The Unique "Architecture for Health" Program at Texas A&M University — Past, Present, Future

Alexander Graham Bell is credited with saying, - "One day every major city will have at least one telephone!”

 “The future belongs to those who invent it..."

 

Advisors:

Ronald L. Skaggs, FAIA, FACHA, FHFI, LEED, AP, Chairman Emeritus, HKS, Inc.

Joseph G. Sprague, FAIA, FACHA, FHFI, Principal and Senior Vice President (Ret) HKS Inc., President ans Founder, FGI - Facilities Guidelines Institute

George J. Mann AIA, Author, Professor Emeritus College of Architecture Texas A&M University & Founder & Chairman, The RPD Group (Resource Planning & Development Group)

 

We wish to express our special thanks to Kyle Heise, Kelsy Husted, Matthew McGuire, and  Sara Wilson for their research and editing

                                                                                                                           

INTRODUCTION

Texas A&M University’s College of Architecture established a unique "Architecture for Health" Program in 1965, - sixty years ago. Since then, - it has grown considerably, and earned national and international recognition for its innovative high impact programs and "Architecture for Health" projects. This program has educated numerous young and mid-career architects who had an interest in earning a Bachelor’s, or Master of Architecture, or Master of Science or Ph.D. degrees focusing on "Architecture for Health".

 

The focus of the program is:

The educational and professional leadership development of undergraduate and graduate students, interested in “Architecture for Health” which occurs through a series of innovative cutting-edge research and design projects, as well as the continuous educational and architectural practice development of the faculty, architects, - and a series of weekly guest lecturers by nationally and internationally experienced leaders in “architecture for health”

The Texas A&M “Architecture for Health” programs stands at the intersection of medicine, public health, architecture, engineering and other related programs. There are relatively few such formal programs in the USA, and internationally.

 

This article has two parts:

*Introduction and Background of the “Architecture for Health” Program

 at Texas A&M University

*Focus on the next generation of former Texas A&M students who are emerging                            

 as leaders in the field of “Architecture for Health”.

 

SIGNIFICANCE:

Today health and hospital facility design and construction expenditures represent a very significant part of the overall expenditures for construction:

https://ycharts.com/indicators/us_total_health_care_construction_spending#:~:text=Basic%20Info,9.76%25%20from%20one%20year%20ago.

_________________________________________________________

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS OF FACULTY CHAIRS & PROFESORSHIPS BY GENEROUS DONORS:

 

*Texas A&M Development Foundation

*The Ronald L. & Sondra Skaggs Endowed

Professor of Health Facilities Design

*The Ronald L. Skaggs - Joseph G. Sprague

Endowed Chair of Health Facilities Design

 

Ronald L. Skaggs, FAIA, FACHA, FHFI, LEED, AP,

Chairman Emeritus, HKS, Inc.,

Adjunct Professor of Architecture, Texas A&M University

Donor of the Ronald L.& Sondra Skaggs Endowed Professor of Health Facilities Design,

and Major Donor of the Skaggs – Sprague Endowed Chair in Health Facilities Design

Major Donor of the George J. Mann Endowed Design Chair of Health Facilities Design

and He is a Distinguished Former Student of Texas A&M University

He is also an Outstanding Alumnus of the College of Architecture.

Past President of the AIA – American Institute of Architects

Past President of the AIA AAH Academy of Architecture for Health

Recent Recipient of the Tom Landry Leadership Award, DBU Dallas Baptist University

 

Joseph G. Sprague, FAIA, FACHA, FHFI, Principal and Senior Vice President (Ret) HKS Inc.,

President and Founder, FGI - Facilities Guidelines Institute,

Past President of the ACHA American College of Healthcare Architects. Past President of the AIA AAH Academy of Architecture for Health

Major Donor of the Skaggs – Sprague Endowed Chair in Health Facilities Design, Major Donor of the George J. Mann Endowed Design Chair of Health Facilities Design, Founder of the Sprague Foundation.  

He is also an outstanding alumnus of the College of Architecture

 

The Craig & Julie Beale Endowed Professor of Health Facilities Design

Craig Beale, FAIA, FACHA, LEED AP, is a principal (Ret) at HKS & Knox Advisors and donors of the Craig & Julie Beale Endowed Professor of Health Facilities Design and SHEA, the Student Health Environments Association. He is also an outstanding alumnus of the College of Architecture.

 

The George J. Mann Endowed Chair of Health Facilities Design

LEAD DONORS

Ronald L. Skaggs

Joseph G. Sprague

 

Allen Clemmons Sharp Class of ‘53 & Marsha Sharp

Wingier & Sharp, Architects & Planners, Wichita Falls, Texas

Born July 4, 1932 | Died November 18, 2010

Principal, Wingler & Sharp Architects & Planners, Inc.

Allen Clemmons Sharp, Jr. was a Texas A&M graduate, with a

degree in Architecture. As co-owner and principal of Wingler & Sharp

Architects & Planners Inc., Allen's 58-year contribution to the

architectural profession is best known by a body of work in support

of the US military men, women, and their families. Allen was an

integral part of the design of over 400 Department of Defense

installations including approximately 100 health and hospital

facilities in the United States and around the world. He was also

involved in mentoring students in health facilities design at Texas

A&M University. Wingler & Sharp is recognized for being the first

Aggie Owned architectural firms to focus on Health & Hospital Facility

Design.

