The Center for Health Design Blog

You’re EDAC Certified, Now What?

The whole point of our EDAC (Evidence-based Design Accreditation and Certification) program is to develop a community of individuals who understand and can implement the evidence-based design (EBD) process when they are designing and building healthcare facilities.

Right now, more than 900 individuals are part of the EDAC community.

Our hope is that they are putting what they’ve learned — or in some cases, already know — into practice and are engaging their project teams to gather data and measure results.

But we know that isn’t always as easy as it sounds to do. One of the things we’re doing to help is offering an interactive clinic called “Practice EBD” at the HEALTHCARE DESIGN.10 conference in Nashville, TN, in November.

Partcipants will get personal consultation from a stellar line-up of EBD experts who will help coach them through integrating the EBD process into their project(s). It’s a great opportunity for one-on-one interaction with some of the best EBD minds in the industry.

It gets better. All clinic participants receive a bundle of evidence-based design books and resources from The Center for Health Design worth $200 and are invited to attend (at no additional fee) the EDAC Exam Preparation Workshop, which follows the Practice EBD clinic.

So, whether you’re already EDAC certified or hoping to take and pass the exam at conference, you’ve got several learning opportunities to get the most from your EDAC credential.

Cleveland Architecture Firm CBLH Design, First In Ohio to Become EDAC Advocate

CONCORD, CA (October 21, 2010) — CBLH Design recently completed its commitment as the newest Advocate Firm for the Evidence-Based Design Accreditation and Certification (EDAC) program from The Center for Health Design (CHD). An Ohio-based healthcare architecture firm, CBLH Design has 25% of its healthcare staff accredited with EDAC.

“Congratulations to the staff at CBLH for their EDAC accomplishment,” says Debra Levin, president and chief executive officer at CHD. “CBLH’s values are perfectly aligned with EDAC’s mission, and we look forward to seeing their future contributions enhance the knowledge base of evidence-based design.”

The principals of CBLH Design firmly believe that by incorporating the best evidence-based design practices and promoting EDAC accreditation they are creating a better future for the clients and communities they serve. “Becoming an Advocate Firm helps us further promote our belief that evidence-based design is not a trend, but something of great value to be incorporated into every healthcare project and eventually all our work”, states CBLH Design principal, Tim Hunsicker, AIA, EDAC.

As an established firm dedicated to healthcare design since 1971, CBLH continues its commitment to best practices, working with clients to achieve their goals with optimum health and environmental benefits, and incorporating evidence-based design for achieving the best possible outcomes.

“Many of these evidence-based design concepts have been incorporated into projects over the past 10 years based on experience and professional opinion. Now we can empirically demonstrate to owners, due to increased research and evidence, that by integrating certain concepts, an improved bottom line can be realized by the reduction in patient length of stays, medical errors, staff injuries and patient falls,” says Mike Liezert, AIA, ACHA, EDAC, LEED AP, and a principal of CBLH Design.

EDAC’s mission is to develop a community of accredited industry individuals through education and assessment of an evidence-based design process. To date, EDAC has accredited to over 525 individuals worldwide. CBLH is among 23 industry organizations that are associated with or have contributed to the EDAC program.

In October, The Center for Health Design is releasing a second edition of EDAC study guides that are designed to help individuals prepare for the exam. The guides are available for pre-order at store.healthdesign.org. For more information about the program, visit www.healthdesign.org/edac.

# # #

About The Center for Health Design
The Center for Health Design (CHD), formed in 1993, is a nonprofit research and advocacy organization of forward-thinking healthcare, elder care, design and construction professionals and product manufacturers who are leading the quest to improve the quality of healthcare facilities and create new environments for healthy aging. Its voluntary board of directors guides the work of paid staff that manages and directs the organization’s research, education, outreach and advocacy efforts. For more information, visit www.healthdesign.org.

