Dear Members of the AIA Academy of Architecture for Health,
I’m honored to serve as the 2025 President of the AIA Academy of Architecture for Health in this milestone year—our 80th Anniversary! It’s humbling to reflect on the Academy’s legacy over the past eight decades—shaping spaces that bring healing, hope, and life to our communities around the world.
As I looked back at our history, I was struck by the list of past presidents, beginning with Carl A. Erickson, who led the organization in 1945, when it was then called the Committee on Architecture for Health. Imagine the sense of purpose our founders must have felt in that transformative year—when World War II ended, and our nation turned its attention to rebuilding life at home. Hospitals were desperately needed, and those visionary architects of “the greatest generation” led the charge to build them well.
As the years began to roll by, the list of past presidents has become a who’s-who of iconic leaders, each leaving an indelible mark not only on healthcare design but on the profession as a whole. Stepping into this lineage is daunting, yet I am energized by the opportunity to work alongside our outstanding AAH Board Members—Michelle Trott, Pierce McVey, Roderic Walton, Corie Baker, Eugene Damaso, Karthik Ramadurai, and Steve Templet—and a remarkable network of passionate volunteers who generously donate their time to carry on this fight. It’s a fight pushing against the status quo and the route of least resistance, and pushing towards life and flourishing.
This fight has inspired generations of leaders to create initiatives that have transformed our field and our world. The Academy's impact is seen in the establishment of thriving entities like the Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI), the American College of Healthcare Architects (ACHA), and the Foundation for Health Environments Research (FHER). Countless students and young professionals have discovered their calling through fellowships, scholarships, mentorship programs, and student design charrettes that were created by leaders who saw the need to add voices to this fight.
This lineage has continued to grow, and today the Academy includes over 10,000 members dedicated to our mission: to provide knowledge that supports the design of healthy environments by creating education and networking opportunities for members of—and those touched by—the healthcare architectural profession. This mission relies on leaders stepping forward, each bringing their unique contributions. It’s this collective effort that makes the Academy great and a place for leaders to flourish!
This year, I want to focus on cultivating our role as a leadership incubator. My hope is to see an even greater percentage of our members activated, flourishing, and contributing their voices to this fight. Together, we can ensure that the Academy continues to grow in influence and thrive for the next 80 years, breaking down barriers to healing, hope, and flourishing life.
Thank you for joining this meaningful fight!
Sincerely,
Southern Ellis, AIA
2025 AAH President