(October 30, 2024. Sacramento, CA.) The California Architectural Foundation, an AIA California organization that ignites interest in architecture and equips budding architects to thrive on their academic journey, is honored to announce the 2024 Robert J. Kain Healthcare Design Education Scholarship recipients.
Four students who embody the mission of the scholarship—that architects have a crucial role to play in shaping the future of healthcare by creating hesaling environments that promote wellness, compassion, and innovation—were selected by a jury of architects with lengthy and recognized expertise in design and health care design:
The four are recipients of $8000 in scholarship funds. Ruiz-Truong and Sadlik were awarded $2500 each; Sakarwala and Sparks were awarded $1500 each. (See full jury comments below.)
“This scholarship is not just an award; it represents a commitment to the future of healthcare architecture. It is a testament to the power of education, and an investment in the potential of young, passionate minds,” said AIA California President Winston L. Thorne, AIA.
In awarding Ruiz-Thruong, Sadlik, Sakarwala, and Sparks, the jury noted how the four are already adeptly integrating contextual ideas with design.
Lincoln Ruiz-Truong impressed the jury with the energy, passion, and commitment he brings to architecture. The jury went on to note that Ruiz-Truong combines his design work with a multicultural approach that thoughtfully addresses cultural and human issues. His focus on community sets him apart, and his sophisticated grasp of technology clearly informs his design decisions.
Romi Sadlik’s ability to conceptualize healthcare within the broader context of society and societal equity was exceptionally strong, noted the jury. Addressing her submission, they said: the coherence between the personal essay and the work was remarkable, with each informing the other.
The jury was impressed by how Zahabiya Sakarwala has successfully translated her personal experience with healthcare and wellness spaces into designs that connect on a human scale. The jury noted, Sakarwala’s project work demonstrates a strong understanding of how healthcare design can be integrated with beautiful imagery, showcasing an elevated level of design thinking across a range of projects.
Sheree Sparks has a very interesting personal connection into healthcare and leveraged that as an interest point to develop her design sensibilities, noted the jury, who were impressed that her work showed an understanding of the healing aspects of environment with well developed and presented projects.
The jury was comprised of: Amy Eliot, AIA – AIA California VP of Education & Professional Development; Gary R. Goldberg, AIA; Kent Hetherwick, AIA; Julia Weatherspoon; Assoc. AIA.
This year, AIA California’s parent organization, the American Institute of Architects again provided matching grants through the 2024 AIA Component Matching Scholarship Grant Program.
AIA National is pleased to support state and local components, or their affiliated foundations, in their efforts to provide and develop scholarship programs with the AIA Component Matching Scholarship Grant Program. The grant is provided to augment existing component scholarship programs and reinforce the role AIA has in preparing the next generation of architects.
The California Architectural Foundation is grateful to all those who donated to the organization’s scholarship fund, creating a legacy through the students supported in these awards.
About the California Architectural Foundation
The California Architectural Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting excellence in architecture through scholarships, grants, and educational programs–bridging the gap between the academic and professional worlds. CAF exists to provide a mechanism for members of the AIA and the general public to contribute to an organization with a great benefit to society.
