When it comes to designing a healthcare facility — whether it’s a GP clinic, dental practice, radiology centre, or IVF clinic — the choice of architect can determine the project’s success. While a conventional architect may be experienced in residential or commercial design, healthcare architecture is a highly specialised field that requires compliance with medical regulations, patient safety standards, and functional layouts tailored to clinical workflows.
At SoulMed, we have our own in-house healthcare architect who works directly with our design and construction team. This ensures every project is compliant, efficient, and tailored to the unique needs of medical professionals and patients alike.
1. Understanding the Role of a Healthcare Architect
Healthcare architects focus exclusively on designing facilities where patients are treated and medical professionals work. Their expertise covers:
- Regulatory Compliance: Adherence to the National Construction Code (NCC), Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), and Australian health facility guidelines.
- Clinical Workflows: Designing layouts that minimise bottlenecks, improve staff efficiency, and enhance patient privacy.
- Specialised Spaces: Radiation shielding for X-ray/CT/MRI rooms, sterile zones for dental surgeries, IVF labs, and negative-pressure rooms.
- Future-Proofing: Allowing for technology upgrades and changes in medical practice needs.
See: Australian Health Facility Guidelines (AusHFG)
2. Conventional Architects – What They Offer
Conventional architects are skilled in general design — homes, offices, and retail spaces. They bring creativity and aesthetics, but often lack deep knowledge of:
- Healthcare compliance requirements
- Patient safety and infection control
- Technical specifications for medical equipment
- Coordination with specialised consultants (engineers, surveyors, radiation physicists)
This gap can create costly delays and redesigns if compliance is overlooked.
3. Compliance and Permits – A Key Difference
Healthcare projects require more than just building permits. A healthcare architect understands:
- Regulation 126 Forms for building surveyors
- Fire safety and emergency egress standards specific to clinics
- Power authority upgrades for MRI and CT scanners
- AS 3740 waterproofing standards for wet areas in clinics
Reference: Victorian Building Authority – Building Permits
Conventional architects often underestimate these requirements, leading to approval delays.
4. Patient Experience and Workflow
A healthcare architect considers patient comfort and operational flow:
- Calm waiting areas with acoustic treatment
- Logical patient journeys (from reception → consult → treatment → exit)
- Staff-only circulation routes to protect patient privacy
- Infection control through hands-free doors, vinyl flooring, and zoning
This contrasts with conventional architects, who may design more for aesthetics than patient care.
5. Cost Implications
Hiring a conventional architect may appear cheaper upfront, but hidden costs can emerge:
- Redesign fees if compliance is missed
- Delays in building permits or finance approvals
- Inefficient layouts that increase long-term operational costs
A healthcare architect ensures efficiency from the start, reducing both risks and lifetime costs.
6. Which One Should You Choose?
- Healthcare Architect: Best choice for medical, dental, radiology, IVF, and allied-health projects. They understand compliance, workflows, and patient safety.
- Conventional Architect: Suitable for homes, offices, and general commercial builds — but not ideal for clinical environments.
If you’re investing in a healthcare facility, choosing the right expertise upfront ensures your clinic will be compliant, efficient, and future-ready.
7. Additional Resources
- Australian Health Facility Guidelines
- Victorian Building Authority
- National Construction Code (NCC)
- Disability Discrimination Act – Australian Human Rights Commission
Conclusion
The difference between a healthcare architect and a conventional architect is more than just design style — it’s about compliance, patient safety, and workflow efficiency. Engaging a healthcare architect from the outset can save time, reduce costs, and ensure your clinic meets both present and future healthcare demands.
At SoulMed, our in-house healthcare architect works hand-in-hand with our design and construction team. This integrated approach ensures compliance, functionality, and aesthetics are all seamlessly delivered under one roof — giving our clients a streamlined journey from concept to completion.
