Alan Ricks
Alan Ricks serves as the Chief Operating Officer of MASS Design Group, a firm he co-founded with Michael Murphy in 2010. His extensive background in design, research, and policy has been pivotal in driving MASS's growth and influence. Ricks delivered a TED Talk redefining architectural aspirations, earning acclaim from TED founder, Chris Anderson. MASS's completion of the Butaro District Hospital marked a turning point for the firm, leading to expansion across seven countries, prioritizing design innovation and healthcare infrastructure. A graduate of Colorado College and Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Ricks is recognized as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. Under his leadership, MASS has earned acclaim, named finalists for the TED Prize, The Aga Khan Award for Architecture, and the Buckminster Fuller Challenge. Their accolades include the World Architecture News Buro Happold Award and the Healthcare Design Change maker award. Committed to advancing discussions on design's role in equity, Ricks delivers lectures at institutions like Harvard School of Public Health and contributes to publications like The Lancet and the Huffington Post. MASS's work has been featured in Wired Magazine, New York Times, Fast Company, and numerous architectural publications. Their seminal book, "Empowering Architecture," published in 2012, reflects on the Butaro Hospital's design process, showcasing MASS's dedication to impactful design.
