Emily Bateman, ACHA, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD&C
Project Manager
Perkins+Will
Chicago, Illinois
How has ACHA certification enhanced your career in healthcare architecture and/or design?
ACHA certification proves to clients my expertise in specialized healthcare architecture.
What would you say to anyone interested in the field?
Healthcare architecture is an incredibly rewarding field– there are few other practice areas where you can have such a significant, direct impact on users’ lives.
What led you to becoming ACHA certified?
My mentors and then-colleagues Rich Niemi and Laura Zimmer encouraged me to explore ACHA certification. I have found the camaraderie and knowledge sharing within the ACHA to be extremely beneficial.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected you personally or your practice?
The Chicago studio of Perkins and Will participated in two Alternate Care Facility projects with the US Army Corps of Engineers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. I worked more specifically on the reenergizing of the former Metro South Hospital in Blue Island, Illinois with Clark Construction, resulting in 585 new care spaces specifically for COVID-19 patients. It was extremely gratifying to be able to use our healthcare design experience to benefit the Illinois community.
About You
Education:
I received both my Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Master of Architecture degree from the University of Illinois at Champaign Urbana. I participated in the Practice Program with Dr. Michael Kim and was mentored through my healthcare-focused thesis by designers from Perkins and Will, who I am now honored to call my teammates.
Accomplishments
I spent several years working on the University of Cincinnati Gardner Neuroscience Institute, which opened in April of 2019. The Institute is a state-of-the-art outpatient facility, providing innovative care to neurological patients. Since opening, the project has won numerous awards including a Bronze Award from WAN Awards, a Design Excellence Award from AIA Chicago, an Editor’s Pick in the Facades Category from The Architect’s Newspaper, among others.