Glastonbury, CT Richard Sears, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, has joined The S/L/A/M Collaborative (SLAM) as project manager in the healthcare studio. Sears brings more than 20 years of experience as an architect, responsible for the planning, design and construction of complex building types, especially hospitals and outpatient facilities.

“Richard’s extensive background in healthcare, coupled with his ability to effectively manage complex projects and lead teams to success, will expand our expertise in the healthcare sectors nationwide,” said David Neal, AIA, principal, SLAM.

Sears is recognized for his expertise in the design of surgical, pediatric, acute care and ambulatory healthcare projects. Prior to joining SLAM, he served as a senior project manager for Baystate Health a 1,000+ bed system in western Mass. While there he completed projects for The Baystate Children’s Hospital, BH Regional Oncology Program and the $25 million Surgery Center at Franklin Medical Center. Most recently he was engaged by the BMC facility masterplan and the planning and design of 80,000 s/f to include 16 operating and eight interventional procedure rooms.

He is a member of the New England Healthcare Engineers Society and the board of directors, Connecticut Building Congress. Sears holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Syracuse University, School of Architecture.

In addition, he has devoted many of his off hours as a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician & Fire Fighter in Connecticut and New York.