 

Allen is survived by his wife of 58 years, Marsha Sharp (pictured),

daughter Marla Sharp of Wichita Falls, Texas, son Douglas Sharp

and his wife Margie, of Arlington, Texas, granddaughter Sarahbeth

Sharp Pipkin and her husband Taylor, and three great-

grandchildren Lucy Beth, James Kirk and Caroline Clemmons Pipkin

of Houston, Texas.

________________________________________________________

 

Larry Lammers Class of 1965 and Matthew Lammers

Lammers + Associates, Inc.

Hospital Consultants, Materials Handling and Logistics Specialists

Reston, Va.

 

Also, other major donors to The George J Mann Endowed Chair of Health Facilities Design

 

Visions of the future of the “Architecture for Health” Program at TAMU

Patrick C. Suermann,                                   

Ph.D., P.E., FASCE, FSAME                         

Professor                                                        

& Interim Dean                                                

College of Architecture                                   

Texas A&M University  

 

 

The Texas A&M Center for Health Systems & Design (CHSD) is a pioneering institution dedicated to advancing healthcare design through evidence-based research. This approach ensures that design decisions are grounded in credible research to optimize patient outcomes.  Professor George Mann, a prominent figure in the “design for health” arena for 6 decades, has significantly contributed to the field with his expertise in healthcare architecture. Distinguished Alumnus, Ron Skaggs,’65 is another key contributor and former student of Professor Mann’s.  He is renowned for his extensive experience in designing health-related facilities and his leadership at HKS, Inc. Joe Sprague, ‘70, also supports the center's mission through his involvement and dedicated support. Together, these individuals exemplify the center's commitment to integrating research and practical application to improve healthcare environments. Their collaborative efforts continue to shape the future of healthcare design, making a lasting impact on the well-being of patients and healthcare professionals alike.

 

Gregory A. Luhan, Ph.D., FAIA          

The Ward V. Wells Endowed

Professor of Architecture,

& Head,

Dept of Architecture

Texas A&M University

 

Since its inception, the Architecture for Health Program at Texas A&M has achieved significant milestones that have profoundly impacted healthier populations, more sustainable systems, and inclusive design standards worldwide. These include designing and implementing innovative healthcare facilities, developing sustainable design standards, and promoting inclusive design practices.

 

The future of our Architecture for Health Program holds a bold vision: to lead a global transformation in how the built environment enhances human well-being. As local and international health challenges evolve and grow in complexity, our Architecture for Health program distinguishes itself with a unique approach by expanding its interdisciplinary reach by integrating cutting-edge research from the Center for Health Systems and Design (CHSD) and incorporating community engagement into the classroom. This offers students in the Department of Architecture opportunities to pursue design innovation in the design studios of our undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

 

The Department of Architecture, in collaboration with its Architecture + Industry Advisory Council (A+IAC), plays a pivotal role in our program by actively fostering partnerships with healthcare providers, technology leaders, policymakers, and architectural design firms. These partnerships are instrumental in creating resilient, equitable, and human-centered health spaces—from rural clinics to urban hospitals and aging-in-place communities.

Our current project for a Women's and Infants Health and Maternity Center in a rural district of Rwanda expands the nature and scope of its impact, inspiring a new generation of subject matter experts with specialized knowledge to enhance the global communities we serve. 

As visionary leaders, our Architecture for Health program graduates are not merely part of this transformation; they are at the forefront of it. Equipped with technical expertise and profound insights into the social and environmental determinants of health, they are actively shaping the future of health architecture.

 

We are not merely designing buildings; we are reimagining the future of health through architecture.

 

Evelyn N. Waiwaiole '91, Ph.D.
Chief Development Officer

College of Architecture

TEXAS A&M FOUNDATION

______________________________________________________________

 

THE NEED - POPULATION FACTS & CAUSES OF ILLNESS & DEATH 

It is vital for projects to be designed, to respond to the principal causes of illness and death, and develop preventive health strategies, as an initial

fundamental approach toward fighting disease. Unfortunately, too much of the world’s resources and health facilities have focused on treating diseases, and too little on preventing diseases in the first place:

 

SOME FACTS

 

PROJECTED FUTURE POPULATION GROWTH:

 

IN TEXAS: 

"The population of Texas will increase from 25.1 million in 2010 to either 31.2 or 40.5 or 54.4 million in 2050".

https://demographics.texas.gov/Resources/Publications/2014/2014-11_ProjectionBrief.pdf 

 

IN THE US:

“The population of the United States in 2020 is 332 million and it is projected to grow to 388 million by 2050”. Data is from the U.S. Census Bureau.

 

https://populationeducation.org/resource/u-s-population-and-projection-1790-2050-infographic/#:~:text=The%20population%20of%20the%20United%20States%20in%202020%20is%20332,from%20the%20U.S.%20Census%20Bureau.

