About Robin
Robin Guenther was a visionary architect, advocate, and global leader who pioneered the movement for sustainable healthcare design. She passed away in May 2023, leaving behind an immense legacy of making hospitals and medical centers healthier for both people and the planet. As a Principal at the firm Perkins+Will and co-author of the textbook Sustainable Healthcare Architecture, Robin pushed the field to create buildings that not only heal patients but also reduce their negative impact on the environment. Her innovative designs have been featured internationally, including the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, which achieved LEED Platinum certification. Robin’s influence reached far beyond her projects. She was a tireless advocate for sustainability policy, serving as a Senior Advisor to Health Care Without Harm, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing the environmental footprint of hospitals. She also played a major role in developing the Green Guide for Health Care and helped create Perkins+Will’s Precautionary List, a public database of harmful chemicals often found in building materials. Her work ensured that modern healthcare facilities incorporate natural elements, reduce toxins, and prepare for environmental challenges. Due to her significant impact on the industry, Healthcare Design magazine named her the “#1 Most Influential Designer in Healthcare.”
