I am honored to serve as President of the AIA Academy of Architecture for Health (AAH) for 2020 in our celebratory 75^th year. Many thanks for the incredible work and leadership of the past presidents Tushar Gupta FAIA and Vincent Della Donna, AIA, ACHA implementing the strategic plan developed under the leadership of past presidents Joan Suchomel AIA, ACHA, EDAC and Tom Clark AIA. The past three years have focused on a successful implementation of the strategic plan holding true to keep the board focused on strategic initiatives to ensure the AAH’s relevance to our members and to our mission of ‘Providing 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’. My term will focus on celebrating and enhancing our partnerships between local and national along with our collaborators in healthcare and wellness.

Celebrating our partnerships between local and national

Two years ago the Advisory Group was formed to increase communication, engagement and empower the member’s experience. The Advisory Group has proven to be successful providing a stronger and deeper connection with the AAH directly to our members.  Last year through the great work of the Advisory Group we met virtually and in person to improve communication and expand educational opportunities. In 2020 we are looking forward to strengthening the member experience by:

• Celebrating the local chapters and the work they are doing to enhance healthcare environments as a community 
• Providing opportunities, visibility and resources for local chapters to participate nationally
• Increasing educational opportunities for all levels of expertise
• Providing a communication link with other industry partners for educational opportunities

Celebrating our partnership’s with our collaborators

As an authoritative voice of healthcare architects to the healthcare industry we must maintain and strengthen our current relationships with industry partners while creating new relationships. Through the Academy’s Outreach Committee we will make meaningful connections this year and reinforce their engagement with AAH by:

• Providing a forum for our industry partners to work together with the Academy
• Supporting research and education

Celebrating our Next Generation

Last year Tushar successfully increased engagement of the Next Generation within the AAH membership locally and nationally with our partners including opportunities on committees and at the Board level. We ended the year with an extremely successful event at Healthcare Design in collaboration with the Center for Health Design and Emerald Exposition launching the inaugural NextGen Form and Next Gen Lounge at HCD19. This year I look forward to continuing to provide opportunities for their voice to be heard at events like NextGen Form and other educational and networking opportunities. 

I’m excited to be part of this celebratory year and I’m looking forward to providing opportunities for the Academy to fulfil our vision of improving 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. Please reach out to me with any thoughts or ideas to impact the healthcare architecture profession.

Sincerely,