Douglas W. Abrams was born in 1961 in the quaint community of Knightstown, Indiana. In grade school, Doug began his art career when a Thanksgiving class mural of boats, people, and turkeys, was redrawn to make it look more "real" by one introverted student. His love of art and critique of stick figures continued through the years.
A short time later, Doug developed a near obsession for Frank Lloyd Wright architectural designs, as he checked out the same (and only) three design books from the rural middle/high school library every few weeks -- for six whole years!
And so from the very young age of twelve, with his artistic bent and excitement for design, Doug remained singly focused: to become an architect. Doug followed his dream and graduated from Ball State University with degrees in Environmental Design and Architecture. He is a registered Architect in multiple states and is also a registered Interior Designer. Doug is NCARB certified and a member of the American College of Healthcare Architects (ACHA), Indiana Plein Air Painters Association (IPAPA), and the Art Association of Henry County (AAHC).
However, somewhere along the way (in eighth grade to be exact), Doug had his first experience with watercolor painting, and immediately discovered a love for it's personality - the two-way communication it evoked was unlike any other medium he had tried.
Though he has loved his long and satisfying architectural career, his passion for painting has truly been one of his life's greatest pleasures. Doug has honed this love of painting by studying under notable painters who have inspired him, including Stephen Quiller, Tony Van Hasselt, and Mel Stabin.
Doug’s sincere passion is spontaneously painting the various moods of nature en-plein air (i.e., enjoying painting outdoors with a good cigar). Although Doug's works can be found in private and corporate collections alike, he is excited to present a few of his works here for you to enjoy. Thank you for visiting; correspondences are very welcome.
Accolades:
Healthcare Design: 20 Professionals Making a Difference
BSA: People Award; Purpose Award; Designer Award; Water Overlook Design Competition Project Award
Henry County Art Associate: Best of Show; Peoples Choice Award; Watercolor Award; Merit Award; First Place Watercolor; First Place Drawing; Best of Show; Merit Award
Education Design Showcase: Honorable Mention
Midwest Construction: Award of Merit, Medical Research; Award of Merit, Healthcare
AIA: Citation Award; Design Award
Associated Builders and Contractors Association: Award of Excellence
Modern Healthcare: Designer Award
Indianapolis Affordable Housing Design Competition: Honorable Mention
Publications:
MCD, Medical Construction and Design;
Care for All; Evolving Cancer Center Design Solutions for Patients and Providers
Healthcare Facilities Today:
Design Decisions for Cutting-Edge Cancer Centers
Health Facilities Review, Executive Dialogue Series: Trends in Cancer Facilities, Emphasizing Patient Tranquility; ACHA: Creating Environments for Cancer Care