Christa Barr, senior designer with St. Louis-based interior design firm Spellman Brady & Co., has joined two committees of the American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designers.
Barr is now a member of the Marketing and Social Media Committee and Industry Partners Committee.
As a Marketing and Social Media Committee member, Barr will collaborate with a group of experienced healthcare interior designers and architects to coordinate the AAHID booth at the annual Healthcare Design Expo. She will also help plan the AAHID reception at HCD and work to expand the organization’s social media presence.
As part of the Industry Partners Committee, she will reach out to potential industry partners and engage current leaders.
Barr earned her Certified Healthcare Interior Designer certificate in 2020 and is currently one of seven professionals in Missouri with this credential. Certified Healthcare Interior Designers are distinguished and qualified by education, examination, and work experience to practice healthcare interior design. The CHID appellation recognizes excellence, commitment, and knowledge.
When asked about her passion for healthcare design, Barr responded:
“My grandmother spent the last ten years of her life in and out of hospitals, rehab centers, and skilled nursing. Experiencing the healthcare continuum through the eyes of a patient and their family shed light on how important the environment played a role in healing and our mindset. We also saw how crucial it was that the staff have what they need to do their jobs efficiently.
When designing a space or selecting furnishings, I always try to envision how a patient, a family member, or staff will feel and what they need for a supportive, healing environment.”
