionate about their design and operation. The committee works with other sub committees to find relevant stories on enhancing the built environment, improving the quality of life for patients and caregivers, and shepherding values of health and wellness into the future.
Jen Cagide-Alexander Chair
Jenny Cestnik Co-Chair
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion
The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion committee aims to partner with AAH committees and community partners in order to advance its mission and goals through series of engagements designed to advance more equitable thought leadership and position ourselves for the next chapter of our evolution.
What does success look like? Here are our goals:
To forge deeper partnerships with enhanced equity among healthcare stakeholders.
To empower patient stakeholders to contribute their unique knowledge and perspectives to healthcare design processes and outcomes, ensuring culturally competent and responsive healthcare environments.
To advocate for the dismantling of structural barriers that prevent access to high quality healthcare.
To share research and best practices that demonstrate the tangible benefits of integrating equitable design principles into healthcare design, serving as a catalyst for transformative change.
To cultivate a pipeline of diverse design professionals fostering a new generation of leaders who prioritize inclusivity and social justice in the built environment.
Roderic Walton Chair
HCD
The Academy of Architecture for Health Healthcare Design Expo and Conference Committee is committed to being the liaison for the Academy to the conference providers and other industry partners. The committee strives to support the marketing, development and education of all Academy members, which includes both emerging and longstanding memberships. Members of this committee collaborate with Center for Health Design and Emerald Logistics to coordinate and/or select: Regular sessions, Deep Dive session, Forums, STERIS Student Design Charrette and On-site tours at the annual Healthcare Design Conference.
The Academy’s Program Committee members typically include the Board member whose is liaison to conferences and the PresidentElect; the President may also participate, should the Academy decide to designate three members. Typically, the participants receive their assigned share of presentation abstracts in January, to review prior to an in-person meeting where the group reviews the submissions as a whole.
Student Design Charrette
The Academy sponsors, with the financial backing of STERIS Corporation, a student design charrette in which up to four schools of architecture participate in a design problem. The students then are also able to attend most of the conference events.
Academy Update and Reception
The Update provides an opportunity to brief Academy members and interested parties as to the workings of the Academy. A reception following the Update provides networking opportunities.
Sara Shumbera Chair
SLS
The Summer Leadership Summit is co-organized by AAH and the American College of Healthcare Architects (ACHA). At this Summit leadership from AAH and ACHA gather with their Board and committee members to celebrate the current and plot the future initiatives.
This year’s Summer Leadership Summit was held in Denver in July. Each year a new topic is explored, giving the leaders in health care an opportunity to discuss the wide ranging implication of current and future trends and how they may impact the ever-changing landscape of Healthcare. This year’s topic dove into how new technologies in our increasingly virtual world are affecting our communities and how will our institutions harness these new technologies to impact health outcomes.
Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) are impacting health care, the architecture profession, and the world around us in exciting and potentially concerning ways. As our world becomes more virtual and artificial, how do we stay grounded while still benefiting from the latest advancements in health care technology and innovation?
Attendees explored recent AI advances in architecture and health care, examine the near-future of our evolving virtual world, and outline the opportunities and risks for our changing, computer-driven landscape.
2024 Sessions
• Ethical Architecture in AI-Driven Healthcare
• The Foundations & Applications of AI in Healthcare
• State of the Art Healthcare Service Delivery with AI - Powered Logistics Automation
• How AI is Changing the Way We Package, Price, & Pay for Healthcare
• Next Generation Panel: The Promises & Barriers of AI-Powered Healthcare
• Design Professionals & Responsible Leadership in the AI Revolution
Wenz Tuttle Chair
PDC
The committee’s mission is to continually evaluate and improve the quality and participation of this conference by providing outstanding educational content and networking opportunities for the profession. This committee is a liaison for the Academy to the conference providers and partners helping to provide guidance in the development of educational content and networking opportunities with the goal of increasing quality and attendance to this event within the broader profession. Opportunities to further these goals include the development, planning, and coordinating of: conference educational content, pre-conference deep dive sessions, project tours, and the student design charrette.
