As an Evidence-based Design Researcher, Terri focuses on the intersection of user experience and human interaction within the built environment. Beginning her career as a nurse, she combines her first-hand experience of patient and caregiver needs with architectural concepts and layouts to develop exceptional spaces. Formerly the director of healthcare education and research at Ellerbe Becket, Terri was responsible for translating the client's philosophy and needs into architectural concepts and functional layouts. She also led in-house and outreach healthcare education and research efforts.

Terri is a frequent speaker at academic medical and healthcare conferences, and has a substantial repertoire of published works linking design and research within healthcare environments in the areas of neuroscience, chronic illnesses, and environments for the aging. She is also the co-author of the chapter "Creating Optimal Healing Environments" in the textbook Integrative Nursing.