Award-winning architecture, interiors and strategic branding firm Carrier Johnson + CULTURE has announced the addition of a new project manager to its roster of experts in healthcare design. Julia Cousins, AIA, MPH, LEED AP, adds to the firm’s deep experience in medical planning and design for large hospitals, according to the firm’s leadership. 

 “With her extensive portfolio of work in planning and architecture for major medical care delivery facilities, Julia Cousins is furthering Carrier Johnson + CULTURE’s long-standing commitment to designing and building innovative, effective healthcare environments, and to redesigning and improving existing facilities,” says Mike Engel, Healthcare Director with the firm. “Julia is a respected and accomplished leader in the design community, and we are proud to have her join our ranks.”

Cousins’ career spans over three decades, with more than 20 years of work focused primarily on healthcare design. Her extensive portfolio of projects ranges widely in size and scope. Active across the United States, Cousins has built a portfolio focused on large medical care institutions along or near the West Coast, such as the University of California San Diego Medical Center, Dignity Health Mercy Gilbert Medical Center in Gilbert, Arizona, Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center in Carson City, Nevada and Oak Valley Medical Center in Oakdale, California.

As project manager, Cousins shepherds projects from planning and design through construction administration. A talented communicator as well as designer, she also works closely with clients and contractors to ensure that results are aligned with project goals, budgets, and timelines.

According to Carrier Johnson + CULTURE’s principals, Cousins already has leading roles on multiple projects including an oncology clinic, a campus-wide accessibility improvement program, and the renovation of a behavioral health facility.

 “Our goal is to give our healthcare clients the spaces they need to deliver quality medical care,” says Cousins. “With Carrier Johnson + CULTURE, we can make a positive impact on the health of thousands of patients.”

Cousins’ experience extends beyond architecture and design in ways that make her expertise uniquely valuable. After receiving her Master of Architecture degree from Ohio State University, she pursued a second postgraduate degree: a Master of Public Health in Health Services Administration from San Diego State University. This added dimension to her understanding of the clients challenges in the delivery of healthcare services to individual patients, as well as improving the health of our communities. Cousins has worked closely with the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) as well as other agencies giving her the experience to navigate through the complex approval process.

 “It’s an honor to work with these leaders in the profession, and I look forward to contributing in every way I can,” Cousins adds.