TU-ANH BUI JOHNSON
Wold Architects & Engineers
SAY IT LOUD - Minnesota Exhibitor
Minnesota Based Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
As Sam Mockbee says,”Architecture is a social art.” It encompasses more than brick and mortar and ties communities together with relationships and aesthetic expressions. I continue to be inspired by citizen architects who make a difference every day.
TU-ANH BUI JOHNSON
Bio:
The Great designer, Tu-Anh is a planner with a strong background in housing and healthcare designs. Her passion is to advocate for sustainable and dignified environments for all. In 2011, Tu-Anh received the AIA National Associate Award, given to an individual who best exemplifies the highest qualities of leadership and commitment to the community. She has been a member of the Society for the Advancement of Gerontological Environments since 2013 and served as a design jury member for multiple publications.
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
My grandfather was an architect in Viet Nam. We lived in a house that he designed, and I have toured his projects with curiosity and wonder. He passed when I was 7, but he will always be my first inspiration and guide toward an architectural career.
What do you do?
I love to interact with people and communities, in person or virtually. Currently, I get to discuss future planning with our hospital clients and zooming out with their teams to strategically help their organizations plan for success.
What excites you in the work you do?
My love of architecture is rooted in its complexity - the successful combination of multiple contexts, diverse points of view, and the relationship of an idea to its many supporting details, like the vision of the AIA Framework for Design Excellence.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
As Sam Mockbee says,”Architecture is a social art.” It encompasses more than brick and mortar and ties communities together with relationships and aesthetic expressions. I continue to be inspired by citizen architects who make a difference every day.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
One of the proudest professional achievements was to serve as Regional Associates Director with AIA National. My experience as the Knowledge director allowed me to bring valuable learning opportunities to all emerging professionals in the industry.
Featured Project Name:
Interlude Therapy Suites
Featured Project Location:
Minnesota
Featured Project Completion Date:
2015
Role in Featured Project:
Lead Designer
Featured Project Description:
Interlude Therapy Suites is a collaborative effort with InSite Architects and three clients: Allina Health, Presbyterian Homes, and BHS. The project includes a three-story, 42,880 s.f. transitional care unit with a state of the art therapy center along with 42 private skilled nursing rooms, four semi-private rooms, and four care suites. A skyway connects Interlude to Unity Hospital. Recently, this building serves as one of the few COVID recovering centers for Allina Health patients.
