Grounded in wellness: Saon Mathew honored with peer-selected award for upholding legacy of Legat Architects’ foundational leader
Saon Mathew gravitated toward healthcare architecture because of its power to comfort others. Inspired by this principle, Mathew channels that comforting presence into her interactions with clients, coworkers, and colleagues.
Her patience and attentiveness shine through whether she’s gathering input from a team of healthcare providers, tackling a tricky space programming challenge, or guiding a less experienced team member.
Mathew’s coworkers have acknowledged her impact by naming her the fifth recipient of the Wayne F. Machnich Award. The annual award recognizes an individual who embodies the values that Machnich (1943 – 2020) upheld. These values range from openness to new ideas and “never walking away from a problem” to bringing out the best in others. Machnich, Legat’s second official employee, served the firm for more than 45 years including two decades as its president and chief executive officer.
“Saon is a model for the future of our company,” said Rob Wroble, board chairman and director of Legat’s Oak Brook studio. “Her voice is always one of thoughtfulness and reason, and she gets nothing but glowing reviews from clients and staff.”
An Early Calling for a Career in Healing Spaces
Mathew’s path to architecture began when she was in sixth grade. Her father, recognizing her interest in spaces and her knack for math, suggested she explore a field she knew little about: architecture. She found her calling, and she never turned back.
Mathew went on to earn a degree at the University of Mumbai’s prestigious Sir J.J. College of Architecture. Founded in 1913, it stands as the oldest architectural school in Asia and consistently ranks among the best architectural schools in India.
She then headed to the States and enrolled in Texas A & M University’s graduate program with a focus on healthcare design. Armed with her Master of Architecture, Mathew moved to Chicago and joined a global healthcare design firm. Over the next 14 years, she sharpened her skills in programming and designing facilities that helped providers expand services and improve efficiencies. Her projects ranged from master plans and medical office buildings to a women’s center and a 275,000-square-foot hospital expansion.
An Influential Voice at Legat
Seeking a stronger voice in project decisions, Mathew joined Legat’s burgeoning healthcare team in 2019 and advanced to director of wellness in 2023. Her leadership has resulted in dozens of projects that make spaces more efficient, attractive, and comfortable for patients and staff.
A buildout of Central DuPage Hospital’s medical-surgical ICU shows Mathew’s ability to innovate under pressure. Completed in the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic, the project minimizes hospital-borne infections while supporting staff efficiency and patient care. The design enables the space to adapt to both pandemic and non-pandemic conditions.
Mathew also applied her planning skills to a renovation of an outpatient clinic at Northwestern Medicine Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital. The second-floor space had a restricted height because its floor and ceiling held infrastructure systems. The resulting renovation not only relocated all ductwork and piping to the roof to gain ceiling height but also increased traffic flow and created an attractive waiting area.
Leading from Behind
Mathew’s dedication to “leading from behind” has had a firmwide impact from novice employees to members of the leadership team.
“I try to put my team members at the forefront of projects while giving them maximum support,” said Mathew. “Getting them in front of clients gives them the experience and confidence they need to be leaders.”
“Saon is always cheerful and present when others are talking to her,” said Legat interior designer Aileen Everitt. “No matter how stressful things get, she keeps a level head and open communications.”
Mathew has also quietly supported the advancement of women in the industry. Examples include everything from attending programs that benefit women’s health to welcoming team members to her home to sample her cooking.
“Working with Saon is an incredible opportunity for emerging professionals looking to advance their skills and career,” said Legat Director of Community Jay Johnson. “She is not only an accomplished architect but also an inspiring mentor who cultivates creativity, professional growth, and a supportive work environment.”
Learn more about previous Wayne F. Machnich Commitment Award winners: Zach Wiese (2020), Monique Taylor (2021), Adam Quigley (2022), Bryan Archibald (2023).
Contact us to share your memories of working with Saon Mathew or to discuss your facilities challenges.
