Rebecca Lewis, FAIA, FACHA, CID
Principal, Director of Healthcare Design, DSGW Architects
What difference does ACHA certification make to clients?
According to Lewis, the “difference between architects that hold specialty credentials” and those that do not is “the ability to bring confidence to the client, that they are able to perform to the highest degree when it comes to design and masterminding the project.”
ACHA certification offers a clear-cut distinction between architects who speak for themselves and architects who are vouched for by an elite group of industry leaders and a proven history of efficiency in knowledge, skill, and application.
Why should healthcare architects consider applying and sitting for the ACHA examination?
Lewis describes the consideration of earning ACHA credentials as being “very important” for prospective and current healthcare design professionals because it “sets a goal” in achieving an unrivaled “level of expertise” in the field.
Lewis deems ACHA certification as both a personal and professional goal for industry professionals that, when achieved, differentiates them as an “expert in their field.” The power of board certification speaks volumes to a professional’s commitment and mastery of healthcare architecture and design.
How should one practice for the ACHA examination, outside of what the college offers as practice material?
When preparing for the exam, Lewis advises that candidates are systematic with the projects they are working on – emphasizing on the “wide spectrum of tasks” existing within every project, making sure their knowledge branches into the most specific intricacies within design.
According to Lewis, the exam is a test of proficiency within the industry that mainly lies in “hands-on experience and making sure that you have that … [Which] is going to make the difference in being successful when taking the exam.”
How would you describe a board certified architect in one word?
“Enlightened.”
“The College challenges you to maintain the highest level of education during your course of credentialing,” and allows professionals to learn aspects of the profession that are complex and intricate beyond what is seen in “everyday practice.”
About Rebecca Lewis
A founding member of ACHA, Rebecca Lewis has contributed to the augmentation of the profession of healthcare architecture through her long-standing service and commitment to numerous organizations such as the ACHA, AIA, the Facility Guidelines Institute and Healthcare Guidelines Revision Committee. Lewis is recognized as a thought leader in clinic, small hospital, and ambulatory care design as well as an authoritative, respected figure in developing facility guidelines. In her professional career as Principal and Director of Healthcare Design for DSGW Architects, Lewis has been a leader in designing projects focused in rural areas and small communities.
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In celebration of the college’s 20th anniversary, application and exam fees for the ACHA exam are being offered at a greatly reduced fee of only $20 until Feb. 1, 2020. After the cutoff date, fees will be $200 through the entire year; amounting to a 50% reduction from standard pricing. Click here to learn more and get certified now.