Platt appointed to Facility Guideline Institute’s Health Guidelines Revision Committee

by Nicole Capozziello

Published November 4, 2019

Heather Platt, PE, (BS ’00, mechanical engineering) a senior project manager for Dewberry, was recently appointed to the Facility Guideline Institute’s Health Guidelines Revision Committee (HGRC). She will serve as the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) representative during the 2019-2020 term.

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“It is very personally rewarding to know that my efforts eventually help improve the patient experience so that they have an easier road to recovery.”
Heather Platt, senior project manager
Dewberry
Heather Platt.

Heather Platt, senior project manager at Dewberry and mechanical engineering alumna.

“We congratulate Heather on this prestigious recognition and assignment,” says Kevin Brese, president of ASHRAE North Piedmont chapter (headquartered in Greensboro, NC). “Ever since she became involved with ASHRAE in 1998, Heather has been heavily involved at the chapter, regional, and national levels, always finding time to help in any way possible.”

“We are very fortunate that Heather is a part of our chapter community. We are confident that she will serve this role well and look forward to seeing how she will utilize her extensive professional background in healthcare design to help ASHRAE set the guidelines and standards moving forward.”

According to their website, the Facility Guideline Institute (FGI) is an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to developing guidance for the planning, design, and construction of hospitals, outpatient facilities, and residential health, care, and support facilities. They oversee the FGI Guidelines for Design and Construction revision process and publication, fund research, and offer resources that support the development of safe, effective health and residential care built environments. FGI partners with numerous other organizations to help develop the Guidelines and other practical, evidence-informed publications.

Platt has been in the mechanical engineering industry for nearly 25 years, and an active member of ASHRAE for 21. She is a two-time published contributing author and Distinguished Lecturer at ASHRAE.

Platt entered UB in 1994 with the goal of becoming a licensed professional engineer, the third generation to do so in her family.

She attended classes in the evenings while continuing to work full-time. During her time at the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, she gained the understanding that “there are no boundaries to learning,” fostering a curiosity and openness that have been invaluable throughout her long career.

After graduating in 2000, Platt worked for a variety of engineering firms and healthcare facilities, including Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo. At Roswell, she found the role that would change her career: a management position in the Engineering and Maintenance department. There, she was able to apply engineering principles to help the hospital avoid disasters, while mentoring and developing a team of workers behind-the-scenes. Platt was not only challenged but thrived in this environment, where she was able to design systems, operate them and ultimately improve them.

“I love what I do,” says Platt. “It is very personally rewarding to know that my efforts eventually help improve the patient experience so that they have an easier road to recovery.”

In her role as a senior project manager at Dewberry’s Raleigh, North Carolina office, a position Platt accepted in December 2018, Platt is continuing to problem-solve, this time by overseeing healthcare-related projects from design through construction. She ensures client needs are met, serving as a bridge between them and facility managers.

Platt also has an MBA from Medaille College. Outside of her career, she enjoys visiting national parks, as well as cooking, baking, gardening and crafting.