The Russ Coile Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to healthcare facility design, and this year, we are proud to celebrate Douglas S. Erickson, FASHE, as the 2025 recipient at ASHE PDC.
With nearly 50 years of dedication to improving the built environment in healthcare, Doug has been instrumental in shaping the Facility Guidelines for Design and Construction (FGI Guidelines)—a foundational resource that ensures safe, effective, and high-quality healthcare facility design. His impact on the industry is immeasurable, from co-founding the Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI) in 1998 to leading major codes and standards initiatives within the NFPA and ASHRAE that continue to influence national standards.
Advancing Barrier Management Practices in Partnership with STI
All of us at STI are incredibly proud that Doug has been recognized with this prestigious award. Doug has been a critical component of STI's success, supporting our organization as Senior Advisor for Healthcare since 1997. His expertise and guidance have been invaluable in helping us understand the complex challenges of building and maintaining fire and smoke-rated barriers in hospitals and long-term care facilities. With his insight, we have developed solutions that truly make a difference in hospital and nursing home life safety.
A Legacy of Leadership and Advocacy
Doug’s impact in healthcare facility design dates back to 1978 when he was with The Joint Commission and served on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services committee responsible for writing the Minimum Construction Requirements. He then championed the FGI Guidelines alongside Joseph G. Sprague and J. Armand Burgun, ensuring their survival after DHHS discontinued their publication in 1984. His passion for maintaining and evolving these critical standards led him to serve as Vice Chair and later Chair of the Health Guidelines Revision Committee for five revision cycles. From 2015 to 2023, he continued his leadership as FGI’s CEO, further strengthening the role of guidelines in shaping healthcare facility construction and compliance.
Beyond his work with FGI, Doug represented the American Hospital Association (AHA) and ASHE members for 26 years on national codes, standards, and built environment committees, advocating for the highest standards in healthcare infrastructure.
Recognition and Lasting Contributions
Doug’s dedication has earned him numerous accolades, including:
- ASHE’s Crystal Eagle Award
- FGI’s Pioneer Award
- American College of Healthcare Architects’ Presidential Citation
In recognition of his lasting influence, the Douglas S. Erickson Health Care Research Award was established by FGI and The Center for Health Design, bridging the gap between design research and improved health outcomes.
A Well-Deserved Honor
Doug’s contributions have shaped the way healthcare facilities are designed, built, and maintained, leaving a lasting impact on the industry and future generations of healthcare professionals. As he receives the Russ Coile Lifetime Achievement Award at ASHE PDC, we celebrate his vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare facility design.
Join us in congratulating Douglas S. Erickson, FASHE, on this well-deserved recognition!
By STI Staff