Episode 45: Sharon Woodworth, FAIA ACHA EDAC LEED, Studio Leader National Healthcare Practice at HED
PART 1
In Part 1 of today’s episode, host Cheryl Janis speaks with Sharon Woodworth, FAIA ACHA EDAC LEED, Studio Leader National Healthcare Practice at HED, about Sharon’s vast and prolific career in healthcare. Sharon is both a practicing healthcare architect shaping her practice at HED into a national firm, and an associate professor at UCSF teaching healthcare architecture to physicians and nurses who want to be a CEO in healthcare. Sharon is also a Regent for the American College of Healthcare Architects Board, and her background that led to this has evolved out of her experience as a patient throughout her childhood, and later her career as a pediatric and neonatal nurse. On today’s episode, you will hear Sharon’s personal and professional life stories that have led her to her current work in healthcare, and what the current face of healthcare architecture looks like from her vantage point.
Learn more about Sharon Woodworth and HED by visiting https://www.hed.design/
In Part 1 of Cheryl’s conversation with Sharon Woodworth they discuss:
- Sharon has said, “I was born in a hospital and I grew up in a hospital.” What does this mean exactly and how did this experience inform Sharon’s many careers in healthcare?
- As a pediatric neonatal nurse for many years, Sharon has said she was gifted with the experience of “seeing behind the curtain.” What does this mean?
- Why did Sharon leave her nursing career and how did she find architecture?
- When Sharon studied art at the University of Texas, Austin, her art teacher who was also a Yale architecture professor (and the same person who taught Maya Lin the concept of The Scars Upon the Earth) said something to Sharon that would alter the direction of her career.
- How did Sharon end up in healthcare architecture?
- When did Sharon realize that making a little change from an architect’s perspective can impact thousands of lives?
- Sharon has worked for various prominent healthcare architecture firms before going solo and then joining up with HED. What lessons has she learned from this time in her life?
- Sharon is an associate professor at UCSF teaching healthcare architecture to physicians and nurses who want to be a CEO in healthcare. What is this course and how did Sharon end up teaching it?
The world is changing quickly. The Center for Health Design is committed to providing the healthcare design and senior living design industries with the latest research, best practices and innovations. The Center can help you solve today’s biggest healthcare challenges and make a difference in care, safety, medical outcomes, and the bottom line. Find out more at healthdesign.org.
Additional support for this podcast comes from our industry partners:
- The American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designers
- The Nursing Institute for Healthcare Design
Learn more about how to become a Certified Healthcare Interior Designer® by visiting the American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designers at: https://aahid.org/.
Connect to a community interested in supporting clinician involvement in design and construction of the built environment by visiting The Nursing Institute for Healthcare Design at https://www.nursingihd.com/.
PART 2
In part 2 of today’s episode, Cheryl continues her fascinating conversation with Sharon Woodworth, FAIA ACHA EDAC LEED; Studio Leader National Healthcare Practice at HED. They dive deeper into Sharon’s vast and prolific career in healthcare. Sharon is both a practicing healthcare architect shaping her practice at HED into a national firm, and she is an associate professor at UCSF teaching healthcare architecture to physicians and nurses who want to be a CEO in healthcare. Sharon is also a Regent for the American College of Healthcare Architects Board, and her background that led to this has evolved out of her experience as a patient throughout her childhood, and later her career as a pediatric and neonatal nurse. On today’s episode, you will hear Sharon’s personal and professional life stories that have led her to her current work in healthcare, and what the current face of healthcare architecture looks like from her vantage point. This fascinating interview continues on part 2 of today’s show, now available.
Learn more about Sharon Woodworth and HED by visiting https://www.hed.design/
In Part 2 of Cheryl’s conversation with Sharon Woodworth, they discuss:
- On Sharon’s LinkedIn profile, she writes, “For me, architecture is its most rewarding when I give a little extra back, when I find that little something that wasn’t asked for but will make the project that much better no matter how big or small. This is my why.” Learn more about what this means to Sharon and the French word she uses to describe it.
- What does Sharon mean when she says, “Your strength is your weakness and your weakness is your strength.”
- What is it like for Sharon to be the recipient of the Fellow of the American Institute of Architects or FAIA——The highest membership honor given for exceptional work and contributions to architecture and society.
- What are Sharon’s current projects at HED?
- How is HED adapting to COVID?
- What does Sharon think hospitals and healthcare facilities will look like in 20 to 30 years?
- What advice does Sharon have for architecture and design students who are interested in specializing in healthcare, but are afraid to move in this direction?
The world is changing quickly. The Center for Health Design is committed to providing the healthcare design and senior living design industries with the latest research, best practices and innovations. The Center can help you solve today’s biggest healthcare challenges and make a difference in care, safety, medical outcomes, and the bottom line. Find out more at healthdesign.org.
Additional support for this podcast comes from our industry partners:
- The American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designers
- The Nursing Institute for Healthcare Design
Learn more about how to become a Certified Healthcare Interior Designer® by visiting the American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designers at: https://aahid.org/.
Connect to a community interested in supporting clinician involvement in design and construction of the built environment by visiting The Nursing Institute for Healthcare Design at https://www.nursingihd.com/
Thank you for listening to today’s episode of Healthcare Interior Design 2.0. If you enjoyed any part of Cheryl’s conversation with Sharon Woodworth, please help our podcast grow by spreading the good word on social media and with your online community. Stay safe and be well. For the full roster of shows, visit http://healthcareidpodcast.com.
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Porcelanosa’s KRION® Solid Surface Material is made out of two-thirds natural minerals and a low percentage of high-resistance resins. KRION® is available in an array of colors, can be thermocurved or backlit, and is antibacterial – making it a perfect product for the healthcare industry. KRION® is also highly resistant to impacts and external elements (such as fire, chemicals, and frost), and is easy to clean and maintain.
Inspired by the properties of photocatalytic materials, Porcelanosa has evolved their KRION® Solid Surface material called K-LIFE. When K-LIFE comes into contact with light, it will be able to purify the air, expel harmful bacteria, and more. K-LIFE can easily be integrated into many applications – from wall coverings and claddings for ceilings, to custom tables, bars, sinks, shelving units and furniture. The application of K-LIFE in areas with high daily traffic, such as waiting rooms or reception areas, can assure a gradual decontamination of germs and lead to ongoing ecological benefits. Some research performed with KRION® K-LIFE, which has photocatalytic properties, proved that the material can significantly reduce the presence of bacteria. This revolutionary process has led to a patent pending, innovative, and exclusive product that will have a direct effect on our quality of life.
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