FUTURE WORLD POPULATION GROWTH:

The world's population continues to increase, with approximately 140 million babies born every year. According to the United Nations' 

 

“2022 World Population Prospects Report, the global population is projected to reach 8.5 billion people by the year 2030, 9.7 billion people by 2050, and 10.4 billion people by 2080, where it will remain until 2100:

https://www.un.org/en/global-issues/population#:~:text=The%20world's%20population%20is%20expected,billion%20in%20the%20mid%2D2080s.

 

*Top 10 Causes of Death in the USA

These are the conditions and catalysts that killed the most Americans in 2021:

by Steven Ross Johnson and Gary Emerling

 

Heart disease

Cancer

COVID-19

Accidents/unintentional injuries

Cerebrovascular diseases

Chronic lower respiratory diseases

Alzheimer’s disease

Diabetes

Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis

Kidney disease

 https://www.usnews.com/news/healthiest-communities/slideshows/top-10-causes-of-death-in-america?onepage

________________________________________________________________

 

Students, Practitioners, & Faculty meet in the Fall and Spring each year to exchange ideas and plan for the future

 

The Center for Health Systems & Design (CHSD)

 

The Center for Health Systems & Design (CHSD) lives in the College of Architecture at Texas A&M University (TAMU) with joint management by the TAMU Health Science Center.  The current Director of the Center for Health Systems & Design is Dr. Ray Pentecost, and the Associate Director is Dr. Zhipeng Lu.  The Center for Health Care Technology (CHCT), founded in 1984 and housed in the TAMU College of Medicine, was renamed the Center for Health Systems & Design when it was relocated to the College of Architecture in 1996.  Three-pronged CHSD programming today extends to include teaching and research in the ways that design can protect, develop, and restore health, the latter of which includes the more traditional healthcare facilities like hospitals and outpatient surgery centers.  For over four decades, now, it has been one of the premier world class programs in the training, research, and scholarship of design for health.  The CHSD has been led by industry icons like George J. Mann (Director Research & Graduate Center, Preceded the CHSD ) Dr. Sherry Bame, Dr. Roger Ulrich, Dr. Mardelle Shepley, and Dr. Kirk Hamilton.  Organized around a "one health" model, which recognizes the interconnectedness of the health of humans, as well as earth’s animals and vegetation, the CHSD is linked by over 100 Faculty Fellows to every other College at TAMU, an extraordinary multi-disciplinary academic vehicle for research and teaching.  The CHSD offers what many would argue is the world's largest collection of faculty, students, researchers, and allied professionals committed to research and teaching on the ways design impacts human, animal, and environmental health.  From humble beginnings in 1966 with the pioneering efforts of Professor George J, Mann, AIA, TAMU has now been offering exceptional opportunities in designing for health that have continuously impacted students, and the world, for nearly 60 years.

 

By A. Ray Pentecost III, DrPH, FAIA, FACHA, LEED AP

Director, TAMU Center for Health Systems & Design

George J. Mann Chair in Healthcare Design

 

The International Union of Architects – Public Health Group (UIA-PHG)

 

The influence of the Center for Health Systems & Design (CHSD) extends worldwide through the International Union of Architects – Public Health Group (UIA-PHG).  The UIA, headquartered in Paris, represents the architectural voice of over 100 nations and has standing working groups called Work Programmes organized around themes and topics of interest to architects around the world.  One such Programme is the Public Health Group (PHG), and the global UIA-PHG Secretariat lives at the TAMU CHSD, coordinated by Dr. Zhipeng Lu, Associate Director of the CHSD.  Preceding Ray Pentecost as UIA PHG Director was George J. Mann. Beginning in 2020, and continuing until 2026, the global leadership for the UIA-PHG has been provided by Dr. Ray Pentecost, Director of the TAMU CHSD, with the co-leadership by Dr. Long Hao from China since 2023.  In 2020, following decades of focusing mainly on healthcare design, the PHG adjusted its mission, priorities, and programming to reflect the broader TAMU vision of studying how design can protect, develop, and restore health.  In 2021, using a declaration co-authored by Tom Vonier, past President of the UIA, and Dr. Ray Pentecost, the UIA declared 2022 would be the UIA Year of Design for Health.  Reflecting the global priority of health, and recognizing design’s important contribution to health, approval of the declaration came without a single dissenting vote – a remarkable display of alignment and unity of architectural thought among the more that 100 UIA member nations!  The year’s webinars, including a kick-off virtual event partnering with the World Health Organization, a student health design competition, a professional health design awards program, and related events for the year-long focus, all emphasized the ways that design can protect, develop, and restore health.

 

CHSD – Center for Health Systems & Design

          

The “Architecture for Health” Program at Texas A&M University                                                   maintains close working relationships with many major architectural firms, agencies and organizations around the world.

                                                                                                                                                    BACKGROUND

Since 1965, over 1,000 different “Architecture for Health” - research and design projects have been undertaken for Texas, the United States and in numerous countries abroad. Graduates of this unique program now occupy key leadership roles in private architecture for health firms, healthcare systems, the military, government, universities and health systems on a state, national and international level:

 

MISSION OF A LAND- GRANT UNIVERSITY

As a Land Grant University - OUR PRIORITIES ARE TO BENEFIT:

1.The People of the State of Texas

2.The People of the United States

3.People around the world

 

The three-part mission of the land-grant university continues to evolve in the twenty-first century. What originally was described as "teaching, research, and service" was renamed "learning, discovery, and engagement" by the Kellogg Commission on the Future of State and Land-Grant Universities.

