About
MEET DR. LORISSA MACALLISTER,
THE SPACE DOCTOR™
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RESEARCH SCIENTIST
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SOCIAL WORKER
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ARCHITECT
MY STORY
How it all began
Early in my career, as a medical social worker, I was responsible for delivering difficult news to families and loved ones. These conversations often happened in crowded hallways, outside of a patient’s room. This continued until an epiphany emerged that drastically changed my work: when I could discuss private matters in a private consult room, people were present, less stressed, and more prepared to make decisions.
Later, as an architect, I continued to witness people stumble over their spaces. They were convinced that adding more would alleviate their problems, glossing over how they intended to use the space.
This led me to pursue a PhD; to answer the question: what happens when a space’s design isn’t aligned with its purpose and how can we ensure that spaces best support the people who use them?
In 2010, I founded Enviah, a strategic consulting firm that has revolutionized healthcare performance and patient outcomes by treating our environments as an extension of business strategy. In years that have followed, I’ve been using my research and practice to bridge the gap between people, space, technology, and culture.
Formal Bio
Lorissa MacAllister
PhD, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, EDAC
Lorissa McAllister, PhD, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, EDAC is a leading expert in creating physical environments that improve care, culture, and well-being. With a doctorate in architecture and background as a medical social worker, Dr. MacAllister has pioneered a transformative approach to space design in the healthcare industry and beyond.
Her extensive research has shown that our built environments have the potential to enable or limit organizational outcomes such as productivity, employee satisfaction, and the patient experience. Since founding her strategic consulting firm Enviah, in 2010, she has helped dozens of healthcare organizations improve care experiences, save money, and increase operational efficiencies.
Dr. MacAllister is the recipient of multiple awards from the Center for Health Design and previously sat on the State of Michigan Certificate of Need Commission. She speaks nationally and authors publications to encourage leaders, caregivers, and individuals to foster their own healing environments.
AWARDS
The Center for Health Design
Touchstone Award Silver 2022
The Center for Health Design
New Investigator Research Award 2015
University of Michigan
Athena Award 2014
AIA Michigan
Young Architect of the Year 2012
AIA Grand Valley
Young Architect of the Year 2011
249th Point of Light
George H. W. Bush 1990
NOTABLE
Publications
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HEALTHCARE EXECUTIVE MAGAZINE FEATURED ARTICLE.
MacAllister, L., Market, M., Kasman, S. (2022) Designed To Care
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AMERICAN HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION HEALTH FACILITIES MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE COLUMN, STUDYING SPACE.
MacAllister, L. (2021) Resetting For Post-pandemic Occupancies.
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PSYCHOLOGY TODAY
MacAllister, L., Wayne, J. (2021). Walking Meetings: The Future Of Safely Collaborating At Work.
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AMERICAN HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION HEALTH FACILITIES MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE COLUMN, STUDYING SPACE.
MacAllister, L. (2021) Evaluating Found Space In Health Facilities.
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AMERICAN HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION HEALTH FACILITIES MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE COLUMN, STUDYING SPACE.
MacAllister, L. (2020) Optimizing Value In Health Facilities Planning.
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PSYCHOLOGY TODAY
MacAllister, L., Wayne, J. (2020). 5 Ways To Make Your Home A Healing Space.
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HEALTH ENVIRONMENTS RESEARCH AND DESIGN J. 12(1), 91-107
MacAllister, L. , Zimring C.,, And Ryherd E. (2019)
"Exploring the relationships between patient room layout and patient satisfaction"
