Perspective Next Wave: A Day in the Life

Apr 29, 2024 By Jessica Jones

Ana-Pinto Alexander, FIIDA, takes us through her role in healthcare design and her passion for mentorship

By Jessica Jones Apr 29, 2024

Published in Perspective

With nearly 40 years of design experience, Ana Pinto-Alexander, FIIDA, principal and director of global health practice and a partner and executive vice president at HKS, has helped shape and lead healthcare design into the future. In 2015, she was named one of the 25 most influential people in the field by Healthcare Design magazine. She designs with a focus on how the built environment affects individuals and communities. The spaces where we live, work, and play reflect who we are and deeply influence our well-being, Pinto-Alexander believes; when it comes to healthcare design specifically, holistic healing environments can improve patient, family, and staff experiences. Pinto-Alexander also has a passion for moving equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) forward in the design industry; she frequently advocates for women and women of color and lends her time and talents to mentoring the next generation of designers.

She serves on the IIDA Board of Directors, is a member of the Texas/Oklahoma Chapter and was named the 2023 Leadership Award of Excellence Honoree at that year’s IIDA Leaders Breakfast in Dallas. Follow along as Pinto-Alexander takes us through a day in her life.

What motivated you to become a designer?

Ana Pinto-Alexander: I have always had a creative side; I love arts and crafts and used to paint with watercolors and oils. I went to Purdue University, which was predominantly an engineering university in the ’80s. When I took my first class of introduction to interior design, I learned about the origins of design, going back to ancient Egypt. It served as a foundation for understanding how architecture, interior design, and furniture evolved through time. I understood that design influences every aspect of human endeavor. Design is a unique combination of art, science, technology, and human intuition. All designs—whether car design, jewelry, textile, or furniture—come from an inspiration in nature, and they all have a lovely history.

At the start of her day, Pinto-Alexander’s husband, Nelson, brings her coffee in bed. She watches a little TV and takes a moment to do breathing exercises, give thanks for a new day, and set her daily intentions.

Image courtesy of Ana-Pinto Alexander

One of Pinto-Alexander’s guiding principles is to make decisions that elevate the design industry and improve conditions for women and minorities alike. The ability to make an impact keeps her motivated.

Photo by Artistry & Light

Pinto-Alexander enjoys taking a hands-on, collaborative approach to the design process, whether with clients or colleagues.

Image courtesy of Ana-Pinto Alexander

How is advanced technology being used to enhance healthcare design?

AP: We use virtual reality and augmented reality to guide us during the design process. These tools help us visualize spaces in an immersive environment and understand design options and details. We also use this technology to help the client visualize the design intent and integrate digital interactions with physical mockups to ensure that medical equipment, furniture, and functionality will work in harmony.

IIDA believes in lifelong learning. What lesson is most important for designers to learn?

AP: I believe all designers need to learn that design excellence is the intersection between beauty and performance. On one side there is beauty, which is art—it’s intangible, it’s qualitative, and it’s immeasurable. On the other side is performance, which is science—it is tangible, quantitative, and measurable. Designers also need to develop business acumen to ascribe value to what interior design brings to the table. Designers should feel empowered to design with a purpose and find their significance through their work.

In her role, Pinto-Alexander connects with emerging designers to make sure they see a bright and prosperous career path ahead. She helps foster a sense of belonging and recognizes others’ talents and strengths.

Photo by Lenz Noirre Design Group

To prioritize time for herself, Pinto-Alexander has personal training sessions during the week and takes five-minute mental breaks at least three times daily. She gazes out her window at the birds in the sky, or simply breathes deeply and closes her eyes.

Image courtesy of Ana-Pinto Alexander

Pinto-Alexander is embracing new technologies to assist in the design process. She and her colleagues at HKS use AI as a design tool to help automate processes and expand design options.

Photo by Lenz Noirre Design Group

What have you learned recently?

AP: I was recently exposed to the importance of developing your foresight. At a design event, Mark Bryan from the Future Today Institute said, “Strategic foresight is a disciplined and systematic approach to identify where to play, how to win in the future, and how to ensure organizational resiliency in the face of unforeseen disruption.” I found this fascinating and can’t wait to learn more about it. Today more than ever we need to have foresight.

Where do you look for inspiration?

AP: For design inspiration, I look at publications such as Officeinsight, Interior Design, Metropolis, and Hospitality Design. I also get inspired by traveling and being exposed to other cultures—their folklore, textiles, and arts, crafts, colors, and patterns. Most of my color palettes are inspired by nature, especially sunsets. There is a quality of light that makes certain colors vibrate differently.

Part of Pinto-Alexander’s journey is passing on knowledge she has acquired to the next generation of designers. She teaches a class on professional practices for seniors at Purdue University.

Image courtesy of Ana-Pinto Alexander

To relax after a long workday, Pinto-Alexander plays with her dog, Otto, chats with her husband, Nelson, and occasionally enjoys a glass of sauvignon blanc.

Image courtesy of Ana-Pinto Alexander

What advice would you give the next generation of designers?

AP: Do not compromise when it comes to making sustainable design solutions. It is not an option anymore. We must reduce and eliminate the massive amount of waste that the construction industry adds to the landfills. Know that what you bring to the table is important and must be valued. Be your own advocate and advocate for others.