FGI Bulletin #16—FGI Recognizes Outstanding Leaders with the Pioneer Award

Sometimes, if we are lucky, an individual or organization in our midst is inspired by the vision of a new path and embodies the pioneering spirit and perseverance to pursue that path. The dedication and passion of these few ignite new levels of performance from others; they are the pioneers and adventurers who lead us to a preferred future.

The Pioneer Award of the Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI) honors select individuals and organizations of outstanding character who influence or create the future of health and residential care facility design and construction through their contributions and support of the mission and vision of the Facility Guidelines Institute. FGI is proud to present the Pioneer Award to three remarkable individuals: Jane Rohde, Judy Smith, and Rebecca Lewis.

Jane M. Rohde, AIA, FIIDA, ASID, ACHA, CHID

“Jane has amassed an impressive catalog of achievements with a singular focus,” write Addie Abushousheh and John Shoesmith, fellow members of the Health Guidelines Revision Committee (HGRC) and co-chairs of the Residential Document Group. “That focus is to elevate the quality of life and care for older adults, particularly through the design of long-term care facilities.

“Consequently, Jane’s work benefits environmental designers and health care providers alike. Jane diplomatically works across and between disciplines to address gaps between design, regulation, policy, and practice.”

The depth and breadth of Jane’s knowledge simultaneously demonstrate her mastery of and agility in responding to the contextualized needs of vulnerable populations and complex sets of circumstances. Recognizing the practice- and need-based differences between health care settings and environments built for elders and other vulnerable populations, Jane championed a fundamental shift in the structure of the Guidelines documents. The result of that shift was the creation of a new publication specific to residential and elder care facilities, the Guidelines for Design and Construction of Residential Health, Care, and Support Facilities.

In addition, it is noted that everyone who has the good fortune to work closely with Jane recognizes that she creates and fosters a collegial atmosphere that inspires colleagues to expand personal horizons and advance industry knowledge to benefit older adults and those working on their behalf. “Paradigm-changing individuals like Jane are a rare and precious commodity,” write Addie and John. “She embodies the vision of the Facility Guidelines Institute: to be a leader in guiding the development of the health and residential care built environment.”

Jane shares this award with those who work alongside her: “The true meaning behind the Pioneer Award is collaboration, teamwork, and friendship coupled with a bit of true grit. Thanks to all of the Residential Document Group members and subject matter experts, FGI’s extraordinary team, the HGRC leadership, and my JSR team. Thank you for allowing me the privilege to champion person-centered care and inclusive environments.”

Judith A. Smith, MHA

“We cannot easily predict the future, but if I were to look backward 30 years to those colleagues whom I would have predicted would be recognized as future national leaders,” writes HGRC member Peter Bardwell, “Judy Smith would clearly be among them.”

Judy has been at the forefront of designing state-of-the-art health care facilities for mothers, babies, and children since the beginning of her career. Her deeply humanistic work embodies an understanding of the crucial need for family support in newborn intensive care and labor and delivery environments. Judy shares her passion for patient- and family-centered care with her clients and her colleagues, fostering the design of health care facilities that embrace and support this approach to health care. Dr. Robert White, a longtime colleague, shares, “As a result of Judy’s efforts, obstetrical and newborn ICU facilities have been completely transformed in a generation, integrating new technology and enabling personalized, compassionate care.”

Judy joined the HGRC in 1992 and made an immediate impact on the content of the Guidelines. She provided the essential expertise to improve and expand the design standards for newborn intensive care units and obstetrical facilities and was instrumental in the creation of a new section on freestanding birth centers. An unwavering advocate for children’s health, Judy led development of a new chapter specific to children’s hospitals in the 2014 Guidelines.

A founding member of the international consensus committee that writes the Recommended Standards for Newborn ICU Design, Judy has been a bridge between the Guidelines and the research and practice community. Her skillful leadership, open-mindedness, and consummate knowledge have ensured Judy’s legacy as a major force in expanding the breadth and reach of the Guidelines documents.

In response to her recognition, Judy states, “The first recipient of this award, Armand Burgun, inspired me with decades of relentless, groundbreaking efforts to create more patient-centric hospitals. For almost 30 years, I have had the privilege of serving on FGI’s ‘dream teams’ of passionate, diverse, and extremely talented colleagues who help shape the future of health care. I am deeply honored to be placed in such distinguished ranks as past and current honorees.”

Rebecca J. Lewis, FAIA, FACHA, CID

“If one were to define commitment,” writes fellow HGRC member Joseph Sprague, “you would start with Rebecca Lewis. Not only is Rebecca a credit to her profession but she’s also a person of high integrity, respected by all.”

“Rebecca not only is a good colleague,” adds HGRC member John Williams, “she is a good person. Even in difficult conversations, she exudes interest and respect for the people around her.” One of Rebecca’s many strengths lies in her encouragement and championing of colleagues, new and old. Rebecca’s knowledge paired with her interest in the opinions of others creates a collegial environment that is fertile ground for both good ideas and great conversations. Whether mentoring younger architects in the health care field or striving for consistency across the Guidelines documents, Rebecca is known for her dedication, depth of intellect, and  deep-seated respect for others.

Rebecca joined the HGRC in 2006 and quickly exhibited a strong understanding of health and residential care codes and standards. Her passion for learning and special ability to bring people to consensus make her a beloved and respected co-chair of the Outpatient Document Group. Co-chair Kirsten Waltz shares the following: “Rebecca challenges [members of] the group to seek out research and is never afraid to question the status quo. For several revision cycles, she has worked tirelessly to increase the quality of the Guidelines through her correlation efforts, reflections on different opinions to achieve a minimum standard, and contributions to interpretations.”

In addition, Rebecca has been an unwavering advocate for evidence-based design standards for small and rural health care communities, the design of ambulatory care facilities, and the special needs of Native American tribal health care leaders. Rebecca’s leadership is demonstrated through her long-standing service and commitment on the HGRC Steering Committee and her role in developing the Guidelines for Design and Construction of Outpatient Facilities. Kirsten Waltz adds, “Rebecca’s efforts have helped shape the Guidelines into a world-class standard.”

In accepting the award, Rebecca acknowledges the organizations that have shaped her career and encouraged her work with FGI: “I would like to thank American Institute of Architects for asking me to serve as one of their representatives to the Guidelines and DSGW Architects for supporting this work.”