Academy representatives to the PDC planning committee consist of the President (or his/her appointee), and the Board member who is liaison to Conferences.
The five Academy representatives to the abstract review task force will be appointed by the President, in consultation with the Board member who is liaison to Conferences. Their work effort on the committee is to provide insights into healthcare trends and topics, and then read/review/reject/accept presentation abstracts after they are compiled by ASHE staff.
Student Design Competition
The Academy sponsors a student design competition in which schools of architecture, engineering, construction management and nursing participate in a design problem. The students then are also able to attend most of the conference events.
Academy Update and Reception
The Update provides an opportunity to brief Academy members and interested parties as to the workings of the Academy. A reception following the Update provides networking opportunities.
Akshay Sangolli Chair
Design Awards
The Design Awards Committee promotes and encourages excellence in healthcare design through the annual awards program. The program seeks to elevate healthcare architecture by creating a platform for work that is visible and accessible to both practitioners and the public. Using the AIA Design Excellence Framework, the awards encourage innovation, sustainable design, health equity and integrated solutions the program promotes architecture as a vital component to providing patient-centered healthcare. Committee members nominate potential jurors, plan the awards ceremony at SLS, coordinate outreach, edit publications and assist other AIA knowledge communities with case studies and webinars that broaden the awards program impact to the larger architectural community.
Hans Walter Chair
Next Gen
As part of the Academy of Architecture for Health’s mission to support and empower the next generation of healthcare design leaders, the NextGen Committee exists to connect emerging professionals and provide resources for learning, networking, and growth throughout the early years of their career. Our goal is to provide a venue for early-career professionals to connect with each other, share resources and opportunities, and provide mentorship and knowledge-sharing. The NextGen group is comprised of early-career professionals, students, and aspiring architects, and is open to individuals within the first ten years of their career.
On a bimonthly basis, members meet for virtual “NextGen Forums” featuring guest presenters, panel sessions, and discussions related to various topics within healthcare design. We partner with other AAH subcommittees and thought leaders to provide educational opportunities and insight into aspects of practice, research, career paths, and more, as well as to promote opportunities for mentorship and advancement such as scholarships, fellowships, research, and resources for practice. In addition to these virtual forums, each year the NextGen group hosts in-person presentations and interactive sessions at conferences including ASHE PDC, the Summer Leadership Summit, and the HCD Conference & Expo. These sessions are oriented toward important topics for the next generation of design leaders, but are open to all conference attendees, and draw wide participation.
The AAH NextGen Committee not only serves an important role in helping emerging professionals navigate the early stages of their careers, but also to connect with the broader healthcare design community and step into further leadership roles. By providing our members with opportunities for career advancement, including leadership and speaking opportunities, conference attendance, networking, and education, we seek to bridge the gap between established professionals and the next generation, ensuring the success of our profession’s future leaders
This past year, the AIA AAH NextGen committee hosted a series of impactful virtual forums every other month, covering crucial topics such as mental and behavioral health, networking, certifications and accreditations, ARE and licensure, codes, and mentorship. In addition to these online sessions, we also organized engaging and informative presentations and panel discussions at HCD and PDC, fostering professional growth and collaboration within the healthcare architecture community. These activities provided invaluable opportunities for learning, networking, and career development for our members.
Additionally, this year represented a period of transformative growth for the NextGen Committee, with the expansion of our leadership team from two co-leaders to a team of elected members in a rotating board structure. Our expanded reach and attendance has also provided avenues for other volunteers to serve in “liaison” roles interfacing with other groups and committees within the AAH and beyond. This July, for the first time, the NextGen committee will gather in person for their first annual leadership meeting at the Summer Leadership Summit in Denver, Colorado.
