Jack A. Atkins, Azimuth: Architecture Inc.'s health care studio director and principal, says "designing a women's center is not just about function. Patient expectations are moving away from sterile, institutional environments toward more comfortable, homelike environment, where design makes a significant impact on the experience."

The project team also included the Ridgemont Co. as general contractor; LA Fuess Partners, structural engineer; and Fratto Engineering, MEP engineer. The complex includes an imaging lab and screening room, dual reception areas and 10 suites for mammography, ultrasound, densitometry and stereotactic biopsy. Areas for conference and offices for physicians, business and technical staff also are provided in the building's design. The center is outfitted with cutting edge technology.

The center, founded in 1986, started out with 600 sf and lead physician, Dr. Tim Freer, and two employees. The new facility will house a team of five doctors supported by a 38-member staff. The center is part of the portfolio of Cambridge Healthcare Development Corp., which entails more than $1 billion in medical real estate and eight million sf.