Message from the President

As you may recall from my message in the Winter edition of ACHA Quarterly, I believe that we have a tremendous collective opportunity to maintain --- and enhance --- the vitality and relevance of the College.  I emphasize the word “collective” in defining that opportunity, because each of us is on the front line in demonstrating and communicating the value of the College to our peers, our clients, and the market place, in general.

 

Recently, your ACHA Board, in a two-day strategic work session, endorsed refinements to the ACHA Vision, Mission, and Value Proposition.  Some of this can already be found on our website --- and some elements will be communicated in more detail in the coming weeks.   Meanwhile, if asked, can you answer the most fundamental ACHA question?  “Why become ACHA Certified?”  (Or more bluntly stated, “So what?”) 

 

The answer couldn’t be simpler! Anyone can claim expertise and experience, but only ACHA certificants have demonstrated that their credentials have been verified through independent evaluation by their peers.  To date, fewer than 500 licensed architects have achieved ACHA certification through the rigorous process of demonstrated work history, references, a portfolio submittal, intensive testing, and independent review.

 

Our value is measured not in quantity of certificants; rather it is measured in the “high bar” that has been maintained for ACHA certification --- a far higher standard than for any other “certification” of exposure to issues in healthcare planning and design.  Your ACHA designation is, therefore, a unique distinction --- sought by prospective registrants and respected by healthcare providers. 

 

Again, I want to emphasize that the communication of the vitality and relevance of the College rests with each of us --- not just with the Board and not just communicated online or in print media.  Your individual demonstration of your expertise and experience to your colleagues, your firm, your clients, and to young professionals is arguably the most effective communication of the value of an ACHA certificant.

 

As I noted in my earlier message, I believe that each of us should know that achieving ACHA certification is the beginning; not the end.  This achievement should mark the recognition that this is now your turn --- and your obligation --- to serve as an effective leader and mentor.

 

Toward that end, I urge you to familiarize yourself with our new Candidate Program, for which the requirements and benefits are identified on the ACHA website.  This program has been designed to offer a structured process for mentoring of our young professionals who have a keen interest in healthcare planning and design, yet who do not yet have the requisite time post-registration to stand for the ACHA examination.

 

Please use this as an opportunity to reach out to the next generation of healthcare architects and demonstrate your commitment to them.  We’ll all be better for it!

Peter Bardwell, FAIA, FACHA

2013 President, American College of Healthcare Architects

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Become a Certified Healthcare Architect

We appreciate your interest in the American College of Healthcare Architects. If you, or someone you know is qualified, the Regents invite submission of an application. Click here to learn about the ACHA application process.