Jack Reed Chair (Outgoing)
Dani Kolker Vice-Chair (Incoming Chair)
Vice-Chair)
Kierstyn Feldlavy C2C Mentorship (Programming Incoming)
(Outgoing)
Past Year’s Events
• Virtual Forum 09/23: Codes & Standards
• HCD 2023, New Orleans: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion – From Stories to Spaces
• Virtual Forum 11/23: ARE & Licensure
• Virtual Forum 01/24: Behavioral Health
• PDC 2024, San Diego: The Future of EnergyEfficiency in Healthcare – Net Zero and Beyond
• Virtual Forum 03/24: Speed Networking
• Virtual Forum 05/24: Accreditations & Certifications
• Virtual Forum 07/24: Neuro-Architecture
• SLS 2024, Denver: Visioning & planning for 2025, and inducting new leadership
Kinjal Shah Programming (Incoming
Connor Crist Outreach
Geselle Neal Operations
Calise Gritters Sustainability
Rosemary Nelson Webinars
Hao Huang Education (Incoming)
Sanchali Dutta C2C Mentorship (Incoming)
Winston Yuen International
Kaitlin Laustsen Marketing
Wenz Tuttle Advisory
Anuya Sant Codes & Standards
Research
The Research Initiatives Committee was formed in 2009 to promote research-based architectural practice to Academy members, and to improve the quality (and quantity) of design research through improved dialogue between Practitioners and Researchers. Focused efforts have been grouped int CHD Knowledge Repository Support, Case Studies, and Analytics with the aspiration to create equitable access to metrics for all.
Center for Health Design Knowledge Repository Support
AAH has partnered with CHD on the continued maintenance and development of the Knowledge Repository as a sponsor.
Case Study Library
With the support of Clemson University A+H program and design firm volunteers, the Case Study Library is a consistent formatted archive of award-winning healthcare projects, available for owners and designers to access current industry trends, design attributes, and adjacencies. The library grows with each year’s award winners and has surpassed 50 projects.
Analytics
More focused study surrounds the development of a consistent methodology for comparing metrics in hospital and clinic projects. The committee aims to develop an industry benchmarking standard in a standardized reporting format. Data analysis goes beyond typical architectural metrics to include timelines and trends, and ultimately understand the “why” behind them. Updates are presented annually at HCD.
AAH Case Study Library
Asma Sanaee Co-Chair
Marjorie Brown Chair
Example comparative data study on clinic net square foot to total usable net square feet
Scholarship + Fellowships
The Scholarships & Fellowships committee is responsible for the AIA-AAH Arthur N. Tuttle fellowship focused on Health Facility Planning and Design, the AIA-ACHA Summer Leadership Summit (SLS) Next Generation Scholars and the MillerKnoll Scholarship.
The Tuttle Fellowship is offered by the American Institute of Architect’s Academy of Architecture for Health. It is connected but separate from the Griffin/McKahan/Zilm (GMZ) Fellowship which is offered by the Foundation for Health Environments Research ( FHER). While both fellowships are independent from each other, they are joined by a similar application process, and coordinated in a collaboration between AIA-AAH and FHER teams. Each fellowship has specific requirements with the Tuttle leaning more towards advancing knowledge of the built environment specifically, planning and design for healthcare environments while GMZ leans more towards research related to healthcare programming and planning.
AIA-ACHA Summer Leadership Summit (SLS) Next Generation Scholars recipients will receive complimentary registration, support towards travel/ hotel and be recognized during the event. They will also be paired with an AAH or ACHA member mentor who will connect and assist them in navigating the conference and providing general support. This scholarship program is part of the AIA Academy of Architecture for Health and the American College of Healthcare Architects’ continuing commitment to excellence in healthcare architecture and support of young architects.
The MillerKnoll Scholarship is associated with AIA-AAH and sponsors emerging professionals seeking licensure to attend HCD. The Scholars Program has been made available through Herman Miller, and now MillerKnoll, for nearly 25 years. Each selected recipient will receive a full conference pass and support from travel and other costs. This scholarship program is part of MillerKnoll’s continuing commitment to excellence in health care architecture and support of recent graduates and newly licensed architects.
Notes
The committee would like to recognize all the Jurors who have participated and donated their time to review the applicants and provide recommendations for selection.
