We are proud to announce that Ann Adams has been elevated to the College of Fellows within the American Institute of Architects (AIA), one of the highest honors the AIA can bestow upon a member. Making this honor even more remarkable is the fact that she is the first in the almost 60-year history of the firm. Congratulations, Ann!

“With just 66 of the national submissions being elevated this year, to be singularly recognized is a conspicuous and well-deserved honor”, notes AIA. She now joins a prestigious group of just 110 other Fellows from Colorado.

Ann was awarded Fellowship for her overwhelming contribution to the practice of architecture throughout her 40-year career. It is culmination of her unique healthcare expertise that has raised the quality of practice through leadership in the American College of Healthcare Architects (ACHA), project design innovation, and a legacy of owner’s representation nationwide.

About Ann’s Leadership

Ann’s career spans leadership in private practice, serving on the owner’s side as a hospital system’s in-house architect, and as an Owner’s Representative for significant design and construction projects nationwide. Through these many roles, she has achieved wisdom and perspective in healthcare architecture that is unique to the profession and has applied it to her work resulting in improved outcomes.

While Ann’s portfolio spans dozens of states and countless high-impact projects, her impact is most acutely felt by those of us who work alongside her every day. Her mastery of design leadership is matched only by her advocacy for the human experience; she ensures that projects benefit people, and that people are empowered by the spaces she helps create.

Through her national leadership in the American College of Healthcare Architects (ACHA) and the AIA, Ann has mentored the next generation and shaped the very trajectory of healthcare design. While serving as the 2024 President of the ACHA, Ann influenced the AIA leaders to adopt the 2024 AIA Resolution for Health and Wellbeing thereby strengthening and reinforcing the AIA’s Framework for Design Excellence. This Resolution expands AIA’s design framework to include applied health-related research as an ethical imperative for the profession bringing greater relevancy of evidence-based research and design to the architecture profession.

She demonstrated national leadership during the COVID-19 crisis by creating Alternate Care Facilities for patient care and emergency laboratory spaces in cities throughout the United States, building facilities where care could be delivered safely. She continues this work today with her exploration in developing alternate care site options allowing for greater flexibility in future pandemics or largescale events, and through her ongoing research with the National Disaster Medical System.

About the AIA Fellowship Program

The fellowship program was developed to elevate architects who have achieved a standard of excellence in the profession and made a significant contribution to architecture and society on a national level. Candidates for Fellowship in the AIA must prove their national impact – extending far beyond their daily practice or immediate geographical area. They must show their “ripple effect” on the profession and society. Only 3% of AIA members have this designation.

Congratulations Ann, on this career-defining, well-earned, well-deserved distinction.