About the AAHID Beacon Award
The Beacon Award is presented by the American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designers (AAHID) to honor an individual who exemplifies extraordinary dedication to advancing the mission and strategic vision of the Academy. This prestigious recognition celebrates a champion whose unwavering commitment, leadership, and advocacy have significantly elevated the visibility, credibility, and impact of the certified healthcare interior design profession.
Recipients of the Beacon Award serve as guiding lights within the industry—illuminating pathways for innovation, excellence, and collaboration. Through their contributions, they inspire others, strengthen the value of board certification, and help shape environments that promote healing, dignity, and well-being.
This award reflects AAHID’s deep appreciation for those who go above and beyond in service to the profession and the communities it touches.
Award Recognition
Eligibility Requirements
- Current CHID in good for at least one (1) year.
- Demonstrated sustained contributions to AAHID and/or advancement of CHID certification.
- Current AAHID Board members, Beacon Award Review Panel members, and AAHID staff are not eligible for nomination.
- Current AAHID Board members are eligible to nominate individuals or provide recommendations for nominees during their term.
- Beacon Award Review Panel members and AAHID staff are not eligible to nominate individuals or provide recommendations for nominees during their term.
- Self-nominations or peer nominations are permitted.
- Award winners may not receive the award more than once.
Application Requirements
- Nominees must submit a completed, typed application and statement using the online application. Access the application by clicking the button below.
- One (1) Endorsement/Recommendation letter can come from anyone (another CHID, a professional colleague, etc.)
- Should include specific examples of how the nominee contributes to the healthcare design/architecture field through your first-hand experience with the nominee.
Application Review Process
- All applications will be blinded (i.e. all identifying information about the nominee and nominators will be removed).
- The Review Panel will review applications independently and provide scores for each category based on a score of 1-5.
- If any members of the Review Panel have questions regarding scoring, they should contact the Chair of the review panel.
- Staff will compile total scores based on all of the reviewers.
- The reviewers have the option to have one final review call before making a recommendation to the AAHID Board of Directors.
- The AAHID Board will have the final vote of approval during their Summer Board meeting.
Beacon Award Review Panel
The Beacon Review Panel will consist of at least 1 member from each AAHID Committee and a previous AAHID Beacon Award Winner (when available).