The committee is looking to broaden its reach including more schools to participate
Shary Adams Chair Alison Leonard Co-Chair
Sustainability
The sustainability committee aims to partner with other AAH committees to create alignment between the AAH and AIA’s broader sustainability goals. The committee will help elevate the adoption of those goals within the AAH membership by bringing a healthcare lens to resources that already exist, providing education on emerging trends in sustainable healthcare design, and increasing communication regarding our successes and progress. We aim to help AAH membership take meaningful actions to improving the health and wellness impacts and reducing the environmental impacts of all healthcare projects.
Amber Wirth Chair
U40 Awards
The U40 List is an award to celebrate individuals making a significant contribution to the advancement of health facilities design. Each year up to two individuals will be selected to have their names added to the distinguished U40 List. The U40 List recipients will also receive complimentary registration and a travel expense stipend to attend the AAH/ACHA Summer Leadership Summit in person in July.
The U40 List is designed to recognize the emerging leaders and the movers and shakers in the healthcare design industry who are involved in advancing the creation of healing environments. The U40 List is not limited to architects - any individual (researcher, educator, engineer, planner, etc.) who has worked on healthcare-related projects or research for at least the past 5 years is eligible.
The U40 List nominees should display these characteristics:
• Leadership – Nominees have taken on leadership roles within their firm or community in a way that contributes to advancing healthcare facility design.
• Innovation – Nominees look like an up-and-coming change maker in the industry and push beyond the industry norm.
• Active Dissemination of Ideas – Nominees embrace initiatives that go beyond project responsibilities and work towards advancing the industry. Examples could include sharing ideas as thought leaders via white papers, conferences, or articles.
• Alignment with AIA Values, Goals and Standards – Nominees exemplify the AIA values and are working toward carrying them forward into the future.
U40 Winners
Alison Leonard Chair
2024 Angela Kolosky, AIA, ACHA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C and Saleh Kalantari, PH.D
2023 Stephen Parker, AIA, NCARB
2022 Holly Harris, AIA, LEED AP BD+C and Troy Savage, MEnvSci, MDiv, EIT
2021 Sara Bayramzadeh, Ph.D., M.Arch. and Alison Leonard, AIA, CHID, EDAC
2020 Marybeth Dietz, AIA
2019 Colleen Newland, AIA, EDAC, LEED AP and Parini Mehta, AIA, LEED AP
2018 Diana Anderson, MD, M.Arch, LEED AP and Akshay Sangolli, AIA, EDAC, LEED AP BD+C
2017 Jhiah Chang, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, EDAC and Hao Duong, AIA, LEED AP
2016 Joaquim Meira, Intl. Assoc. AIA and Tammy Thompson, AIA
2015 Brandy Olsen and Erin Peavey, AIA, EDAC, LEED AP BD+C
Webinars
The Webinars Committee helps fill the healthcare continuing education needs of:
Established design professionals – provoking interest in deeper dives into:
• Emerging healthcare design best practices
• Case studies of award-winning designs
• Outside-the-box topics on architecture for health
Those not so well established – offering webinars dedicated to fundamentals including:
• Patient Safety
• Evidence-based design
• National codes and guidelines
The committee presents eleven, one-hour HSW-certified sessions each year. Lead committee members identify presenters, guide them through the production process, and moderate on-air sessions.
Follow the AAH Discussion Board for future event notices and registration
Past Webinar Topics
• Nature at the center
• An Integrated Approach to Planning the new Austin State Hospital
• Urban Nomads
• Leveraging the Gap: Improving Project Delivery Through Off-Site Manufacturing (in conjunction with NexGen)
• Advanced Technology & Robotics
• Future-proofing Emergency Departments: Adaptable Environments for Supporting Community Crises
• Sustainability/Net Zero Kaiser Project
• How the Clinical, Regulatory, and Built Environment will Shape the Future of Behavioral Health
• Career Development - What is the profession doing to help new architects & those getting ready to retire to prepare for leadership transition
• Inclusion, Equity and Diversity in Health
• Operating Room Design: Using an Evidence-based Design Process
• Public Health’s Role in Improving Healthy Built Environments
• Changes in 2022 FGI Guidelines
• Pediatric Healthcare Design
Rita Ho Chair
How to Join a Sub-Committee
Interested in joining a subcommittee? Reach out to our Committee chairs to learn how you can contribute, add value to our knowledge community, and increase your impact and network.
