Category: The Pillars of Health Care Architecture

An Ongoing Collaborative Alliance

The four organizations below are allied to advance health care architecture. The AIA Academy of Architecture for Health (AAH) was founded in 1946, and each of the other three organizations was created by members of AAH to advance specific aspects of the profession. The leaders of all four organizations have committed to foster collaboration where it is beneficial and to improve our collective efficiency by clarifying the roles of each group to avoid duplication of services. Each organization remains fully independent, but members of all four groups meet regularly to continue to enrich this important alliance. We urge you to visit each organization’s website to learn more.

AIA Academy of Architecture for Health – Education and Networking

The AIA Academy of Architecture for Health provides knowledge that supports the design of healthy environments by creating education and networking opportunities for members of—and those touched by—the health care architecture profession. It is one of the most active of the 21 AIA Knowledge Communities.

American College of Healthcare Architects – Board Certification

The American College of Healthcare Architects was created in 1999 to offer board certification to licensed health care architects through an independent process involving a portfolio review, an assessment by peer architects, and a rigorous examination. It is the first and only design specialty so recognized by the AIA.

Foundation for Health Environments Research – Research Sponsorship

The mission of the Foundation is to support research that advances the built environment in health care. The research process is invitation-driven, aims for targeted research, and is managed by the Research Grant subcommittee.

Facility Guidelines Institute – Standards Development

The mission of the Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI) is to establish and promote consensus-based guidelines and publications, advised by research, to advance quality health care. FGI is responsible for regular publication of an updated edition of the Guidelines for Design and Construction documents and manages the cyclical revision process and the 100+-person multidisciplinary committee responsible for updating the Guidelines content.