Thomas (Thom) D. Kurmel, DDes, AIA, DBIA, FHFI

Dr. Thom Kurmel is one of the nation’s foremost experts in the areas of health facilities planning, design, and construction both in the public and private sectors.  

A retired Army Colonel, Tom served as the Senior Military Advisor and Chief of Staff to the Assistant Secretary for Health Affairs in the Office of the Secretary of Defense.  He previously led the planning, budgeting, and acquisition of all Department of Defense medical facilities as Director, Facility Life Cycle Management Operations, also in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs.  

Thom’s leadership experience includes Command of the US Army Health Facility Planning Agency, (Office of the Army Surgeon General) and numerous leadership and staff positions in the US and overseas.  

Thom holds a Doctorate from Harvard University and a BS in Architecture from the University of Nebraska.  He is a registered architect, certified design-build professional, and a Fellow in the Health Facility Institute.  Thom is currently co-chair of the DBIA Federal Committee and on the National Board of Directors for DBIA.

Thom is from Omaha, and is married to his high school sweetheart, the former Sandra J. Smith.  They have one son, Christian, currently working in Silicon Valley.  He and his wife volunteer their free time at Immanuel Bible Church in Springfield, Virginia.  He enjoys family time, cycling, golf, swimming and designing and building for friends.