We are passionate about design for human health.

We are a community energized by design for health and well-being. We come together to explore the latest research, dive into challenging topics, and gain insights from one another.

AIA Members and architecture students are welcome to join us at any time during the year – as committee members or for specific events! Reach out to co-chairs or staff for more information.

Regular meetings are held quarterly

Planned Quarterly Activities - Mark your calendar!

January 22, 2026

Discussion topic: Burnout

Burnout is not just a staffing issue but a design challenge that we can influence. We dive into how burnout affects our clients, ourselves, and a shared reflection.

Thursday, April 23, 2026, 3:30-5:30 - In Person

Healthcare Clients Panel & Happy Hour

Clients will discuss On-Stage / Off-Stage. Panel discussion will be followed by a Happy Hour. Location in the MSP area is to be determined. Watch here and Matrix newsletter for details.

Health Design Knowledge Community Meeting

Thursday July 9, 2026, 12:00 to 1:00 pm - Virtual

Quarterly meeting

A Joint Virtual Discussion with the Housing Advocacy Committee

Thursday, September 24, 2026, 3:30-5:30 - In Person

Happy Hour & Panel Discussion on Demountable Wall Systems

Panelists to include Contractors, Owners, Demountable Wall Systems Experts

Apply for AIA ACHA Scholarship for Emerging Professionals by April 17, 2026

Two emerging professionals seeking licensure, or newly licensed, will be chosen as the Summer Leadership Summit (SLS) Next Generation Scholars. The SLS annual gathering of health care design leaders will be in July 17-19 in Minneapolis.

Health Design Resources from AIA

AIA Framework for Design Excellence - Design for Well-being »

Explore framing questions, prioritization, focus topics, and case studies.

Materials Pledge Starter Guide

AIA Materials Pledge »

Healthier Materials Protocol: This guide provides clear, practical methods and tools to navigate materials selection and translate awareness to practice.

Family Tree Clinic Perkins&Will Minneapolis
Family Tree Clinic | Perkins&Will | Photo credit: Corey Gaffer

Case Study: Family Tree Clinic »

The AIA national award-winning healthcare design of the Family Tree Clinic creates an inviting oasis for patients and a safe, trauma-informed place of care.

Knowledge Community Leadership & Staff

Co-Chair

Melissa Emerson, AIA

Co-Chair

Rachel Hendrickson, AIA

Co-Chair Elect

Aniket Nagdive, Assoc. AIA

Continuing Education Director

Deanna Christiansen, Hon. AIAMN