American Institute of Architects/Academy of Architecture for Health Names Debra Levin as the 2011 Presidential Citation Recipient

CONCORD, CA — Debra J. Levin, EDAC, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Center for Health Design (CHD), has been awarded a Presidential Citation from the American Institute of Architects/Academy of Architecture for Health (AIA/AAH).

The Presidential Citation was established to honor vital leaders in the healthcare design industry and is given annually at the HEALTHCARE DESIGN conference. This year’s award honors Debra's commitment to establishing and continually developing broad partnerships that bring together a variety of organizations, business communities and individuals to advance the healthcare design industry.

“Her unwavering commitment to build collaborative relationships in an energized atmosphere of knowledge-seeking and innovation, along with her inspired advocacy for design and research have transformed the healthcare design community”, says Ron Smith, AIA, ACHA, ACHE, LEED®AP, President of the AIA/AAH. “Debra’s advocacy and knowledge have enriched our community and challenged us to foster better design, deepen communication, and promote better health.”

About The AIA Academy of Architecture for Health

The AIA AAH mission is to improve both the quality of healthcare design and the design of healthy communities by developing, documenting, and disseminating knowledge; educating design practitioners and other related constituencies; advancing the practice of architecture; and affiliating and advocating with others that share these priorities. Visit http://network.aia.org/academyofarchitectureforhealth.

About The American Institute of Architects

For over 150 years, members of the American Institute of Architects have worked with each other and their communities to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and cityscapes. Members adhere to a code of ethics and professional conduct to ensure the highest standards in professional practice. Embracing their responsibility to serve society, AIA members engage civic and government leaders and the public in helping find needed solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation and world. Visit www.aia.org.

About The Center for Health Design 

The Center for Health Design (CHD) is a nonprofit organization that engages and supports professionals and organizations in the healthcare, construction, and design industry to improve the quality of healthcare facilities and create new environments for healthy aging. CHD’s mission is to transform healthcare environments for a healthier, safer world through design research, education, and advocacy. For more information, visit www.healthdesign.org/.