Baker Barrios Architects, one of the most innovative commercial architecture and design firms in the Southeast, is pleased to announce that its senior healthcare architect Chris O’Brien has been appointed Regional Representative for the American Institute of Architects (AIA) 2018 term. In his new role with the organization, O’Brien will advocate for the value of architects and help provide architects with the resources needed to create their best work.

In addition to his role with AIA, which has over 90,000 members nationwide, O’Brien recently earned a certification in evidence-based design from The Center for Health Design. This certification will be used for supporting new ideas in healthcare design with Baker Barrios Architects that align with the company’s goals to achieve desired results. O’Brien joined Baker Barrios Architects in November 2017 with over 30 years of experience in healthcare architecture and works with the company’s healthcare architecture team in overseeing management of healthcare related projects.

“We could not be prouder of Chris and his recent accomplishments,” said Tim Baker, CEO and principal at Baker Barrios Architects. “Healthcare is one of the more notable industries that we have in the Baker Barrios portfolio and having such a recognized and valued architect as Chris help lead our healthcare design department is something we take great pride in.”

O’Brien earned his Bachelor of Design in Architecture and Master of Architecture from the University of Florida. He is a member of the Member Construction Specifications Institute and is also a registered architect in Illinois.