Heidi Wang, AIA, to Receive 2020 Dubin Family Young Architect Award

12.01.2020

A partner at WJW Architects, Heidi Wang has built a practice that has specialized in research-informed initiatives in memory care and senior living projects, as well as a range of work that includes adaptive reuse, renovation of existing skilled nursing communities, creation of new rehab therapy facilities and both affordable and market-rate housing. She leads a WJW effort to develop industry-leading design concepts for Evidence-Based Memory Care Special Care facilities. 

Heidi joined WJW in 2007 after receiving a Master of Architecture from the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she also completed her Master of Science in Architecture in Health Design in 2010. While at UIC, she received the AIA Henry Adams Medal of Merit. A partner in the firm since 2018, Heidi takes pride in her role as a female leader in the field of architecture and has helped make mentorship of the next generation of architects a focus for the firm. She is LEED AP and EDAC certified, and her current research interests include lighting for older adults, the effect of light on people with dementia, and special care residential environments.

Said one juror, "Her service to a vulnerable population is exceptional. She brings her whole ethos to the community."

"Whether breaking barriers or mentoring our next generation of female leaders; building a school library in Africa or converting an old high school into affordable senior housing; creating design that fosters community or cracking the code on how design can mitigate the effects of Alzheimer’s — the purpose I’ve defined within our profession is clear. My trajectory as a young architect has been immensely gratifying, but the challenge clearly lies ahead as I focus on continued forward motion, both for myself and others who are uplifted by architecture, practiced with purpose."

-Heidi Wang, AIA