About CBLH Design
CBLH Design provides architectural, planning, and interior design services that are founded on personal commitment to service, knowledge, and distinctive design. For 40 years CBLH has been carrying on the tradition, keeping on the cutting edge with sustainable and enriching environments for the healthcare community, libraries, and higher education. CBLH Design is recognized for its innovative healthcare designs at Mercy Medical Center (Canton, Ohio), The Louis Stokes Veterans Affairs Medical Center (Cleveland, Ohio) and The Ohio State University Medical Center (Columbus, Ohio). Other distinctive projects for libraries and universities include: Cleveland State University’s Main Classroom Student Services Plaza and Ritter Public Library’s (Vermillion, Ohio) addition and renovation project which is set to achieve LEED gold certification. For more information, visit www.cblhdesign.com.

International Healthcare Design Experts, Anshen+Allen, Part Of Stantec Architecture, Joins Growing List Of EDAC Advocates

CONCORD, CA (October 21, 2010) – Anshen+Allen, part of Stantec Architecture, is the latest healthcare architecture firm to commit 25% of its team to earn the EDAC (Evidence-Based Design Accreditation and Certification) credential from The Center for Health Design (CHD). Anshen+Allen, part of Stantec Architecture, is among 22 industry organizations that are associated with or have contributed to the EDAC program.

“Becoming an advocate firm underscores our commitment to cultivating a culture of research-informed design,” says Bill Rostenberg, Principal at Anshen+Allen, a part of Stantec Architecture. Our philosophy is founded upon creating environments that enable our clients to succeed. In doing so, we seek to fully understand the impact of our design decisions. Our research-informed design process is long standing, as is our alliance with The Center for Health Design.”

A longtime CHD Corporate Affiliate member, Anshen+Allen, a part of Stantec Architecture, has provided its expertise to support the development of various CHD programs over the years. Staff members have participated as program advisors and spoken at HEALTHCARE DESIGN conferences, collaborated with Pebble Project partners to conduct evidence-based design, authored articles that have appeared in HEALTHCARE DESIGN magazine and HERD Journal, and sat on CHD volunteer advisory councils. Its staff also assisted in writing the EDAC program’s study guides.

“The breadth of healthcare expertise and involvement from Anshen+Allen, a part of Stantec Architecture, with us through the past 20 years has helped grow the EDAC program and make it a success,” says Debra Levin, president and chief executive officer of The Center for Health Design. “Needless to say, we’re very excited to welcome the firm into our group of advocates for EDAC.”

In mid-October, The Center for Health Design is releasing a second edition of EDAC study guides that are designed to help individuals prepare for the exam. The guides are available for pre-order at store.healthdesign.org. EDAC’s mission is to develop a community of accredited industry individuals through education and assessment of an evidence-based design process. To date, EDAC has accredited to over 525 individuals, worldwide. For more information about the program, visit www.healthdesign.org/edac.

# # #

About The Center for Health Design
The Center for Health Design (CHD), formed in 1993, is a nonprofit research and advocacy organization of forward-thinking healthcare, elder care, design and construction professionals and product manufacturers who are leading the quest to improve the quality of healthcare facilities and create new environments for healthy aging. Its voluntary board of directors guides the work of paid staff that manages and directs the organization’s research, education, outreach and advocacy efforts. www.healthdesign.org

About Anshen+Allen, a part of Stantec Architecture
Anshen+Allen, a part of Stantec Architecture, has been committed to creating inspiring architectural experiences that reinforce the individual spirit and affect positive transformation. Dedicated to academic and healthcare design, the firm focuses its efforts on projects that benefit humanity, contribute to community and culture, and demonstrate a commitment to social progress. www.anshen.com

Kasian Brings International Experience To The EDAC Program As A New Advocate Firm

CONCORD, CA (August 13, 2010) – Kasian Architecture Interior Design and Planning Ltd. is the next advocate firm for the Evidence-Based Design Accreditation and Certification (EDAC) program from The Center for Health Design. Kasian is one of the top 100 architecture, interior design and planning firms in the world, with offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Abu Dhabi, Mumbai and Shanghai. The company has achieved international recognition for its collaborative approach to design, creating award-winning spaces and sustainable environments for people everywhere. Kasian becomes the 14th firm to dedicate 25% of its healthcare team to achieve EDAC accreditation.