 

Texas A&M University is a land grant university, and its mission is to reach out to the public in Texas, our nation, and to people across the globe, - with innovative high impact research and design projects.

 

These projects have emphasized need, accessibility, quality health care, that is affordable, and resilient. They aim to utilize the latest approaches in fighting disease:

_________________________________________________________________________

The two principal innovative drivers of the unique Texas A&M “Architecture for Health” Program are:

 

1. Principal Innovative Driver:

CE - Continuing Education Programs:

For students, faculty, “architecture for health” practitioners, clients, medical professionals, and the public through the Visiting Lecture Series, which is a collaboration between Texas A&M University and PBS. There are currently over 128 different visiting lecturers accessible worldwide on the PBS website, - given since 2018.

_______________________________________________________________________

 PBS and Texas A&M UNIVERSITY / PBS / KAMU TV - COLLABORATIVE WEEKLY 

"ARCHITECTURE FOR HEALTH" VISITING LECTURE SERIES

 

"Texas A&M University Collaborates with PBS on weekly Friday thought leaders presenting their projects related to - "Architecture for Health"

 

Since 2018 Texas A&M University's Dept. of Architecture has invited over 128 different speakers making weekly presentations that have been videotaped and are easily accessible to everyone worldwide, on the following PBS website: (This lecture series was first started in 2009 )

 

https://www.pbs.org/search/?q=Texas+A%26M+%22Architecture+for+Health%22 

(One must enter via your local PBS affiliate to access the site.)

 

These 128 diverse presentations are widely accessible on the internet, have reinforced the impact of our unique "Architecture for Health" Program by projecting it across the globe.

 

The lecture series was initiated and directed for many years by Professor George J Mann, AIA. The “Architecture for Health” visiting lecture series was established with the support of then Dean Jorge Vanegas in 2018.  It has also had the support of Interim Dean, Dr. Patrick Suermann and Dr. Greg Luhan, FAIA. The series now is is now being directed by Dr. Roxana Jafari:

https://www.pbs.org/search/?q=Texas+A%26M+%22Architecture+for+Health%22 

                                                                                                                                                                  

2. - Principal Driver

The Practice Oriented Research & Design Studio

 

We have recently been invited to:

“Research & Design a Maternity and Delivery Hospital

for Rwanda, Africa”.

 

We are working with:

Alan W. Graustein,

Dr.Ed. Board Chairperson,

Global Benefit / Rwanda

 

https://tamucs.sharepoint.com/teams/Team-COAComTeam/Shared%20Documents/General/Images/Spring%202025/Rwanda/GettyImages-615720550.jpg?csf=1&web=1&e=TnHPa3&CID=6f888eea-1f3f-4972-9719-0d684f21e201

 

This is an actual project. Our College and Departmental Administration have gone out of their way to support this effort.

 

Over 60 students have signed up to participate in a research and design charette organized by Dr. Greg Luhan, Head of the Dept of Architecture in late January 2025 that will feed research and design concepts to a research and design studio made up of 10 third year students, directed by Dr. Zhipeng Lu. Collaborating with Dr. Luhan and with Dr. Lu are David Iniesta, Benjamin Innemoser, Marc Ihle, Hans Steffe, Dongwei Chen. In addition Professor Emeritus George J. Mann, AIA brought the project to Texas A&M University as a result of his numerous international efforts over the years.

 

https://drive.google.com/drive/home

file:///Users/g-mann/Downloads/College_of_Architecture_PowerPoint_Template%20(2).pdf

 

Student design actual projects on actual sites with actual clients. They make visits to health facilities, architecture for health firms, state, national, and international professional meetings, and experience interdisciplinary collaboration. These actual

projects vary each semester. A recent project was for a “Breast Center” at

Parkland Hospital in Dallas. Students met with women who are breast cancer survivors at the beginning, mid - point and final presentations for feedback from patients, nursing, medical and administrative staff. Whenever possible the theme of the lecture series relates and informs the current research and design project underway.

An Interdisciplinary Research & Design Studio Project between the Dept of Landscape Architecture & Urban Planning & the Dept of Architecture to Design A Sports Medicine

Center for Texas Scottish Rite Hospital – 3 students from each dept collaborating as a team. HKS was the Advisory Teaching Firm

GUPHA Global University Programs in Healthcare Architecture

Founded in 1999 together with Dr. Yasushi Nagasawa of the University of Tokyo, Ronald L. Skaggs, then Chairman of HKS, Architects and Professor George J. Mann, the Ronald L. Skaggs Endowed Professor of of Health Facilities Design, Texas A&M University. It. Dr. Zhipeng, Lu, is now the coordinator of both GUPHA, and the UIA / PHG He is also now the Craig & Julie Beale Endowed Professor of Health Facilities Design, Texas A&M University

SHEA - STUDENT HEALTH ENVIRONMENTS ASSOCIATION

Past SHEA Presidents

( List is not yet complete)

Brian Briscoe

Ashley Dias

Southern Ellis

Luis Garibay

Hao Huang, 2019 - 2020

Madison Lesmeister, 2023 - 2024

Amira Madrigal current president, 2024 - 2025

Luis Martinez

Adam Panter

Erin Peavey
Katey Guadalupe Reyes, 2019 - 2020

Ruben Zarate

Zach Rowley

 

Past Faculty Advisors SHEA Student Health Environments Association

Susan Rodiek, Ph.D.,

Kirk Hamilton, Ph.D.

