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.
American College of Healthcare Architects (ACHA)
Primary function: Board certification
The American College of Healthcare Architects was created in 1999 to offer board certification to licensed healthcare 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.
Mission: To distinguish healthcare architects through certification, experience, and rigorous standards.
Vision: Advancing health environments through design.
The AIA Academy of Architecture for Health (AIA/AAH)
Primary function: Education and networking
Mission: 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.
Vision: 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.
The Center for Health Design (CHD)
Primary function: Research, education, community
The Center for Health Design is focused on the connection between design and health. As a non-profit organization of passionate healthcare designers and professionals, The Center is dedicated to improving the quality of healthcare through design of the built environment.
Mission: Maximizing health through informed design.
Vision: Build environments that optimize health.
Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI)
Primary function: Standards development
FGI is an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to developing guidance for the planning, design, and construction of hospitals, outpatient facilities, and residential health, care, and support facilities. FGI oversees the revision process and publication of the Guidelines for Design and Construction documents, funds research, and offers resources that support the development of safe, effective health and residential care built environments. FGI partners with numerous other organizations to help develop the Guidelines and other practical, evidence-informed publications.
Mission: Establish and promote consensus-based codes, advised by research, to advance quality health care.
Vision: FGI will be the leader in guiding the development of the health care built environment.
Foundation for Health Environments Research (FHER)
Primary function: Research and fellowship sponsorship
The goal of the FHER is to enhance the knowledge and effectiveness of those who create healthcare environments through the funding of critical educational and research activities. Begun as the Academy of Architecture for Health Foundation in 2001, FHER became an independent not-for-profit organization in 2020.
Mission: Advancing the knowledge and effectiveness of those who design healthcare environments by sponsoring research.
Nursing Institute for Healthcare Design (NIHD)
Primary function: Education and networking
The Nursing Institute for Healthcare Design is a non-profit professional association that stands for the engagement and integration of clinical expertise into the planning and design of healthcare environments, which is achieved through education, advocacy, and leadership. NIHD promotes health care design standards; fosters inclusion of nurses and healthcare providers in all phases of the design process; and provides educational programs for members, while disseminating innovations and research evidence for all areas of health care design. NIHD promotes collaborative and interdisciplinary education for all disciplines within the health care design and construction community.
Mission: To engage and integrate clinical expertise into the planning and design of built healthcare environments.
Vision: Shaping the future of healthcare environments through clinical and professional leadership.