“Kasian has an established reputation for working collaboratively and productively with its clients to create leading-edge healthcare facilities,” says Milton Gardner, principal and head of Kasian’s healthcare sector. “Our focus with each project is to create inviting spaces that provide a healthy, supportive and healing environment for patients and staff. We are proud to be at the forefront of healthcare planning and pleased to demonstrate our commitment to evidence-based design by becoming an EDAC Advocate Firm.”

“We are excited that this innovative Canadian firm with its extensive international portfolio of work is engaging in the EDAC program. We look forward to learning from Kasian’s experience and spreading knowledge of the evidence-based design process globally,” said Debra Levin, president and chief executive officer at The Center for Health Design.

The Center for Health Design launched the EDAC exam in April 2009 after publishing a set of study guides to augment exam preparation. A second edition of study guides will be available in August 2010. EDAC’s mission is to develop a community of accredited industry individuals through education and assessment of an evidence-based design process. To date, more than 425 individuals among eight countries across the globe are now accredited. For more information about the EDAC program, visit www.healthdesign.org/edac.

# # #

The Center for Health Design (CHD), formed in 1993, is a nonprofit research and advocacy organization of forward-thinking healthcare, elder care, design and construction professionals and product manufacturers who are leading the quest to improve the quality of healthcare facilities and create new environments for healthy aging. Its voluntary board of directors guides the work of paid staff that manages and directs the organization’s research, education, and advocacy efforts. For more information, visit www.healthdesign.org.

Kasian Architecture Interior Design & Planning is a keen advocate of evidence-based design. The firm creates sustainable, award-winning spaces that promote and support health and well-being. Kasian’s landmark projects include the 44 acre South Health Campus in Alberta, the largest greenfield social infrastructure project under construction in North America; Alberta Children’s Hospital, the first free-standing pediatric facility to be built in Canada in more than 20 years; and the innovative Surrey Outpatient Care and Surgery Center, which provides the first dedicated facility for outpatient surgeries, diagnostic procedures, specialized clinics and community programs in British Columbia. To learn more about Kasian, please visit www.kasian.com

Visions in Architecture Commits To EDAC Accreditation

CONCORD, CA (July 8, 2010)— Visions in Architecture (VIA) joins the list of advocate firms for the Evidence-Based Design Accreditation and Certification (EDAC) program from The Center for Health Design (CHD). VIA is the 13th firm to devote 25% of its healthcare team to becoming EDAC accredited.

“Visions in Architecture is dedicated to improving the lives of others through culture and the built environment. We believe that we can make a positive impact on those who are vulnerable through the design of buildings that protect and uplift its occupants,” says Doug Elting, managing principal at VIA. “EDAC provides an avenue to spread the message about what works and what does not work. We can only make progress by learning from the successful and unsuccessful attempts of others. In order to have value and impact, our design concepts must be properly researched and documented and the results openly shared. It is our intent to have all members of our design staff become accredited.”

VIA recognizes that there are opportunities for a healthcare design firm that is both creative and agile, and therefore believes that there can be no greater calling than to improve the lives of others through the design of healthcare facilities that are safe, effective, and uplifting. Since 2005, VIA has strived to create environments that replace fear and stress with peace and anticipation.

“VIA has been a loyal supporter of CHD for many years, and its staff brings valuable knowledge and interdisciplinary experience that will help further evidence-based design, so we’re excited to welcome it into this growing program,” says Debra Levin, president and chief executive officer of The Center for Health Design.