C2C Mentorship
Codes + Standards
Communications +
Spectacle
Components Council
Design Awards
Equity Diversity Inclusion
HCD Conference
Next Gen
PDC Conference
Research
Scholarships + Fellowships
SLS Conference
Sustainability
U40
Webinars
Jill Bergman
Steve Langston
Tina Duncan
Jen Cagide-Alexander
Jenny Cestnik
Angela Holcomb
Marybeth Dietz
Chris Haedt
Hans Walter
Roderic Walton
Sara Shumbera
Jack Reed
Akshay Sangolli
Asma Sanaee
Marjorie Brown
Shary Adams
Wenz Tuttle
Amber Wirth
Alison Leonard
Rita Ho
Jill.Bergman@hdrinc.com
Steve_Langston@rlfae.com
TDuncan@hksinc.com
Jennifer.CagideAlexander@hdrinc.com
Jenny.Cestnik@zgf.com
AHolcomb@tvsdesign.com
Marybeth.Dietz@smithgroup.com
CHaedt@designgroup.us.com
HWalter@dlrgroup.com
RWalton@moodynolan.com
Sara.Shumbera@perkinswill.com
JReed@eypae.com
ASangolli@pagethink.com
ASanaee@e4harchitecture.com
Eliason@comcast.net
Shary_Adams@Gensler.com
WenzTuttle@beckarchitecture.com
AWirth@hksinc.com
ALeonard@CannonDesign.com
Rita.C.Ho@kp.org
AAH Features
Explore the best of Summer 2024 with AAH and celebrate the innovative work, ideas, and accolades of our leaders and next generation.
2024 HEALTHCARE DESIGN AWARDS
Winship Cancer Institute at Emory Midtown
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, Atlanta
The award-winning design for Winship Cancer Institute at Emory Midtown in Atlanta personalizes the cancer treatment experience, providing top-notch care while remembering the humanity of patients and their loved ones.
VA Palo Alto Medical Center, Radiology Center
SmithGroup, Palo Alto, Calif.
The award-winning design for VA Palo Alto Medical Center, Radiology Center in Palo Alto, Calif. prioritizes care for veterans who have experienced mental and physical trauma in an intentionally peaceful, patientcentered environment.
The University of California, Davis Medical Center, California Tower
SmithGroup, Sacramento, Calif.
The award-winning design for The UC Davis Medical Center, California Tower in Sacramento, Calif. uses local geography and artists to enhance its space and sense of welcome while delivering the quality health care services to which patients are accustomed.
Kyle Jeffers Photography
VStudios3D LLC Photography
Dave Burk Photography
The Massachusetts General Hospital Phillip and Susan Ragon Building
NBBJ, Boston
The award-winning design for The Massachusetts General Hospital Phillip and Susan Ragon Building in Boston brings a sustainable update to a storied medical institution and integrates community needs and wishes as it plans for the future.
River People Health Center SmithGroup, Scottsdale, Az.
The award-winning design for River People Health Center in Scottsdale, Az. extends its community’s life expectancy, workforce self-sufficiency, and environmental stewardship in a culturally responsible way.
Nixon Forensic Center at Fulton State Hospital
Page, Fulton, Mo
The award-winning design for Nixon Forensic Center at Fulton State Hospital in Fulton, Mo. changes the course of a previously failing facility into a safe, welcoming, high-functioning treatment space for patients and staff.
NBBJ Photography
Kevin Korczyk Photography
David Sundberg/Esto Photography
Montage Health Ohana Campus
NBBJ, Monterey, Calif.
