HDR’s Brian Giebink Named to AIA Academy of Architecture for Health’s U40 List

Brian Giebink, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, EDAC, behavioral and mental health practice leader, is on the American Institute of Architects Academy of Architecture for Health’s (AIA AAH) distinguished “U40 List” in 2025. 

Based in HDR’s Minneapolis architecture studio and serving clients around the globe, Brian is one of two individuals under the age of 40 awarded for making significant contributions to the advancement of healthcare facility design.

Bringing empathetic leadership, evidence-based design strategies and a commitment to improving the human experience in healthcare, Brian has been involved in the design of more than 60 behavioral health projects in his 14-year career with HDR. Nearly a decade ago, his idea for a conceptual patient room designed specifically for mental and behavioral health, “One Haven,” became a globally recognized, award-winning prototype that influenced revisions of national behavioral health design guidelines.

Consistently challenging conventional norms to improve therapeutic environments, Brian advocates for spaces that are restorative, dignified and empowering to prove that safety and healing can coexist. His leadership in revising national design guidelines for behavioral health crisis units, mentorship to students across the country and limited series podcast Listen, Mental Health Matters, make him a sought-after speaker at national conferences, including SXSW and Healthcare Design, and BISNOW’s Behavioral Health series.