The Center for Health Design launched the EDAC exam in April 2009 after publishing a set of study guides to augment exam preparation. A second edition of study guides will be available in August 2010. EDAC’s mission is to develop a community of accredited industry individuals through education and assessment of an evidence-based design process. To date, more than 425 individuals in eight countries across the globe are now accredited. For more information about the EDAC program, visit www.healthdesign.org/edac.

# # #

About The Center for Health Design
The Center for Health Design (CHD), formed in 1993, is a nonprofit research and advocacy organization of forward-thinking healthcare, elder care, design and construction professionals and product manufacturers who are leading the quest to improve the quality of healthcare facilities and create new environments for healthy aging. Its voluntary board of directors guides the work of paid staff that manages and directs the organization’s research, education, outreach and advocacy efforts. For more information, visit www.healthdesign.org

About Visions in Architecture
Visions in Architecture believes that there are opportunities for a healthcare design firm that is both creative and agile. VIA believes that there can be no greater calling than to improve the lives of others through the design of healthcare facilities that are safe, effective and uplifting. We strive to create environments that replace fear and stress with peace and anticipation. We leverage the best technology available into a holistic process that pays dividends in savings and value to our clients. For more information visit www.visionsinarchitecture.com

Peters And Associates Becomes The First Long-Term Care Specialist To Join The List Of EDAC Advocate Firms

CONCORD, CA (July 8, 2010) — Peters and Associates, Architects, P.C. is the first long-term care design firm to advocate for the Evidence-Based Design Accreditation and Certification (EDAC) program from The Center for Health Design. As the newest EDAC Advocate Firm, it is committing 25% of its healthcare team to earn EDAC accreditation.

“For years Peters and Associates has provided clients with facilities that meet the needs of their residents. We continually research new methods of care and their effects on the built environment. When we learned about EDAC, we easily saw the need share our experiences with the health design community, and also learn new aspects of delivering the best building possible for the resident,” says Don Peters, president of Peters and Associates.

Recent trends in the extended care field have placed emphasis on the dignity and independence of residents and patients with designs featuring private rooms, each with their own toilet and bathing facilities. The “medical model” is being replaced with a more personalized environment with enhanced residential amenities. Peters and Associates’ has provided design services on other healthcare design projects including medical clinics, therapy rehab facilities, and wellness centers.

“Peters and Associates brings a new perspective with its experience in elder care to the EDAC program,” says Debra Levin, president and chief executive officer of The Center for Health Design. “Now that long-term care specialists are recognizing the need for EDAC, we’re hopeful that the program will reach its vision of seeing evidence-based design used in all healthcare environments.”

The Center for Health Design launched the EDAC exam in April 2009 after publishing a set of study guides to augment exam preparation. A second edition of study guides will be available in August 2010. EDAC’s mission is to develop a community of accredited industry individuals through education and assessment of an evidence-based design process. To date, more than 425 individuals among eight countries across the globe are now accredited. Peters and Associates is the twelfth advocate firm in addition to one educational partner, and six champion firms. For more information about the EDAC program, visit www.healthdesign.org/edac.

EDAC Study Guides are available to help individuals prepare for an exam, which then assesses their understanding of how to base healthcare design decisions on credible research evidence and project evaluation results.

# # #

About The Center for Health Design
The Center for Health Design (CHD), formed in 1993, is a nonprofit research and advocacy organization of forward-thinking healthcare, elder care, design and construction professionals and product manufacturers who are leading the quest to improve the quality of healthcare facilities and create new environments for healthy aging. Its voluntary board of directors guides the work of paid staff that manages and directs the organization’s research, education, outreach and advocacy efforts. For more information, visit www.healthdesign.org

About Peters and Associates, Architects, P.C.
Peters and Associates, Architects, P.C. has continuous concentrated experience with a full range of projects within the eldercare environment. The firm’s completed works includes 80 individual projects in the eldercare field including skilled care, assisted living, independent living, Alzheimer’s care, and a host of related support projects. To learn more visit www.petersarchitects.com

