About

Dr. Debra Harris is a leading expert in evidence-based design, with award winning research, product, and facility designs. She is internationally recognized for research in building performance and occupant outcomes for healthcare, education and government organizations. As CEO of RAD Consultants, Debra focuses on evidence-based strategic planning, programming and independent research. Her Ph.D. in Architecture is from Texas A&M University, with an emphasis on health systems planning; and she is a Fellow of the Center for Health Systems & Design at Texas A&M University.

Debra has written over 40 peer-reviewed and trade publications, books, and book chapters; and presented to thousands of industry professionals on issues significant to the quality of the indoor environment. Her most recent published book is Design Details for Health: Making the Most of Design’s Healing Potential, 2^nd Edition – a reference that draws upon a rich source of evidence that supports the application of specific research-based details for the design of acute care, ambulatory care and long-term care facilities.

In practice since 1985, Debra specializes in assimilating research into evidence-based strategies for facility design. Her research focuses on factors affecting user experience and outcomes, especially related to health, productivity, safety, and cost implications of the physical environment.