The American College of Healthcare Architects (ACHA) has announced that James J. Atkinson, AIA, ACHA, EDAC, LEED AP, HDR vice president and director of healthcare planning, has earned board certification in healthcare architecture.
Atkinson recently passed an accredited examination, which assesses the knowledge and understanding of architects who specialize in healthcare. He joins the ranks of more than 400 ACHA colleagues in the United States and Canada who have received this important architectural credential. In addition to the exam, architects must submit data-heavy portfolios that document their body of work and outline their experience, including six recommendation letters from clients and peers.
ACHA requires its certification-holders to practice in an ethical manner, maintain the highest standards in the specialized field of healthcare architecture, and to add to its body of knowledge.
“We’re very proud of Jim’s recognition as an international specialist in healthcare architecture,” said Hank Adams, AIA, ACHA, EDAC, HDR senior vice president and health practice director. “Jim has a passion for creating healing environments informed by research and evidence-based design, and he provides transformative ideas to our healthcare clients.”
Atkinson has been with HDR since 2004, and he has dedicated his 25-year career exclusively to the design of health and wellness facilities. He has contributed to the design and planning of over 20 million square feet of built healthcare environments.
Atkinson joins these other HDR ACHA-certified architects:
Hank Adams – Dallas, TX
Jill Bergman – San Francisco, CA
Tom Braud – Houston, TX
Steve Cano – Houston, TX
Abbie Clary – Chicago, IL
Neal Corbett – Atlanta, GA
Susana Erpestad – Arlington, VA
Richard Harris – Houston, TX
Fernando Rodrigues – Houston, TX
Mark Tiscornia – Phoenix, AZ
Sandy Tkacz – Arlington, VA
Val Williams – Denver, CO