A Milestone Achievement: Amanda Ripley Named Associate Principal

Wilmot Sanz is proud to announce the promotion of Amanda Ripley, NCIDQ, to Associate Principal. Over the past decade, Amanda has become an integral voice within the firm—bringing leadership, creativity, and compassion to every project and every team she’s part of.

Her path into healthcare design is deeply personal. With family members working across the healthcare spectrum—from nursing administration to MEP engineering—Amanda was drawn early on to the connection between design and human well-being. That passion crystallized during her undergraduate years when she contributed to the design of a women’s health facility, an experience that confirmed her calling to create spaces that heal, empower, and inspire.

“I’ve always wanted to design environments that make a real difference in people’s lives,” Amanda reflects. “Healthcare design allows us to merge empathy with technical precision—and that balance is what drives me.”

A Champion for Collaboration and Mentorship

Throughout her time at Wilmot Sanz, Amanda has been a bridge-builder—someone who brings people together, encourages dialogue, and strengthens collaboration between architecture and interiors. She’s known for her approachable leadership style and her ability to foster trust and clarity across disciplines.

As she steps into her new role, Amanda is especially focused on mentorship and professional

development. Teaching has long been one of her passions, from guiding junior designers in software and documentation to leading design coordination across large, interdisciplinary teams.

“Mentorship isn’t just about transferring knowledge—it’s about creating space for curiosity and growth,” she says. “When we share what we’ve learned, we raise the standard for everyone.”

Looking ahead, Amanda plans to reinvigorate the firm’s mentorship program, building on Wilmot Sanz’s legacy of learning, collaboration, and advancement. Her goal: to ensure that every designer—no matter their experience level—has access to guidance, support, and opportunities to thrive.

Amanda’s design work reflects her belief in the power of integration—where branding, daylight, and spatial flow come together to shape cohesive, meaningful experiences. She is currently leading multiple initiatives with the University of Virginia, merging clinical and workplace functions to create flexible, efficient, and uplifting spaces.

Her work with TidalHealth continues that theme, weaving together natural light, intuitive circulation, and brand expression to create environments that promote both wellness and identity.

One project especially close to her heart is the Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Campus, where Amanda’s interior design leadership is helping to shape a new patient tower and emergency department soon to open its doors. The project reflects her ability to translate a client’s mission into spaces that feel both restorative and resilient—balancing the science of healthcare with the art of care.

As she begins this next chapter, Amanda is eager to continue pushing boundaries—both for herself and for the firm. She envisions a future where Wilmot Sanz continues to expand its reach, strengthen its partnerships, and redefine what healthcare design can achieve.

“This firm has always believed in the power of collaboration and the importance of purpose-driven work,” Amanda says. “I’m excited to build on that foundation—helping us grow, mentor, and continue creating spaces that truly make a difference.”