Meet Sara Shumbera, EDAC, LEED GA

Growing up with a father who was an engineer and a mother who was an artist, I was exposed to a unique blend of technical precision and creative expression. In high school, my art teacher suggested I consider a career in architecture, which seemed like a perfect fusion of my parents’ influences. I began my architectural path by attending Texas Tech University, where I earned my Bachelor’s and Master of Architecture degrees. In my late college years, my roommate was a phlebotomist at the local hospital Emergency Department and my best friend was a pharmacy tech at Walgreens, when interviewing for my first job in the industry, healthcare was there all along. As a healthcare designer and planner, I’m driven by a desire to create healing environments, my way of providing support to patients and their families on the best and worst days of their lives.  

Outside of your work at Shepley, are there communities or groups you’re involved in? 

Outside of my work at Shepley Bulfinch, I am deeply involved in several communities, particularly within the realm of healthcare design. For the past 16 years, I have been an active participant and currently serve as the Chair of the Healthcare Design Conference for the AIA’s knowledge community Academy of Architecture for Health, where I also sit on the selection committee for the conference annually. As a part of that role, I have been a key member of the AIA-AAH STERIS Student Design Charette task force, handling logistics for 10 years. Additionally, I am involved in the Texas/ Houston Chapter of Women in Healthcare, and I currently sit on the Executive Board as Treasurer for the Chapter. My involvement in these communities has been a great way for me to grow into the profession while also being able to mentor others in the healthcare design field.  I am also passionate about mentorship and frequently support aspiring professionals, aiming to support and guide the next generation of leaders in our field. 

What motivates you the most? What are you most passionate about? 

What motivates me the most is my deep empathy towards patients and the desire to create environments that positively impact their well-being. I am passionate about the power of design to transform healthcare spaces, making them more comforting and healing for those who need it most. By controlling the environment, I can ensure that every detail, from lighting to layout, contributes to a better patient experience. This drive to blend empathy with design excellence fuels my work and inspires me to continually seek innovative solutions that make a real difference in people’s lives. 

What do you envision for the future? What do you hope to see for yourself, and for the industry? 

I envision a future where the architecture and healthcare design industry undergo significant transformation through the momentum of evolving technology, from the way we deliver and utilize it to the outcomes we achieve. I hope to see the industry become more collaborative, fostering an environment where young designers are mentored and learning tools are continually developed. Personally, I aim to be more active in presenting my ideas to the greater design community, submitting work for publications, and continuing my mentorship within eager professionals. By sharing knowledge and insights, I aspire to drive innovation and inspire others in the field. 

What do you do for fun in your spare time? 

In my spare time, I enjoy playing and collecting board games and have over 100 games, including “Dice Hospital.” I also love to travel (especially if it is to Disney), and my souvenir of choice is by adding to my playing card collection. I am a big Formula 1 fan and have named my two dogs Charlie and Claire after the Ferrari driver Charles LeClerc. Last year, I finally figured out that the reason why I did not like biking was that I needed another wheel, I am an avid rider of my trike on the Houston Trails. My husband and dogs keep me active and entertained, always ready for an adventure.