Penny Houchens Takes Charge as EVP of Healthcare at Gresham Smith

Gresham Smith, a prominent architecture, engineering, and consulting firm with annual revenues exceeding $355 million, has appointed Penny J. Houchens as the Executive Vice President of its Healthcare division, effective January 1, 2026. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Houchens brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record in healthcare design to her new role, where she will oversee strategic growth and business development in one of the firm’s most significant sectors.

Houchens has been pivotal in shaping Gresham Smith's healthcare practice since she joined the firm’s Jacksonville office in 2004, later relocating to Nashville in 2017. Her leadership has been marked by a commitment to patient-centered design and research-informed strategies that improve experiences for both patients and caregivers. Throughout her tenure, she has managed an extensive portfolio of acclaimed projects for top-tier clients including UF Health, Baptist Health, and UC Health.

Rodney Chester, CEO and Board Chair of Gresham Smith, expressed confidence in Houchens’ capabilities, stating, "Penny's deep expertise and proven leadership make her the ideal person to guide the future growth of our Healthcare market." Chester noted that her dedication to Gresham Smith's clients and mission would bolster the company's position as a leader in healthcare design across the nation.

Houchens is not only a distinguished professional in her field but also an active community advocate, serving on the executive board of the American Heart Association (AHA). Her contributions extend to several committees, including the Go Red for Women Executive Leadership Committee and the STEM Goes Red Committee. Furthermore, she is among the founders of the Nashville Chapter of Women in Healthcare and has previously been involved with the Mercy Community Healthcare Advisory Board.

Taking on this prominent role, Houchens commented, "It's an honor to step into this position and continue advancing the mission of our Healthcare practice. Designing spaces that foster healing, comfort, and well-being has always been central to our firm’s vision. I look forward to leading our talented team into this new chapter of growth, proudly representing Gresham Smith's founding market and its legacy of innovation.”

An alumnus of Western Kentucky University, Houchens holds a bachelor’s degree in interior design and is aLEED-accredited professional. She is also a registered interior designer certified by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ). Houchens will continue to operate from the firm’s Nashville office.

About Gresham Smith

Gresham Smith operates as a foremost provider of architecture, engineering, and consultancy services, delivering a comprehensive suite of solutions to both private and public sector clients. With a significant annual gross revenue of $355 million and 26 offices nationwide, Gresham Smith functions across eight strategic sectors, including aviation, building engineering, healthcare, and transportation. The firm is recognized as one of the World's Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company and consistently listed as a 'Best Place to Work'. Gresham Smith’s core purpose revolves around creating healthy and thriving communities through their brand promise of Genuine Ingenuity.