Stephanie Vito, AIA, ACHA, mental and behavioral health design leader at CannonDesign, has received the National 2023 American Institute of Architects Young Architects Award.
The award, given annually, recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to the architecture profession early in their careers. Vito was recognized for her focus and contributions to mental health design early in her career, as well as her consistent mentoring and teaching of design students.
Vito’s work on The University of Kansas Health Strawberry Hill Behavioral Health Campus was highlighted for bringing access to care to the urban and downtown Kansas City, Kansas area. The committee also noted her role in starting the Save the 8s initiative, which delivers better mental healthcare resources to children between the ages of 8 and 13 outside of traditional settings, as well as her work on a product idea through CannonDesign’s Amp internal incubator: a system for healthcare facilities that reduces patients’ self-harm opportunities.