Michelle Acosta Promoted to U.S. Southwest Health Director of HDR’s Architecture Practice
Michelle Acosta, AIA, ACHA, EDAC, has been promoted to U.S. Southwest health director of HDR’s architecture practice. In this role, Acosta will lead the strategy and success of the firm’s U.S. Southwest studios, working to provide the highest level of design quality and service to clients, cultivate relationships and strengthen connections throughout the region.
Most recently, Acosta led the HDR Phoenix architecture studio as managing principal. An action-oriented leader with a track record of providing excellent design and client service, Acosta is known for improving collaborative processes, connecting with communities, and mentoring staff.
“Known for her dynamic leadership and deep healthcare design expertise, Michelle has excelled in leading our Phoenix studio,” said Hank Adams, global director of health. “From engaging with communities and mentoring her team to collaborating with clients and building our presence in the region, we are confident that Michelle will see continued success leading our Southwest region.”
Acosta has been a member of HDR’s Los Angeles and Phoenix studios throughout her career, leading medical planning, design coordination and business development in Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas and Utah.
"I'm passionate about solving the complex challenges of healthcare design, a field that uniquely combines technical complexity with profound human impact,” Acosta said. “Our growth in the Southwest is the result of HDR’s determination to deliver the best for this region and I am excited to lead our health practice to new opportunities that will improve our communities.”
A recipient of several industry awards and recognitions, Acosta was honored by Encyclopedia Britannica as one of the 20 Young Shapers of the Future Under 40 in 2021 and received the AIA Young Architects Award in 2018. An active American Institute of Architects member, Acosta participated in a pilot mentoring program with the College of Fellows and served as a juror for the 2020 Architecture Awards and the prestigious 25 Year Award.