JAIN MALKIN INC. Makes A Commitment To Become An EDAC Advocate Firm

CONCORD, CA (July 7, 2010) – JAIN MALKIN INC., has joined the growing list of Advocate Firms for The Center for Health Design’s Evidence-Based Design Accreditation and Certification (EDAC) program. The firm’s CEO and founder Jain Malkin, a renowned interior designer in the healthcare industry, sits on Board of Directors for The Center for Health Design, so it was an easy decision for her to have her firm engage in the process of getting 25% of its healthcare team EDAC accredited.

“We have made a commitment to becoming an EDAC Advocate firm because it will bring value to our clients,” says Malkin. “Having been proponents of research-informed design for many years, this is the evolution of that philosophy.”

JAIN MALKIN INC. begins every project by viewing the healthcare setting through the patient’s eyes because the patient is the ultimate client. This involves understanding the often stressful multisensory environment that surrounds patients and the psychological factors associated with illness and hospitalization. These issues become the research platform for application of evidence-based design (EBD) theory to create beautiful and functional healing environments, each one a unique patient experience.

“The Center has valued Jain’s work and industry expertise for years so we’re pleased that she is showing her commitment to the EDAC program by helping us grow our community of accredited individuals,” says Debra Levin, President and CEO of The Center for Health Design.

EDAC’s mission is to develop a community of accredited industry individuals through education and assessment of an evidence-based design process. The EDAC program launched in April 2009, and has accredited more than 400 individuals among eight countries. JAIN MALKIN INC. is the 10th Advocate Firm aside one Educational Partner, and six Champion Firms. For more general information about the EDAC program, visit www.healthdesign.org/edac.

# # #

The Center for Health Design (CHD), formed in 1993, is a nonprofit research and advocacy organization of forward-thinking healthcare, elder care, design and construction professionals and product manufacturers who are leading the quest to improve the quality of healthcare facilities and create new environments for healthy aging. Its voluntary board of directors guides the work of paid staff that manages and directs the organization’s research, education, and advocacy efforts. For more information, visit www.healthdesign.org

JAIN MALKIN INC, an interior design firm in San Diego, CA, brings wide-ranging talent and technical skills to its collaborative design process. As innovators in the field of interior architecture for healthcare, the firm’s understanding of evidence-based design is demonstrated in Malkin’s latest publication, A Visual Reference for Evidence-based Design, which is the first book on this topic. The firm believes that good design is informed by research. For more information visit www.jainmalkin.com

CEI Architecture Planning Interiors Seeks To Contribute To New Research As Next EDAC Advocate Firm

CONCORD, CA (June 30, 2010) – CEI Architecture Planning Interiors has pledged its commitment to utilize an evidence-based design process by signing on as the next EDAC Advocate Firm for the Evidence-Based Design Accreditation and Certification (EDAC) program from The Center for Health Design (CHD). As an Advocate Firm, Canadian-based CEI will accredit 25% of its healthcare team by next year.

“As healthcare design specialists, we’ve seen first-hand the dramatic impact of using evidence-based design principles as a foundation for our work,” says William Locking, Senior Partner at CEI. “Becoming an advocate firm will allow us to participate in and contribute to new research and innovation in evidence-based design, which we will use to help our clients enhance the quality of care they provide their patients and communities.

CEI believes that improved patient outcomes, enhanced staff performance, superior infection control—while lowering clinical errors—can be enhanced by its approach to facility design. As the firm focuses on design that enhances the vision of its clients, it is satisfying the needs of the end user and reducing the impact on the environment. CEI’s process is rooted in collaborative, facilitative listening to respond to clients’ needs and deliver sustainable projects that respond functionally, technically and aesthetically to all of the requirements.

