Managing director and principal at Billard Leece Partnership (BLP) Tara Veldman has been named the inaugural recipient of the Australian Health Design Council (AHDC) Gold Medal. The medal is awarded to nominees who demonstrate visionary leadership, a commitment to excellence and a significant contribution to the healthcare design industry.
Veldman possesses more than 20 years’ experience in healthcare design and was instrumental in growing BLP’s Sydney office from a solo operation in 2011 to a team of 70 professionals today. She became managing director of the national business in 2020.
A media release from BLP notes that “under [Veldman’s] leadership, BLP has pioneered ‘translational design’ – a collaborative methodology that brings together architects, researchers, clinicians, and patients to create healing environments grounded in rigorous evidence and deep empathy. This approach integrates environmental psychology, patient feedback, and cutting-edge research into every stage of the design process.”
“I’m deeply honoured to receive this inaugural award,” said Veldman. “This recognition reflects the incredible work of our entire BLP team and our valued collaborators – the clinicians, patients, stakeholders and communities who partner with us to reimagine what healthcare environments can be. Together, we’re proving that thoughtful, evidence-based design has the power to heal.”
The judging committee comprised Kate Copeland, chair of the AHDC; Ron Billard of Ron Billard Consulting; Alex Belcastro of Northwest Healthcare REIT; Warren Kerr of Hames Sharley and committee member of the ADHC; and Isabelle Mansour of Mott MacDonald and secretary and events lead of the ADHC.
They commented, “Tara has made an invaluable and lasting contribution to healthcare design through her visionary leadership, compassion, and commitment to excellence. Her leadership on major projects in Australia has set new benchmarks for care.
“While her influence is strongest at the facility level, she also contributes as a thought leader and mentor, sharing knowledge and inspiring emerging designers, thereby shaping the future of healthcare design through both practice and professional development.”
Source: Architecture - architectureau