The award-winning design for Montage Health Ohana Campus in Monterey, Calif. creates a sense of extended family and nature-based healing for children, adolescents, and families receiving mental health treatment.
Howard Brown Health Halsted
Eckenhoff Saunders, Chicago
The award-winning design for Howard Brown Health Halsted in Chicago creates a prominent hub for myriad health care and other services, honoring the character of its iconic LGBTQ+ neighborhood and its residents.
Essentia Health St. Mary’s Medical Center
EwingCole, Duluth, Minn.
The award-winning design for Essentia Health St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, Minn. combines new construction with historic buildings that intertwine seamlessly to serve its rural community.
Darris Lee Harris Photography
Halkin/Mason Photography, LL
Amy Tang Photography
Emory Executive Park Musculoskeletal Institute (EMSK)
HKS, Atlanta
The award-winning design for Emory Executive Park Musculoskeletal Institute (EMSK) in Atlanta makes it the trusted source for community spine and orthopedic care, allying with neighboring healthcare facilities and local sports teams in a space that physically represents its specialty.
Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU’s Children’s Tower
HKS, Richmond, Va.
The award-winning design for Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU’s Children’s Tower in Richmond, Va. centralizes care facilities from across its system and caters specific spaces to the different age groups it serves based on input from these stakeholders.
Explore more on the 2024 award winners https://www.aia.org/healthcare-design-award-2024
Tom Harris Photography
Garrett Rowland, courtesy of HKS
THE ACADEMY CELEBRATES OUR NEWEST MEMBERS HONORED AS FAIA
Roderic Walton, FAIA
Roderic believes design has a responsibility to provide solutions that are insightful and compassionate. His approach aligns architecture with advocacy and always asks the question, “what can I do to make a difference?” As a Principal at Moody Nolan, Roderic brings almost 30 years of experience focused on healthcare projects. His work, presentations, and community engagement strategies are immersed in enhancing the experience of patients in underserved areas across the nation. He has a steadfast devotion to providing better outcomes for marginalized healthcare patients, regardless of the circumstances in which one is born, or where one lives. Both inside the firm and out in the world, Roderic is a thought leader, trusted advisor to his clients, and a bold representative for his communities.
His voice has become a transformative agent for change in how architecture is practiced. Roderic holds a master’s degree in architecture from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and actively participates in local and national organizations including NOMA, AAH and AIA.Roderic was elevated to the American Institute of Architects College of Fellows. A profound honor, his submission focused on service to society. Advocacy through service is a core value that has guided his almost-thirty-year career. Throughout his journey, he has strived to establish meaning and purpose through practice. This is exemplified by aligning diversity, equity, and inclusion with healthcare design.
Being elevated to the College of Fellows serves as a powerful validation of his efforts to contribute to the profession with a focus on equity and representation. This resonates with him considering the early voices who doubted his potential as an openly gay Black man. There were times when he internalized this sentiment by doubting himself and questioning his purpose. Over time, he learned to use this internal conflict to forge a path forward in the profession.
This is personal for him; becoming a voice for those who feel like, and in many cases are, outside observers looking in on a profession that has not always welcomed them. It took many years to establish an identity that allows him to remain true to himself and feel comfortable and confident that who he is enough.
Due to these struggles, this recognition signifies overcoming adversity and staying true to his principles. Roderic says, “I am deeply grateful to those who believed in me and offered support throughout my journey.”
Jill Bergman, FAIA
Jill Bergman, FAIA, FACHA, EDAC, LEED AP, senior health strategist at HDR, has been elevated to the American Institute of Architects’ College of Fellows. One of AIA’s highest distinctions, the College recognizes AIA members who exemplify excellence for their exceptional work and contributions to architecture and society.
During Bergman’s over 30-year career, she has inspired many through her advocacy, mentorship, and knowledge sharing. She has held sustained leadership positions in professional organizations both locally and across the U.S., including the AIA/Academy of Architecture for Health, AIA San Francisco Chapter, the Foundation for Health Environments Research, the Association of Medical Facility Professionals, and the American College of Healthcare Architects.