“Welcoming another international firm into EDAC indicates that the program is truly on its way to achieving its goal of standardizing the evidence-based design process,” says Debra Levin, President and CEO of The Center for Health Design. “The contribution by our Advocate Firms to design research is not only necessary to reach EDAC’s goal, but also to improve the knowledge base for evidence-based design in the industry.”

Launched in April 2009, the EDAC program is well on its way to fulfilling its mission to develop an evidence-based design community with over 420 accredited individuals among in eight countries. CEI is the 11th Advocate Firm alongside one Educational Partner, and six Champion Firms. For more general information about the EDAC program, visit www.healthdesign.org/edac.

# # #

About The Center for Health Design
The Center for Health Design (CHD), formed in 1993, is a nonprofit research and advocacy organization of forward-thinking healthcare, elder care, design and construction professionals and product manufacturers who are leading the quest to improve the quality of healthcare facilities and create new environments for healthy aging. Its voluntary board of directors guides the work of paid staff that manages and directs the organization’s research, education, outreach and advocacy efforts. For more information, visit www.healthdesign.org

About CEI Architecture Planning Interiors
CEI Architecture Planning Interiors is a fully integrated architecture firm with offices in Vancouver, Victoria and Kelowna, BC, and Los Angeles, California. CEI has a specialized healthcare design team that has led innovative facility renovations, additions and new construction projects of all sizes. The firm’s process-driven approach emphasizes evidence-based design, extensive user consultation and sustainable solutions to create healthy environments that address the specific needs of communities. CEI is currently designing the new $40 million Cancer Centre for the North for the BC Cancer Agency, as part of a P3 consortium that includes Plenary Health, PCL and Johnson Controls, which is targeting LEED Gold standards. For more information visit www.ceiarchitecture.com.

Czopek & Erdenberger Validates Its Evidence-Based Approach By Becoming The Next EDAC Advocate Firm

CONCORD, CA (June 25, 2010)– Czopek & Erdenberger (C&E) is next in line to become an advocate firm for the Evidence-Based Design Accreditation and Certification (EDAC) program from The Center for Health Design (CHD). By having 25% of its healthcare team EDAC accredited, C&E will become the ninth advocate firm aside one educational partner, and six champion firms.

“Becoming an EDAC Advocate Firm validates the way we have been approaching healthcare planning and design at C&E for over 25 years,” says Georgia Erdenberger, Principal of C&E. “Our design approach involves orchestrating a clear process for decision-making by actively involving patients, medical staff, administrators, physicians, facilities and environmental services staff in identifying issues, defining goals, and objectives. With a commitment to evidence-based design, C&E provides its clients the most current thinking on design of a high performance healthcare environment that promotes the well-being and safety of staff and patients. Armed with current research information, we find our clients are able to make better and more confident decisions about their built projects. “

Since C&E’s inception, 80% of its work has come from repeat clients and more than 60% in the healthcare sector. In addition to comprehensive architectural interior design services, the firm’s expertise includes sustainable design, wayfinding and signage design, development of artwork packages, master finish standards, branding standards, facility appearance and furniture standards.

“The EDAC program is setting quality standards for practice in healthcare design,” says Debra Levin, President and CEO of The Center for Health Design. “C&E’s experience with the interdisciplinary approach to planning and design makes them a valued partner in our efforts to grow evidence-based design across the industry.”

C&E is an interior planning and design firm that seeks to develop high quality and innovative interior environments through a collaborative process. “We have long relied on The Center for Health Design for the most up to date information, research, and case studies on healthcare planning and design. With evidence-based design being clearly defined, researched, advocated, and practiced through EDAC accreditation, we feel we’re part of an important community of peers who share a common belief in the importance of the built environment on the human experience,” adds Erdenberger.