_______________________________________________________________________________

 

Selected College of Architecture Outstanding Alumni who focused on Health Facilities Design at Texas A&M and / or in architectural practice

 

Dr. Clarence E. Maxwell, B.Arch ’70, Ph.D. ‘85

Erin Peavey, BED ’07, M. Arch 2011

Tushar Gupta, M. Arch ‘00

Jeff Kent, BED ‘75

Mary Mitchell Bartlett, BED ‘86

David L. Zatopek, BED '85

Kirk Teske, BED '83

Fernando Andrade ‘82

Mattia J. Flabiano, BED '80

Joachim Faust,  M.Arch '81

James C. Snyder, BED '78, M.Arch ?

Jeffrey T. Potter, BED '78, M.Arch ?

Anthony J. Haas, BED '79, M. Arch. ??

Bill T. Wilson II, BED '78

Luis Jauregui, BED ’76, M.Arch ?

Gary S. Owens, BED '75, M.Arch?

Jeffrey S. Kent, BED '75

Debra J. Dockery, BED '75, M.Arch?

Edward E. Huckaby, BED '73, M.Arch ??

David Thompson, B. Arch, '72, M.Arch

Jean Mah, B. Arch '71

Craig Beale, B. Arch '71

Joseph G. Sprague, M. Arch '70

Larry Lammers, B. Arch '65, M, Arch ‘877

Ronald L. Skaggs, B.Arch '65, M.Arch ‘67

Jim Brinkley, B.Arch.’65, M. Arch ’70

Harold Adams. B.Arch ’61

Kirby M. Keahy, B.Arch '56

James Steven “Jim” Wright, B. Arch ‘54

Allen Clemmons Sharp, B. Arch ‘53

____________________________________________________________

US military officers (a few after completing military service) have come through Texas A&M University and / or our “Architecture for Health” program. They included:

Allen C. Sharp, US Airforce

Ronald L. Skaggs, Captain, US Army

Raleigh Lawrence, Major US Air Force

Terry Gent, Captain US Army

Jim Brinkley, USAF ( Outstanding Former student of COA) 

Joe Sprague, US Army ( Outstanding Former student of COA) 

Doug Sarbach, US Air Force

Keith Kizzie, Major, US Army

Jim Snyder, US Army

Jonathan Bailey, US Air Force

Robert E. Lee, Major, US Air Force

Ted Sutherland, US Coast Guard

Glenn Marsh, LT Col US Army (Dept of Construction Science ) 

Cem Maxwell, Col ( Ret) US Army,  ( Outstanding Former student of COA) 

John Cox, Lt Col ( Ret) US Army

John Hendren, US Navy

Christopher W.  Kiss, Col US Army ( Dept of Construction Science ) 

  Chief Architect for the Defense Health Agency

Travis Leisner, US Air Force

 

 

RESEARCH & DESIGN FACULTY

CHSD - Center for Health Systems and Design

Past Faculty Advisors SHEA Student Health Environments Association

Susan Rodiek, Ph.D.,Founder of SHEA and Original Faculty Advisor

Kirk Hamilton, PhD, Professor Emeritus, Texas A&M University

Founding Co-Editor, Health Environments Research & Design

Faculty Advisor - SHEA

Design Impacts Health – Research Improves Design

Dr. Hamilton has made generous contributions to Chairs and Professorships.

Craig Beale, FAIA, FACHA, RIBA, CHE

Principal HKS Architects & Knox Advisors

Outstanding Alumnus of the College of Architecture

Donor of the Craig & Julie Beale Endowed Professor of Health Facilities Design

Donor to SHEA - Student Health Environments

______________________________________________________________

 

George J. Mann, AIA

Professor Emeritus of Architecture 

College of Architecture

Texas A&M University

 

First Ronald L. Skaggs, FAIA Endowed Professor 

 of Health Facilities Design

First Holder of the Skaggs - Sprague Endowed Chair 

 of Health Facilities Design

Former Director of the UIA / PHG - International Union of Architects

 Public Health Group

Co - Founder GUPHA - Global University Programs in Healthcare

 Architecture together with Dr. Yasushi Nagasawa, Univ. of Tokyo

Fellow of the CHSD - Center for Health Systems & Design

Former Director of the Research & Graduate Center, College of Architecture, Texas A&M University

Founder & Advisory Board Chairman

The RPD (Resource Planning & Development) Group

established 1971

tel.  979 229 5914, email  manngj885@gmail.com  

_____________________________________________________________

https://www.pbs.org/search/?q=Texas+A%26M+%22Architecture+for+Health

https://www.arch.tamu.edu/staff/george-j-mann/#:~:text=Biography-,George%20J.,leader%20in%20health%20facilities%20design.