“I have had the pleasure to closely follow Jill’s remarkable career path from a young healthcare professional to a proven leader among her peers,” said James R. Diaz, FAIA, FACHA, principal emeritus at kmd architects, who sponsored Bergman’s elevation to AIA Fellow. “Her passionate voice and sound counsel always carry great weight and deliver positive impacts on both current and future generations of architects.”
Bergman’s passion for service and mentorship and her desire to advance personal and professional development opportunities for her colleagues and peers is integral to her career and commitment to the healthcare design profession. In 2023, Bergman was also elevated to the ACHA College of Fellows.
“We have all benefited greatly from Jill’s selfless commitment to advancing our profession,” said HDR President of Architecture Doug Wignall, FAIA. “She is the consummate advocate, consistently dedicating her time and talents to advance the tenets upon which AIA was founded: to advance our nation’s quality of life and protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare.”
Based in HDR’s San Francisco architecture studio, Bergman’s project experience and knowledge cover all aspects of healthcare architecture and design, from academic medical campuses to specialty care facilities. She is a trusted partner for our clients and an astute leader of large teams for complex projects.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2024 U40 AWARD WINNERS
Angela Kolosky, AIA, ACHA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
As the healthcare planning lead and associate principal for DesignGroup, Angela has garnered strong client relationships focusing on work from community hospitals to large academic medical centers. She has a history of creating impactful, positive spaces for critical and vulnerable populations. Angela helps facilitate planning and design discussions, as well as early strategic decision making to help her clients align their organizational and project goals for the future.
Angela is a founding member and past board member for both Cogence Alliance Central Ohio and the Ohio Chapter of Women in Healthcare. She has spoken nationally at the Healthcare Design Conference, Healthcare Facilities Symposium & Expo and participated in an invitation-only healthcare thinktank called the Healthcare Design Forum. Angela is an ACHA board certified healthcare architect and currently serves on ACHA’s Communications and Outreach Committee. In 2020, she was named one of HCD’s Rising Stars.
Saleh Kalantari, PH.D
Saleh Kalantari, Ph.D., is an associate professor in Cornell University’s Department of Human Centered Design. He is the director of the Design and Augmented Intelligence Lab (DAIL) at Cornell, where his research group explores human–technology partnerships in the design process, creating opportunities for innovation and creativity. His work advances empirically grounded design, developing tools and techniques to improve understanding of design’s impact—both virtual and built—on human behavior.
Dr. Kalantari was awarded a National Science Foundation CAREER Award for his research agenda. His translational research has also earned recognition, including a Touchstone Gold Medal Award from the Center for Health Design and a nomination for the National Design Award by Cooper Hewitt. His work is supported by the NIH, NSF, the Foundation for health Environment Research, and the National Institute on Disability, independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
PDC STUDENT DESIGN CHALLENGE 2024
RECAP: SAN DIEGO, CA
Each year the Academy of Architecture for Health collaborates across the industry to lead the Student Design Challenge - an interdisciplinary student design competition that takes place prior to the PDC conference each year. In conjunction with ASHE (American Society of Healthcare Engineering), the AAH brings together students with backgrounds in architecture, engineering, construction, and nursing. In it’s 9th year, the PDC Student Design Challenge took place in San Diego, CA this past March. Students from across the country gathered in San Diego coming from the University of Florida, Clemson University, Milwaukee School of Engineering, University of Washington Construction Management, and Montana University School of Nursing. In addition to the schools, AAH actively engages sponsors to contribute to the dialogue on key issues in healthcare. This year’s PDC Student Design Challenge sponsors includes AIA, ASHE, NIHD McCarthy Building Companies, SmithGroup, and UC Health San Diego.
The model for the challenge is centered on promoting an immersive, interdisciplinary approach to project design where all disciplines are actively engaged in the conception of a project. This year’s project identified the need for healthcare to cater to a local, diverse population within the the downtown San Diego community. Working with UC Health San Diego, the SmithGroup identified the opportunity as a relevant project that addressed real healthcare concerns faced by residents.
