15, Part 1: Debra Levin

Today, I'm joined by Debra Levin, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Center for Health Design--a nonprofit organization whose mission it is to transform healthcare environments into a healthier, safer world through design research, education and advocacy, and the creative use of evidence based design. We discuss a range of topics, and Debra shares her journey into compassionate leadership and how her love of design and the desire to make a difference propelled The Center for Health Design into industry consciousness. Learn more Debra Levin and The Center for Health Design by visiting http://healthdesign.org. The Center of Health Design also happens to be our industry partner! Learn how CHD can support your firm by visiting: http://healthdesign.org. And to the American Association of Healthcare Interior Designers, thank you for your support of this program. Enhance your professional credibility by earning the Certified Healthcare Interior Design credential. Visit http://aahid.org for more info. In part 1 of this episode you will learn: How the very rare McDonalds meal and Etch A Sketch are what Debra remembers about getting her tonsils out as a kid. How Debra always wanted to make a difference in the world and that was her driving force. The charming and funny story about 12 year old Debra who decorated every surface of her room with brown and white zebra striped sheets! The story of how Debra's "aha" moment came during her senior year of college when she was the ASID National Student President. How when Debra met a designer who designed rooms for kids with special needs, it rocked her world. In college Debra ran a student conference in the Rocky Mountain region for ASID and how the experience influenced her career path. What happened when the position for Executive Director at CHD opened up 30 years ago and how it changed Debra's life. The bright spot of Debra's work in 2019 at The Center for Health Design. Why Debra's personality gets excited by the blank page and what this means for her work at CHD. What is the Center for Health Design's EDAC Certification and how it benefits healthcare industry professionals nationwide and globally. Who has inspired and influenced Debra throughout her life and her career. Featured Product Porcelanosa's KRION® Solid Surface Material is made out of two-thirds natural minerals and a low percentage of high-resistance resins. KRION® is available in an array of colors, can be thermocurved or backlit, and is antibacterial – making it a perfect product for the healthcare industry. KRION® is also highly resistant to impacts and external elements (such as fire, chemicals, and frost), and is easy to clean and maintain.  Inspired by the properties of photocatalytic materials, Porcelanosa has evolved their KRION® Solid Surface material called K-LIFE. When K-LIFE comes into contact with light, it will be able to purify the air, expel harmful bacteria, and more. K-LIFE can easily be integrated into many applications – from wall coverings and claddings for ceilings, to custom tables, bars, sinks, shelving units and furniture. The application of K-LIFE in areas with high daily traffic, such as waiting rooms or reception areas, can assure a gradual decontamination of germs and lead to ongoing ecological benefits. Some research performed with KRION® K-LIFE, which has photocatalytic properties, proved that the material can significantly reduce the presence of bacteria. This revolutionary process has led to a patent pending, innovative, and exclusive product that will have a direct effect on our quality of life. Learn more about KRION® at https://www.porcelanosa-usa.com/what-is-krion/.