Fulbright-Nehru Academic & Professional Excellence Award (Research)
Project Title:
Assessing Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Impact on Health in Indian Hospitals
Field of Study:
Architecture
Home Institution:
California State University, Northridge, CA
Host Institution:
National Institute of Technology Calicut, Kozhikode, Kerala
Grant Start Month:
December, 2024
Duration of Grant:
Four months
Brief Bio:
Dr. Hessam Ghamari is associate professor of interior design in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). With over 15 years of experience as an architect and interior designer across Iran and the United States, Dr. Ghamari brings a wealth of expertise to his role. His professional journey spans diverse projects in healthcare, hospitality, commercial spaces, and residential design. Before joining CSUN, Dr. Ghamari taught at Appalachian State University for four years. In 2014, he earned his PhD in environmental interior design from Texas Tech University, marking a pivotal point in his academic and research pursuits. He has authored numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and has presented at international conferences, focusing on topics like environmental psychology, evidence-based design, and healthcare environments.
Central to Dr. Ghamari’s design philosophy is a deep-rooted belief in addressing the physiological and psychological needs of individuals through interior spaces. He champions the creation of healthy, humanistic environments that positively impact users’ quality of life across diverse settings. His interdisciplinary approach integrates insights from environmental psychology, healthcare design, and evidence-based practices to enhance health and well-being outcomes. Currently, Dr. Ghamari holds significant leadership roles as the director of Strategic Initiatives and as a board member at the Interior Design Educators Council. He also serves as the director of Academy Awards and as a board member at the International Academy of Design and Health. Dr. Ghamari has received prestigious awards, including the Irene Winifred Eno Grant from the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).
Dr. Ghamari’s Fulbright-Nehru research, in collaboration with the National Institute of Technology Calicut, is assessing the quality of physical environments in Indian hospitals using evidence-based healthcare design principles. With its focus on patient safety, infection control, and staff well-being, the study is employing a comprehensive data collection approach involving quantitative and qualitative methods and field observations. By investigating factors such as accessibility, sustainability, and staff workflow, the research aims to improve healthcare spaces and outcomes in India.