Mardelle McCuskey Shepley

Dr. Mardelle McCuskey Shepley, B.A., M.Arch., M.A., D.Arch., is a professor at Cornell University in the Department of Human Centered Design & Academic Director of the Cornell Institute for Health Futures. Previously she served as a professor at Texas A&M University (TAMU) and was director of the TAMU Center for Health Systems & Design from 2004-2014. Mardelle is a fellow in the American Institute of Architects and the American College of Healthcare Architects. She is LEED and EDAC and WELL certified. Fellow of the CHSD – Center for Health Systems & Design

Micheal Spohn, MD, FAEM
BCS Campus Associate Dean
Director – Texas A&M Integrated Medicine (AIM) Program

Texas A&M Health Science Center,

Fellow of the CHSD – Center for Health Systems & Design

Roger S. Ulrich, Ph.D., EDAC

Professor, Department of Architecture and Centre for Healthcare Architecture, Chalmers University of Technology. Dr. Ulrich is Professor of Architecture at the Center for Healthcare Building Research at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden and is adjunct professor of architecture at Aalborg University in Denmark.

Conclusions:

Our unique "Architecture for Health" program must be prepared to be continually responsive and lead, due to the increasing popular demands for improved health care, changing demographics, changing health issues, 

changing health problems and changing preventive health practices and changing patterns of medical treatment and energized by the utilization of new technologies.

It also must expect the unexpected. Who could have imagined that the fires would destroy so much of Los Angeles in January of 2025?

The future belongs to those who invent it:

After 60 years our "Architecture for Health" Program is very well known and recognized nationally and internationally. - The need and opportunity for future relevant and needed innovative research and design projects, as significant financial support is huge.

In order for the "Architecture for Health" Program to continue to maintain its national and international leadership and its recognized status, over the next 60 years, it will need very strong creative leadership, and a continuous flow of relevant cutting-edge research and design projects, some exploratory that are not funded, and some that are funded. That will enable agile responses to the ever-changing needs of a growing population, as well as to the ever - changing medical approaches toward the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of disease.

To accomplish this and respond to ever increasing demand, the Texas A&M University "Architecture for Health" program, needs to have its own vision, visibility, identity, and space, in a new physical facility. Additional support for such a project could come from construction companies, foundations, individuals, and former students.

Because of 60 years of pioneering “Architecture for Health” research & design projects, - Texas A&M University’s College of Architecture, is in a unique position, if it has the will to do so, to remain the national and international leader, in this important sector of architecture.

 

Part 2       

Aggie Architects at Leading “Architecture for Health” Firms

 

Former HIAC Firms + New Firms =

A+ IAC = Architecture + Industry Advisory Council

 

Introduction

The “Architecture for Health” Program at Texas A&M University began in 1965. Since then it has grown geometrically and needs to

be prepared for a new era, with new generations of students and faculty facing greater challenges and demands from a growing and more sophisticated population.

With that in mind we have asked our A + IAC advisory council members, prospective members ( and past HIAC members ) to select a promising recent Graduate of our “Architecture for Health” Program to be recognized for his or her accomplishments at their firm.

This honor will call attention to a younger generation of professionals

who have received recognition within their firms for their leadership skills.

We found it amazing that in a few short years many of our graduates have risen to leadership positions within their respective firms.

This effort recognizes them as well as their firms. Thanks go out to both their firms as well as to their young professionals for participation in this effort. Please see below.

We also wish to express our appreciation to Dean Patrick Suermann Interim Dean of the College of Architecture, and Dr. Greg Luhan, Head of the Dept of Architecture for their constant support of our “Architecture for Health” Program.

Also on behalf of the Department of Architecture we would like to also express our thanks to Ronald L. Skaggs and Joseph G. Sprague who have been steadfast supporters of the “Architecture for Health”

Program and provide wisdom, leadership counsel, and generous support. as we continue to move forward, with the goal of keeping Texas A&M University as the cutting edge national and international leader in “Architecture for Health”.

___________________________________________________________________________

Advisors:

Ronald L. Skaggs, FAIA, FACHA, FHFI, LEED, AP, Chairman Emeritus, HKS, Inc.

Joseph G. Sprague, FAIA, FACHA, FHFI, Principal and Senior Vice President (Ret) HKS Inc., President and Founder, FGI - Facilities Guidelines Institute

George J. Mann AIA, Author Professor Emeritus College of Architecture Texas A&M University & Founder & Chairman, The RPD Group (Resource Planning & Development Group)

 

We wish to express our special thanks to

Kelsy Husted and Sara Wilson for their research and editing

Below are the firms that participated in this effort. Our sincere

thanks go out to the leadership in these firms.

___________________________________________________________________________

 

ESa - Earl Swensson Associates, Inc.

Nashville, Tennessee

Victoria (Codrington)  Harris

Design Manager / Team Leader

Associate AIA

ESa Earle Swensson Associates, Inc,

Nashville, Tennessee

& BED Bachelor of Environmental Design Year ???

