Ron Blitch FAIA, FACHA, NCARB
President
Blitch Knevel Architects LLC
New Orleans and Covington, LA
How has ACHA certification enhanced your career in healthcare architecture and/or design?
ACHA Certification indicates a continued commitment to excellence in the field of Healthcare Design, and participation in an select group of architects that are national leaders and thinkers in our profession. ACHA credentialing signals to existing and potential clients that you are the tops in your field.
What would you say to anyone interested in the field?
The process of credentialing as an ACHA certificant is rigorous and well worth the effort. The portfolio, client reference and examination process require a candidate to focus on their career accomplishments in order to “tell their story” and join the ACHA group.
What led you to becoming ACHA certified?
I was a Charter member of the ACHA – moving from Vice President of AIA’s Academy of Architecture for Health directly into the College. The Academy was actively pursuing a Certification process within AIA, and when that was not possible, the ACHA was founded. The belief then, as it is now, that Healthcare Design was such a specialized field, that the process should be recognized with a formal program of credentialing and recognition.
What are your thoughts on challenges regarding the future of healthcare and how it might affect you personally or your design practice?
Healthcare Design is an exciting field in that it is organic and changing quickly and constantly. Continuing Ed and research activities are paramount in remaining capable of solving a Healthcare client’s need and programmatic goals and needs.
About You
Education: B. Arch – University of Notre Dame, University of Notre Dame School of Architecture Advisory Council Member
Ron Blitch FAIA, FACHA has specialized in the design of state-of-the-art Healthcare and Senior Living facilities since 1976. Ron is known for creating successful environments for living with an emphasis on creative approaches to the needs of residents, staff, and sponsors. Regional and National design awards have been received for numerous works, including Citations from AIA/Leading Age’s Design for Aging program, a program that Ron Blitch FAIA, FACHA co-founded in 1988 and chaired for 12 years. He has specialized in Healthcare and Senior Living design throughout his practice with Blitch Knevel.
Ron Blitch is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, and won the University’s Thesis Award for his design of a senior living facility in New Orleans’ historic French Quarter. He currently serves on the Notre Dame School of Architecture Advisory Council.
Accomplishments
Ron has received 4 National Citations from the AIA/Leading Age’s Design for Aging program for Senior Living projects and a recent AIA Modern Healthcare award for the new University Medical Center in New Orleans (w/NBBJ).
Ron has also served as President of NCARB in 2013 and currently serves on the ExCom of the AIA College of Fellows.