Jodi Feldheim, ACHA, AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Associate, Senior Health Planner
Chicago, IL
How has ACHA certification enhanced your career in healthcare architecture and/or design?
I became certified in 2019, so am only just beginning to see the benefits of the credential. I look forward to getting more involved with committees and having a greater connectivity to our practice and colleagues.
What would you say to anyone interested in the field?
Healthcare design is ever evolving and rapidly changing. It is always a learning experience, so it never gets tired, even if the components are not conceptually so different at face value. While the exam room you designed two years ago is still perfectly functional, it is not the same as the one you will design tomorrow.
What led you to becoming ACHA certified?
It was never a matter of if, just a matter of when. Much like getting licensed, I always knew that I would pursue ACHA certification as a means of showing my dedication and interest in the field.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected you personally or your practice?
Running user group meetings remotely forces you to think differently about communication techniques and effective presentation methods. What worked when you could meet face to face in an interactive setting is not always the most useful technique when leading online discussions.
About You
Education: M. Arch, Washington University, St Louis, MO; BA Art History, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
Bio and InterestsOriginally from Fairfax, Virginia, I have practiced in Chicago since graduate school. My work includes a number of different scale projects, from 3.5 million square foot replacement hospitals to small ambulatory renovations, focusing solely on medical planning for most of my career. I enjoy the travel experience that comes with my role, learning about places ranging from South Dakota to Montreal to Lisbon.
Accomplishments
I am a big proponent of active involvement- in recent years I have served as president of the local alumni association chapter, twice co-chaired the Greenbuild host committee volunteer committee, led project tours at the last Summer Leadership Summit, recently joined the ACHA Education committee, was invited to participate in the FGI Checklist taskforce, organized Chicago Women in Healthcare monthly gatherings, and participate on an internal HDR global committee to help develop best practices in oncology care.