Healthcare

Outpatient clinics and CBOCs

We plan and design community-based outpatient clinics to the VA Outpatient Clinic Design Guide (PG-18-12), including primary care, mental health, physical therapy, laboratory, tele-health and audiology spaces. Our Shenandoah CBOC was a privately developed 9,965 SF building leased to the VA and designed to VA CBOC standards from the first sketch.

Patient room and clinical suite renovations

Renovating an occupied hospital means phasing, infection control and keeping clinical staff working. We have delivered patient room renovations at the Dallas VA Medical Center, an eye clinic at the Amarillo VAMC, a medical suite at the Robert J. Dole VAMC, and emergency department decontamination and switch rooms.

Building systems and infrastructure

Much of the VA’s capital program is mechanical, electrical and life safety work that still needs an architect of record. We have designed building and HVAC upgrades for the VA Healthcare System of the Ozarks, a new HVAC tower, a main air handling unit replacement, roofing, window and security camera replacements, and security system upgrades.

Feasibility studies and assessments

Before a project is funded, the VA needs a defensible scope and cost. We prepare feasibility studies, facility condition assessments and utility studies such as the Legionella feasibility study for the Audie L. Murphy Memorial VA Hospital and the assessment of utility tunnels. Read more about our feasibility study services.

Every VA renovation we design starts with a phasing plan that keeps clinics open. Our construction documents include an Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) matrix, Interim Life Safety Measures (ILSM), and a sequence of work that isolates construction from patients and staff. We coordinate early with Engineering Service, Infection Prevention and the Contracting Officer’s Representative so that reviews at 35, 65, 95 and 100 percent move quickly.

Our drawings follow VA CAD and BIM standards, the Physical Security and Resiliency Design Manual, and the equipment guide lists for each space type. Cost estimates are prepared in the VA format and reconciled at each submission, which is one reason our projects award within budget. Read our guide on design-build versus CMAR for government construction for how delivery method affects VA schedules.

Does Prime Architects hold VA contracts directly?

Yes. We have delivered VA projects as a prime contractor and as a subconsultant to engineering firms and design-build contractors in Texas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas and Louisiana.

Which VA design guides apply to a CBOC?

The Outpatient Clinic Design Guide (PG-18-12) governs space planning, along with the Space Planning Criteria (PG-18-9), the Physical Security and Resiliency Design Manual, and the equipment guide lists. We design to all of them.

Can you work as a subconsultant to a prime contractor?

Yes. We routinely team as the SDVOSB architect on larger pursuits and as architect of record for design-build contractors.

Can you design in an occupied hospital?

Yes. Every renovation we design includes phasing, ICRA and ILSM documentation so clinical operations continue during construction.

How long does CBOC design take?

A typical CBOC design runs three to five months from kickoff to 100 percent construction documents, depending on VA review cycles and whether the building is new or a renovation.