As we close out 2023, I want to celebrate the accomplishments of the AIA Academy of Architecture for Health, and the incredible work, passion, and dedication of each committee, committee chairs, and board members. We have continued to invest in climate action initiatives, awards, scholarships and fellowship programs, mentorship opportunities, and the development of affinity groups that focus on infusing EDI across all our committees. I applaud each of you for your efforts and the tireless dedication you have given to make this year a success!
Of course, none of this would be possible without the continued support of our sponsors: Steris’ 35 years of support for the HCD Student Design Charrette; McCarthy Building Companies for SLS and the PDC Student Design Challenge; and MillerKnoll’s 25 years of support for the HCD scholarship for emerging professionals. Your commitment helps to inspire the careers of generations of health care designers, researchers, and clinicians, and expands the quality of education for our members and the industry for decades. Thank you for your continued support of the AIA Academy of Architecture for Health!
Thank you to our partners that continue to strive to enhance our impact on our industry. The “pillars”: the AAH (networking and education), the ACHA (certification), the FHER (research sponsorship), the FGI (codes), the Center for Health Design (CHD) and the Nursing Institute for Healthcare Design (NIHD). These partnerships are instrumental in supporting our mission of promoting core educational events focused on expanding knowledge, providing opportunities for mentoring the next generation of health care design professionals, and bringing together industry partners from around the world. The successful organization of the ASHE PDC Summit (International Summit & Exhibition on Health Facility Planning, Design & Construction), the Summer Leadership Summit (SLS) with the American College of Healthcare Architects (ACHA/the College), and the Healthcare Design Conference (HCD) would not be possible without these partnerships.
Finally, I want to personally thank Ellen Taylor for the last six years she has dedicated to the success of the academy and wish her well in her next adventures. We will miss you! As we look forward to 2024, I pass the presidency on to Michelle Trott and I am excited for what’s ahead.
Cheers to another great year!
Kenneth Webb, AIA, ACHA, LEED AP