Architectural Project Description – Carson Medical Group Family Practice Building The Carson Medical Group Family Practice Building in Carson City, Nevada, is a benchmark in contemporary healthcare architecture, designed to elevate patient experience, operational efficiency, and community engagement. Developed by Frame Architecture and completed in 2024, the 30,000-square-foot facility replaces an outdated 1970s clinic with a modern, purpose-built structure that reflects the values of wellness, accessibility, and contextual sensitivity. Design Intentions and Program Requirements The primary design intention was to create a healing environment that supports both patients and providers. The program called for four distinct patient pods, each with 12 exam rooms, a treatment room, provider offices, and support spaces for medical assistants and administrative staff. The building also houses CMG+, an urgent care wing, and specialized diagnostic rooms for sonograms, ultrasounds, DEXA scans, and blood draws. The central lobby serves as a spatial anchor, promoting intuitive wayfinding and reducing patient stress through natural light and calming finishes. Budget and Unique Resolution Aspects With a budget of approximately \$12 million, the project was delivered using a Design-Assist CMAR approach, fostering collaboration between the design team, contractor, and client. One of the most significant challenges was navigating record-breaking winter conditions during foundation work. The team responded with adaptive scheduling and resilient construction strategies, maintaining momentum and budget integrity. Site Constraints and Contextual Relevance Situated near the College Parkway exit off I-580, the site offers high visibility and accessibility. However, its proximity to major roadways required careful acoustic and traffic flow considerations. The building’s orientation maximizes solar exposure while shielding interiors from highway noise. The exterior design incorporates regional materials and forms that resonate with Carson City’s architectural vernacular, blending contemporary lines with a warm, approachable aesthetic. Innovative Design Details The building’s spatial organization is a standout achievement. Wide corridors, high ceilings, and generous glazing create a sense of openness and calm. Each pod operates semi-independently, allowing for scalable staffing and efficient patient throughput. The integration of specialized diagnostic spaces within the pods reduces patient movement and enhances care continuity. Sustainable design strategies include energy-efficient HVAC systems, low-VOC materials, and EV charging stations, aligning with AIA’s sustainability goals. Alignment with AIA Criteria The project exemplifies AIA’s Framework for Design Excellence through its commitment to: •Design for Integration: Seamless coordination between architecture, engineering, and medical operations. •Design for Equitable Communities: Accessible layout and inclusive design features. •Design for Ecosystems and Resources: Sustainable systems and materials. •Design for Well-being: Natural light, calming interiors, and efficient workflows. •Design for Change: Flexible pod structure allows for future expansion and adaptation. In sum, the Carson Medical Group Family Practice Building is a thoughtfully executed healthcare facility that responds to its community’s needs with architectural clarity, operational intelligence, and contextual respect. It stands as a model for regional healthcare design and a testament to collaborative, resilient project delivery.