Envisioned by IA as a national model for community-informed healthcare design, the flagship NEMS PACE Center weaves a culturally resonant narrative into a state-of-the-art care facility that directly meets the complex needs of caregivers and patients through responsive, streamlined design.

The conceptual foundation for the project is 天下 (Tiānxià), an ancient Chinese philosophy meaning “all under heaven.” This worldview embodies dignity, unity, equality, and community—principles embedded in a design narrative conveying that everyone deserves healthcare spaces that affirm their worth and cultural identity.

Countering the nonprofit clinic norm, patients are welcomed into a bright, expansive lobby. The generous scale and clear sight lines provide secure orientation for those with cognitive impairments or limited mobility. A subtle green wall extends the main corridor to guide foot traffic through the space, offering continuity and visual stimulation. The circulation loop also functions as an exercise route to encourage mobility.

In addition to housing a full medical clinic, dental suite, pharmacy, acupuncture stations, memory care rooms, and more, the facility also integrates lifestyle-oriented amenities. A meditation room outfitted with perforated walls, a faux skylight, and soft lighting establishes a tranquil zone for spiritual reflection, while an adjacent media room designed to accommodate screenings of Chinese dramas and karaoke promotes social engagement in a familiar and joyful setting. A sunlit indoor “park” at the facility’s heart, achieved by carving out a skylight in the previously windowless structure, acts as a communal plaza supporting everything from group dining to performances. Its two-tone flooring depicts the Chinese character 人 (rén), translating to “person”—a symbol of the human-centered approach.

Physical and occupational therapy spaces are open and well-lit, lined with glass and equipped with privacy features, allowing caregivers to maintain visibility while protecting patient dignity. Spaces conceived for maximum accessibility include restrooms dimensioned to accommodate both a patient and their caregiver. To foster the wellness of staff members, too, the provider pods and administrative offices were designed with acoustics and comfort in mind and the employee lounge sited to offer daylight views into the park.

Materiality shapes the user experience. Custom-colored terrazzo flooring was selected for durability and visual richness while chestnut-wood panels and slatting offer biophilic warmth. Acoustic treatments were applied in communal areas to manage sound levels, such as the custom felt mobile above the reception desk. Low-maintenance hypoallergenic plantings throughout the building contribute to the sense of calm, as does the abundance of curves.

The PACE Center is more than a medical facility; it is a culturally aligned wellness hub that redefines how nonprofit spaces can honor and support elder communities. Every spatial decision, from oversized exam rooms with built-in sofas for family members to mural-lined circulation loops, was made in the service of care, empathy, and belonging. By integrating robust healthcare programming with lifestyle amenities and culturally resonant design language, the center stands as a national model for how to care for our elders—as patients and as humans.

Design: IA Interior Architects
Design Team: Richelle Nolan, Kristoffer Tendall, Gary Bouthillette, Vicki Salgado, Michelle Hoffman, Michelle deBrestian, Heidi Matthews, Danielle Vogel, Rhonda Jensen
Structural Engineering Consultant: Rivera Consulting Group
Photography: Garrett Rowland