As the provision of clinical services moves from tertiary and secondary hospitals to primary care centres and to the home, the role of the GP and community trusts is becoming increasingly important. Primary Care Trusts offer the prospect of more democracy in the planning of local services and a greater co-operation between providers. The challenge for architects is to design buildings that can respond to the rapidly changing nature of clinical services and yet provide the friendly and intimate atmosphere which staff and patients prefer.

As experienced designers of healthcare buildings, we concentrate on getting the basics right. We do this by organising rooms and spaces in a clear and straightforward manner, dealing with the issues of privacy and security by the separation of public and staff areas. We look for simple ways of incorporating modern technology and achieving flexibility and future growth.

We use natural light wherever possible to guide people around the building and provide pleasant, relaxing environments for both patients and staff. Good design really can make a difference to the setting in which a primary care is delivered. “I felt healthier just going in” was said of a recent Avanti building.