EDAC’s mission is to develop a community of accredited industry individuals through education and assessment of an evidence-based design process. The EDAC program launched in April 2009, and has accredited more than 400 individuals among eight countries. For more general information about the EDAC program, visit www.healthdesign.org/edac

###

About The Center for Health Design
The Center for Health Design (CHD), formed in 1993, is a nonprofit research and advocacy organization of forward-thinking healthcare, elder care, design and construction professionals and product manufacturers who are leading the quest to improve the quality of healthcare facilities and create new environments for healthy aging. Its voluntary board of directors guides the work of paid staff that manages and directs the organization’s research, education, and advocacy efforts. For more information, visit www.healthdesign.org.

About Czopek & Erdenberger, Inc.
Czopek & Erdenberger, Inc. (C&E) is an interior planning and design firm that, with the individual talents of principals and staff, seeks to develop high quality and innovative interior environments through a collaborative process. Our goal is to express our diverse clients’ visions in a unique and personal way. Founded in Portland, Oregon in 1986, C&E has completed all scales of commercial and residential work, ranging from small retail space to planning for large corporate and governmental organizations, and including master planning and design for hospitality, medical, educational and institutional clients. For more information visit www.czopek.com.

Gensler, a Global Leader in Architecture/Design Joins Growing List of EDAC Advocate Firms

CONCORD, CA (April 6, 2010)—Gensler is the newest Advocate Firm for the Evidence-Based Design Accreditation and Certification (EDAC) program from The Center for Health Design (CHD). As a global leader in architecture, interiors, planning, and strategic consulting, with professionals networked across 33 locations on five continents, Gensler is now committed to having 25% of its healthcare division attain EDAC accreditation.

“Gensler prides itself on a research-based methodology to inform the design process,” says Barbara Bouza, AIA, LEED AP, a principal at Gensler, Los Angeles and leader of the firm’s healthcare practice.  “We fully support the EDAC program and are excited to become an Advocate Firm and collaborate with The Center for Health Design. Research gives us invaluable insight into user behavior and the dynamics of the healthcare environments that we design.”

As a leading architecture and interior design firm, Gensler leverages its deep resources and diverse expertise in such areas as healthcare, hospitality, workplace, science and technology, brand design and retail. Gensler is committed to research and has published the results of its independent surveys in the U.S. and U.K. to determine how the workplace environment affects productivity, creativity and attitudes about work. Gensler recently facilitated focus groups, patient shadowing, family interviews and benchmarking for a leading academic medical institution to gain insights into the user experience from the patient and family point of view. Gensler’s goal through innovative design is to balance the understanding of human needs, economic requirements and environmental responsibility.

“The EDAC program sets a standard of practice in design and pushes the envelope of innovation in the healthcare design industry,” says Debra Levin, President and CEO of The Center for Health Design. “We applaud Gensler for taking on this commitment to become an Advocate Firm and continuing to lead the way for innovation in our field.”

Through the EDAC program, CHD has defined and standardized the evidence-based design process as a way to educate and assess an individual’s understanding of how to base design decisions on credible research evidence. Since the launch of the EDAC exam in April 2009, more than 300 individuals worldwide have been accredited. For more information about the EDAC program, visit www.healthdesign.org/edac.

# # #

About The Center for Health Design
The Center for Health Design (CHD), formed in 1993, is a nonprofit research and advocacy organization of forward-thinking healthcare, elder care, design and construction professionals and product manufacturers who are leading the quest to improve the quality of healthcare facilities and create new environments for healthy aging. Its voluntary board of directors guides the work of paid staff that manages and directs the organization’s research, education, outreach and advocacy efforts. For more information, visit www.healthdesign.org

About Gensler

Gensler is a global design, planning, and strategic consulting firm with professionals networked across 33 locations on five continents. Consistently ranked by U.S. and international industry surveys as the leading architecture and interior design firm, Gensler leverages its deep resources and diverse expertise to develop design solutions for industries across the globe. For its longstanding commitment to sustainable design, Gensler received the inaugural Leadership Award from the U.S. Green Building Council in 2006. www.gensler.com