Heather Rusch

As Healthcare Director, Heather brings over 17 years of experience, and a forward-thinking, research-backed approach to her leadership—ensuring that every project aligns with the client’s operational goals and long-term vision for their spaces. Her expertise as a medical planner allows her to work closely with clients and stakeholders to understand their needs and goals, develop master plans, and create conceptual designs. As a leader, Heather leverages her background in evidence-based and Lean design principles, enabling her teams to create facilities optimized for patient care and staff efficiency. 

As a certified member of the American College of Healthcare Architects (ACHA), Heather is dedicated to enhancing healthcare architecture for the public by creating better built environments. Additionally, her EDAC certification and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt enables her to advance data-driven design in healthcare—creating spaces that enhance both patient outcomes and provider efficiency. These certifications reflect her commitment to designing adaptable, future-ready healthcare environments that promote physical and mental health. By incorporating research-backed insights into her projects, Heather aligns with Cuningham’s focus on sustainability and regenerating ecosystems, embodying the firm’s mission to create enduring, resilient experiences for a healthier world.