Lesa Lorusso Joins GS&P as Healthcare Director of Research and Innovation

June 28, 2018

Gresham, Smith and Partners announces that Lesa N. Lorusso, NCIDQ, ASID, Allied AIA has joined the firm as healthcare director of research and innovation. She will lead research strategy development for the firm’s Healthcare market applying both empirical and design thinking methodologies that are collaborative, empathetic and focused around the people at the center of a problem to be solved.

“Research is a critical step in developing design solutions that will enhance the human experience and operational efficiencies. With Lesa onboard, we are looking forward to advancing our in-house research capabilities,” said James Bearden, AIA, executive vice president, Gresham, Smith and Partners. “Not only does she bring extensive, relevant experience, Lesa also exemplifies GS&P’s commitment to our clients and the communities we serve.”

“Having worked with GS&P as a consultant, I’ve had the opportunity to witness the talented Healthcare team working together to incorporate research and data into designs while keeping the end-user at the center of the design process.” commented Lorusso. “I am excited to join this dynamic team and am passionate about contributing to health and wellness through the design of the built environment.”

Lorusso’s human-centered approach is rooted in her own life experiences. She grew up internationally and is a part of an extended military family—her father was a rescue helicopter and C-130 pilot and her mother an Air Force nurse. This passion for service extends to Lesa’s industry involvement as well. She is a member of Vital by Design, which is part of a research consortium at University of Florida’s College of Design, Construction and Planning. The group, sponsored by the American Institute of Architects, is a national research collaborative that investigates and advances the impact of architecture and design on health. She is currently collaborating with the Veteran’s Administration on research that seeks to benefit the lives of Veterans living with Dementia.

A designer by training and licensure, Lorusso earned a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design at Wentworth Institute of Technology. She also earned a Master in Business Administration from Simmons College and a Master of Science in Architecture with a specialization in interior design from University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Lorusso is currently finishing her Ph.D. at the University of Florida in its College of Design, Construction & Planning.

GS&P’s dedicated Healthcare staff approach each project through the lens of Value-Added Design. Value-Added Design is a dynamic, holistic framework in which teams explore and define what is important to clients with a focus on key performance indicators: patient safety; operational efficiencies; integration of technology; adaptability/resiliency; healthy, sustainable buildings; and human experience through evidence-based design. This approach gives clients the opportunity to assess and prepare for inevitable market shifts.