UC Health San Diego orients the students to the the design Challenge at the SmithGroup Office in San Diego.
Through the involvement of a broad cross section of the industry, the PDC Student Challenge engages a broad, diverse group of individuals from around the country. Beginning with the primary sponsors, the Academy of Architecture for Health, volunteers Gabe Auffant and Leah Meer organized the event. Planning for the event begins as early as a year prior to identify partners such as local architecture firm sponsors and participating universities. Identifying the five participating universities alone, requires contacts across the country in various majors such as architectural engineering, construction and nursing. To conquer this challenge, the planning committee solicits the help of partnering sponsors such as ASHE and NIHD to identify potential participating universities.
Once the universities are identified, the planning committee identifies the local sponsor with whom they collaborate to identify the challenge and develop the criteria. In some cases, the planning committee are able to involve a local hospital system who are able to further bring insight into local challenge to healthcare in the community. Historically the student challenge have involved healthcare organizations such as Advent Health, Banner Health, and UC San Diego. With the involvement of such healthcare organizations, the PDC Student Design Challenges is further enriched with a “real” client who have identified “real” challenges to healthcare locally and potentially across the nation. This gives the teams an opportunity to truly be engaged with the client and propose potential solutions.
Over the past nine years, the PDC Student Design Challenge has proven to be a very unique event that is a challenge to replicate. Within the span of 48 hours, the students travel to a remote location and are teamed with strangers from other universities and disciplines asked to openly collaborate on a design challenge that they are introduced to at the start of the challenge. The teams quickly coalesce, familiarizing themselves with their new teammates, a new city, new disciplines, and a new healthcare problem. Like the real world, challenges arise, new skills are developed and teams bond over their shared experience.
This year’s Challenge addressed the increased cost of living and lack of affordable housing and the economic pressure that makes San Diego the most expensive city in the nation. These urban centers like San Diego has an opportunity to convert vacant commercial real estate into residential increasing the urban density. The property identified by the planning committee was to provide healthcare access to vulnerable populations in San Diego who seek appropriate medical attention for their health needs where there is a lack of trust, resources, education and financial support. With the support of the local sponsor - SmithGroup and UC Health San Diego, Students quickly gained insight into the challenge facing the health needs of the community.
At the conclusion of the 48 hour competition, students present to a jury that represents the various disciplines and organizations. The selected winner and runner-up are then given an opportunity to present to a broader audience in a session at the PDC conference.
Team 2 proposes an Express Care clinic to improve health outcomes for the downtown San Diego Community.
Participants + Sponsors
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE -CITYLAB
Professors
Christina Daelo
Eugene Damaso, AIA, ACHA
Students
Gabriel Alarcon
Blake Albritton
Michal Nazari
Daniela Saab
MILWAUKEE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
Professors
Doug Nelson
Habib Arjmand Mazidi
Students
Daphne Milkert
Serra Brehm
Elise McMahon
Christabelle Chukwuma-Ugwuc
MONTANA UNIVERSITY BOZEMEN
NURSING SCHOOL
Professors
Gina Marquardt
Elizabeth Johnson PhD, MS-CRM, RN
Students
Sarah Leland
Hannah Thorson
Kelsey Springer
Delaney Mcinosh
CLEMSON UNIVERSITY ARCHITECTURE + HEALTH
Professor
David Allison, FAIA, FACHA
Students
Susan Greiner
Elliot Tishler
Roshan Jose
Ana Sandoval
WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
Professor
Andrew BeDell
Students
Aayush Dubey
Audrey Pukarta
Shaan Kedar
Shweta Rane
SPONSORS
AAH | AIA
Gabriel Auffant AIA, ACHA
Leah Meer AIA
ASHE
NIHD
SmithGroup
Karthik Ramadurai
Don Posson
Annie Chiang
UC Health
Carly Namhie
Jenna McClanahan
McCarthy Building Companies
Clark Construction
Jesse Doty
Link to Video