Texas A&M Universitry

 

 

Sam W. Burnette

AIA, ACHA, EDAC, NCARB

Principal, Nominator

ESa Earle Swensson Associates, Inc,

Nashville, Tennessee

___________________________________________________

 

EwingCole

Philadelphia, Pa.

Essentia Health – New St.Mary’s Medical Center

Duluth, Minnesota

Debbie Phillips, AIA, ACHA, EDAC

Principal

Master of Architecture Health Facilities Design

AIA AHA Fellowship 1984 - 1985

Texas A&M University

 

EwingCole Architects,

Philadelpia, Pa.; New York City, N.Y.; Ft. Worth, Texas

 

 

Mary L. Frazier. AIA LEED AP

Principal & Director of Healtcare Planning

Nominator

EwingCole Architects,

New York City, N.Y.

 

 

Gresham Smith

Nashville, Tennessee                                    

Kaiser Permanente Lutherville – Timonium Medical Center, Timonium Maryland

 

Jie Wang,

Architect, AIA LEED AP BD+C

Associate

Gresham Smith

Nashville, Tennessee

& Master of Architecture Health Facilities Design

Texas A&M University 2016

Certificate in Health Facilities Design

& Master of Science – MS, Data Processing and

Data Processing Technology Technician

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology

& Bachelor of Engineering –  BE, Architecture

Shanghai Institute of Technology

 

Lesa Lorusso, PhD, MBA, MSArch,

Nominator

RID, Allied AIA, EDRA, NCIDQ
Senior Vice President, Healthcare Research &  Insights

Visiting Scholar, Center for Health Systems & Design

Texas A&M University Aug 2020 - Aug 2022 ·

Gresham Smith

Nashville, Tennessee

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

HDR

Dallas, Texas

Exterior and main entrance of Texas Health Denton Center for Women. 

Texas Health Denton Center for Women

Denton, Texas

HDR Architecture Inc.

Omaha, NE

Frank Volpicella II, AIA

 

Nominator:

Robert ‘Hank’ Adams AIA, FACHA

Exterior and main entrance of Texas Health Denton Center for Women. 

 

Frank Volpicella II, AIA

Health Certificate

Master of Architecture in Health Facilities Design

Texs A&M University

 

Robert ‘Hank’ Adams, AIA. FACHA

Nominator

Global Director of Health

HDR

Dallas, Texas

________________________________________________________________

 

HKS

Dallas & Ft.Worth, Texas

Brian D. Briscoe,

Architect AIA, ACHA, EDAC, LEED AP BD+C

Principal

HKS Dallas

Master of Architecture Health Facility Design 2010

&

BED Bachelor of Environmental Design 2008

Texas A&M University

 

Norman Morgan

Nominator

Global Practice Director

Partner AIA

HKS Ft. Worth

____________________________________________________________________________

 

Overseas Operation

Tokyo, Japan

 

Junichi Nakayama

Chief Architect, Kajima Corporation

Tokyo, Japan

Master of Architecture Health Facilities Design 2004

Texas A&M University

Undergraduate Degree ?? The University of Tokyo 1998

Graduate Degree ?? The University of Tokyo 1996

 

HKS 2004 - ?????

Kajima ???- present

 

 

Marmon & Mok, Architecture

Architecture

San Antonio, Texas

 

Tiffany Long

Partner

AIA,ACHA,RID,EDAC,

NCARB. LEED AP

Marmon & Mok Architecture

 

Health Certificate

Master of Architecture in Health Facilities Design 1987

BED – Bachelor of Environmental Design 1985

Texas A&M University

 

 

Mary Bartlett,

AIA. RID LEED, AP, WELL AP

Partner

Nominator

Marmon Mok

 

BED - Bachelor of Environmental

Design

Texas A&M University 1986

Outstanding Alumnus College of Architecture 2023 ????

IA, RID, LEED AP, WELL

____________________________________________________________________________

?

Page /

Dallas, Texas

Tushar Gupta

Nominee
Healthcare Market Sector Leader,

Principal Jan 2023 - present

Page /

Houston, Texas

 

 

EYP
Houston

Principal, Lead Designer

July 2000 – present

 

Managing Principal,

Associate / Client Liaison

Houston

Summer Internship

Overland Partners

May 1999 – August 1999

Architect

Himanyyu Dalal Architects

1996 – 2000

Master of Architecture Certificate in Health Systems & Design

Texas A&M University 1998 – 2000

 

Institute of Environmental Design

D.Arch., Architecture

1990 -1995

 

Robert Doane 

Healthcare Director 

Nominator 

PAGE/

DALLAS

 

Master of Architecture ‘88

BED Bachelor of Environmental Design

Texas A&M University

__________________________________________

 

Perkins Eastman

New York City, N.Y.

 

A Senior Living Community, Antara Dehradun  Uttarakhand, India

 

Tania Phillips, AIA

Master of Architecture, Health Facilities Design 2005

Certificate in Health Systems & Design

Texas A&M University

 

Bachelor of Architecture

Sir J.J. College of Architecture,

 

Head of the Mumbai, India - senior living and healthcare practice studio

Perkins Eastman

 

https://www.perkinseastman.com/people/tania-phillips/

 

 

Bradford Perkins,

Nominator

FAIA, MRAIC, AICP

Founding Partner of Perkins Eastman an international architecture, interior design, urban design, planning, landscape architecture and project management firm, based in New York.

