(September 18, 2024. Sacramento, CA) Healthcare facility design visionary Wayne Ruga, FAIA, is the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award in Healthcare Facility Design recipient. For more than four decades, Ruga’s progressive work has not only shaped the landscape of healthcare design but has fundamentally transformed how we approach the intersection of architecture and healing.

His alternative path—rather than a launching a practice or working for a firm, he established think tanks, published, and taught—led Ruga to be a ‘force-multiplier,’ guiding the continued evolution of healthcare design in California, the country, and the globe. Known for his approach to integrating clinical, technical, emotional, and social needs in healthcare facility design; the institutions Ruga founded empower countless others to design even more exemplary healthcare buildings.

“Wayne Ruga’s recognition is truly fitting for an award that acknowledges significant contributions to the design and development of healthcare facilities in California and beyond,” said 2024 AIA California President Winston Thorne, AIA. “He has significantly influenced the concepts and fundamentals of ways to improve healthcare design globally.”

Ruga’s pioneering initiatives include the Healthcare Facilities Symposium & Expo, founded in 1985, and The Center for Health Design, established in 1992. The latter is a global leader in healthcare design research, described by Mardelle Shepley, FAIA, as “probably the largest and most successful entity of its kind.” Thomas Payette FAIA, credited Ruga with advancing the evidence-based design movement through the Center’s research efforts. In 1999, Ruga founded The CARITAS Project, a global think tank promoting the concept of healthcare facilities as dynamic, learning components of their communities.

Ruga’s enduring legacy is his ability to inspire and enable others to create healthcare environments that truly serve their communities. His work continues to elevate the field of healthcare architecture, making a lasting impact on the well-being of individuals and society throughout the world.

About the American Institute of Architects California (AIA CA)
AIA California is dedicated to serving its members, and uniting all architecture professionals in the design of a more just, equitable, and resilient future through advocacy, education, and political action. The organization represents the interests of more than 11,000 architects and allied professionals in California. Founded in 1944, the AIA CA is the largest component of the national AIA organization. For more information, visit www.aiacalifornia.org.