Healthcare Architecture FAQ
Dallas-Fort Worth | ASCs | OBLs | Medical Office Buildings
About Center Design
Q: What is Center Design?
A: Center Design is a healthcare architecture firm specializing in the design of medical facilities that are functional, efficient, and healing. We serve clients across most states, delivering designs that enhance patient care, support staff workflow, and meet the unique demands of healthcare environments.
Q: Where is Center Design located?
A: Our office is in Dallas, Texas, and we serve clients across much of the United States.
Q: What makes Center Design different from other architecture firms?
A: We focus exclusively on healthcare facility design, combining evidence-based design principles, healthcare-specific planning expertise, and a human-centered approach that considers how space is experienced by patients, staff, and visitors.
Healthcare Architecture Services
Q: What types of healthcare projects do you design?
A: We design a wide range of healthcare facilities, including:
Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs)
Hospitals
Medical Office Buildings
Office-Based Labs (OBLs)
Office Based Surgery (OBS)
Outpatient Clinics
Specialty Facilities
Q: Do you help with healthcare facility renovations?
A: Yes. We provide renovation, expansion, and interior finish-out design services to help facilities stay current, compliant, and responsive to patient and technology needs.
Q: Do you provide 3D renderings or virtual walkthroughs?
A: Yes. We offer 3D visualization and virtual walkthroughs to help clients clearly understand and experience their design before construction begins.
Q: Can you help evaluate a property before we sign a lease or purchase?
A: Yes. We frequently help clients evaluate potential sites early. This is typically a walkthrough with the current owner / landlord alongside our client (and developer, if applicable) to assess feasibility, constraints, and next steps.
Q: Do you help with permitting?
A: Yes. We support the permitting process and coordinate required documentation and responses as part of the project team.
Q: Can you renovate s healthcare facility while it stays operational?
A: Yes. We can plan renovations and phased construction so operations can continue, with strategies that prioritize patient flow, staff workflow, and minimizing disruption.
Design Approach & Process
Q: What is evidence-based design in healthcare architecture?
A: Evidence-based design uses research and proven strategies to shape environments that improve health outcomes, enhance staff efficiency, and reduce stress for patients and visitors. At Center Design, we apply these principles to create spaces that are both functional and restorative.
Q: How does your healthcare design process work?
A: We begin with a needs assessment to understand your goals, operational requirements, and patient experience priorities. We then develop conceptual designs, refine them into detailed plans, and produce construction documents — working closely with your team and consultants at every stage.
Q: Are you familiar with healthcare-specific codes and standards?
A: Yes. We are highly experienced in the regulatory requirements that apply to healthcare facilities, including State Health guidelines, FGI Guidelines, IBC, NFPA codes, and other state-specific healthcare regulations.
Q: Can you work with my contractors or healthcare consultants?
A: Absolutely. We frequently collaborate with general contractors, engineers, and healthcare consultants to deliver coordinated, efficient, and cost-effective projects.
Working With Center Design
Q: How do I start a healthcare project with Center Design?
A: Contact us via our website, phone, or email to schedule an initial consultation. We’ll review your goals, budget, and timeline, then prepare a tailored design proposal.
Q: What do we need from client to get started?
A: To start, we typically need:
A clear overview of what you’re envisioning
The proposed site or location options
Your program (space needs, rooms, equipment, volume)
From there, we’ll help divine scope, confirm feasibility, and outline the next steps.
Q: How long does a typical healthcare facility design take
A: Most projects take 4 - 8 months to complete design, depending on complexity. Timelines move faster when key inputs are known up front and decisions are made promptly throughout the process.
Q: Do you provide cost estimates for projects?
A: Yes. We offer preliminary budget estimates and refine them as the design develops to help you plan effectively.
Sustainability and Special Projects
Q: Do you provide sustainable healthcare design?
A: Yes. We integrate energy-efficient systems, environmentally responsible materials, and wellness-focused strategies into our designs. We can also assist with certifications such as LEED, if desired.
Q: Do you take on projects outside of healthcare?
A: While healthcare architecture is our primary focus, we occasionally design community-oriented projects that align with our mission to improve well-being through the built environment.