____________________________________________________________________________

 

Perkins&Will

Los Angeles, Dallas

University of Texas Southwestern Rebird Clinic, Dallas

Nanette Harmon

Project Architect 

Perkins&Will, 

Dallas Office

 

Master of Architecture 2003

The University of Texas at Arlington

&

BED Bachelor of Environmental Design 2000

Texas A&M University

Nominated by

Ashley Dias

AIA, ACHE, EDAC.LEED AP

Principal, Health

Perkins&Will

Dallas

 

Master of Architecture Health Facilities Design ????

and

BED Bachelor of Environmental Design ?????

Texas A&M University

 

____________________________________________________________________________________

 

Shepley Bulfinch

Boston, Mass.

J Trent Williams, ’00 or ’01        ???????

Bachelor of Science with a Minor in Business

Nominee

Houston Texas

Dept of Construction Science 1997

Texas A&M University

 

Nominator

Angela Watson,

President & CEO

Shepley Bulfinch

Boston, Mass.

 

 

Wynn Huey – Wen Yien, M.D.

Secretary General

Taiwan Society of Critical Medicine

Taiwan Yonglin Healthcare Foundation

NTUCH National Taiwan University Cancer Hospital

Taipei Taiwan

__________________________________________________

 

Advisors:

Ronald L. Skaggs, FAIA, FACHA, FHFI, LEED, AP,

 

Chairman Emeritus, HKS, Inc.,

Adjunct Professor of Architecture, Texas A&M University

Donor of the Ronald L.& Sondra Skaggs Endowed Professor of Health Facilities Design,

and

Major Donor of the Skaggs – Sprague Endowed Chair in Health Facilities Design

Major Donor of the George J. Mann Endowed Design Chair of Health Facilities Design

He is a Distinguished Former Student of Texas A&M University

He is also an Outstanding Alumnus of the College of Architecture

Member Corps of Cadets Hall of Honor

Past President of the AIA – American Institute of Architects

Past Chancellor of the College of Fellows of the AIA – American Institute of Architects

Past President of the AIA AAH Academy of Architecture for Health

Recent Recipient of the Tom Landry Leadership Award, DBU Dallas Baptist

  University, Nov 2024

 

Joseph G. Sprague, FAIA, FACHA, FHFI,

 

Principal and Senior Vice President (Ret) HKS Inc.,

Past Director of the Division of Design & Construction of the AHA – American Hospital           

  Association

President and Founder, FGI - Facilities Guidelines Institute,

Past President of the ACHA American College of Healthcare Architects.

Past President of the AIA AAH Academy of Architecture for Health

Board of Directors, ASHE American Society Hospital Engineering

Lt. Col. US Army ( Ret ) Medical Services Command

Major Donor of the Skaggs – Sprague Endowed Chair in Health Facilities Design,

Major Donor of the George J. Mann Endowed Design Chair of Health Facilities Design,

Founder of the Sprague Foundation

Creator of the Annual Investigator Award, in Collaboration with the Center for Health Design

Creator of the Cornerstone Leadership Award in Collaboration with HCD Healthcare Design

He is also an Outstanding Alumnus of the College of Architecture, Texas A&M University

Recipient of the Cornerstone Award

 

George J. Mann AIA

Author

Professor Emeritus

College of Architecture

Texas A&M University

&

Founder & Chairman,

The RPD Group

(Resource Planning & Development) Group

 

The First Ronald L. Skaggs, FAIA Endowed Professor of Health Facilities Design; College of Architecture, Texas A&M University

First Holder of the Skaggs - Sprague Endowed Chair of Health Facilities Design; 

Former Director of the UIA / PHG - International Union of Architects / Public Health Group

Co - Founder, and Former President of GUPHA ( Global University Programs in Healthcare Architecture )

Founder & Advisory Board Chairman, The RPD ( Resource Planning &  Development ) Group 1970 - present

 

Professor Mann earned his Bachelor of Architecture and his Master's degree at Columbia University. Upon graduation he traveled to Europe and the Middle East on a William Kinne Traveling Fellowship to study health and hospital facilities. He then worked for several firms including I.M. Pei, SOM, York & Sawyer, Westermann & Miller, and Isadore & Zachary Rosenfield in New York City - designing health and hospital facilities.

 

He and his students have undertaken over 1000 "Architecture for Health" projects since he founded the "Architecture for Health" Program at Texas A&M University in 1966. He has taught over 4500 students at Texas A&M University many of whom are now leaders in the field of "Architecture for Health" in firms, universities and health and hospital facilities and agencies and organizations around the globe.

 

He was the official liaison from the USA - AIA / AAH ( Academy of Architecture for Health) to the UIA-PHG ( International Union of Architects / Public Health Group) which meets annually in a different country. He was also a member of its Executive Committee. From 2012 - 2013 he served as the Director of the UIA - PHG.