Julie Frazier, AIA, ACHA, LEED AP, RELi AP
Director of Healthcare Planning, Associate Principal
Perkins+Will
Dallas, Texas
How has ACHA certification enhanced your career in healthcare architecture and/or design?
The ACHA certification has enhanced my career in healthcare architecture in many ways. It represents expertise and excellence in the eyes of my clients and begins to foster trust from the start. It also allows me access to a tremendous breath of knowledge as there are many opportunities to network and collaborate with colleagues across the nation who are at the top of their field. I have joined committees and initiatives such as the ACHA Certification Committee and the EDI Taskforce that I feel passionate about and have had the opportunity to make an impact. It is meaningful to me to be a part of an organization who strives to become more equitable, diverse and inclusive.
What would you say to anyone interested in the field?
Being a healthcare architect gives me a true sense of purpose. Knowing that my design can impact patient outcomes and length of stay is powerful. Through thoughtful and innovative design with methodologies such as Lean and Evidence Based Design, it is possible to reduce caregiver steps thereby reducing fatigue and risk of error while allowing more time at the bedside. I want to help cultivate and shape the way people feel when they are in many instances, going through a very stressful or emotional event in their lives.
What led you to becoming ACHA certified?
One of my mentors, Bill Persefield, was a founding member of ACHA. Not only did he introduce me to the world of healthcare architecture, but he conveyed the importance and great worth of this organization as I was growing in the field. Immediately upon meeting the prerequisite requirements, I submitted my portfolio and sat for the test. The organization has exceeded my expectations in every way since.
What are your thoughts on challenges regarding the future of healthcare and how it might affected you personally or your design practice?
2020 has forced us to look at many different aspects of healthcare in a different light from planning for a pandemic to equity. The key to architectural planning in this continually changing climate is flexibility and adaptability. We need to create spaces that are able to adapt for short or long term needs as they change. From a diversity standpoint, I am glad we are finally having the conversation. I have spoken as a panelist on the subject as well as joined a Committee through ACHA addressing this very issue. My firm has done a wonderful job of providing resources as well with regular roundtable discussions where we can all learn from one another.
About You
Education: Bachelor of Science in Architecture, University of Texas in Arlington
Outside of architecture, I love spending time with my family. My husband’s name is Buck and I have two boys, Bear and Colt. I have thoroughly enjoyed my COVID lunch companions over these past months. We have spent a good deal of time playing soccer and have been known to ride cruiser bicycles around the hood. I also enjoy running. It makes me feel good and I love the metrics of it all and trying to improve.
Accomplishments
Let me know if this is what you had in mind. I had a number of speaking engagements/publications this year: