Project Luong is a firm committed to raising the bar for architectural design services, focusing on the People we serve and the customer service we provide. As architects, designers, principals, and project managers, we understand that while many medical facilities share the same basic components to function, each building is different in its location, heritage, and department traditions. We know the best facilities are born from a collaboration between the architect and the end users.
At Project Luong, we kick off each project by getting to know our clients and their departments. We want to know how they are organized, their procedures, how they respond, and ultimately what makes their department unique. Our job is to listen and learn before moving into programming and layouts.
We know that there are many options for architecture and design services out there. Project Luong sets itself apart by our People, Approach, Value, and Efficiency.
> People: We ensure that our clients are in the hands of the best team for their project. We design beautiful and thoughtful buildings with precise and efficient documents to ensure your project is designed to last.
> Approach: We are not just project-oriented. We are, first and foremost, people- and process-oriented. Our team will fully engage with you to discuss important project considerations, such as how municipal spaces will be utilized, what architectural style is preferable, and how refined or ornate finishes will be. We want to ensure our clients enjoy ease and assurance throughout the design process. You will never have to question our dedication or passion for your project.
> Value: We deliver significant value to you as an owner or developer because we provide highly skilled personnel to your project from start to finish. Our leadership has worked for “Big Box” firms for over 30 years collectively, understanding that some projects become just a number to already stretched-thin management and are assigned to inexperienced designers without much direction. What is lost in that experience is the hands-on customer service, technical abilities, and quality control for which our people are known.
> Efficiency: Our firm utilizes the latest technology to provide accurate, sustainable, and efficient design. We produce high-quality 3D renderings and visualizations, allowing real-time feedback and design optimization. We have also invested in tools that enable us to manage your project’s progress both in person and virtually.
Collaboration makes for the best architecture, both between the architect and the owner, the user, and between other architects. Project Luong has a long-standing collaborative relationship with Johnson Design Group spanning many years. Together, Project Luong and Johnson Design Group have over $200 million in collaborative design work ongoing. We believe that commitment to collaboration delivers quality medical facilities, bringing the creative ideas and execution skills to deliver all manner of projects.
We strive to design buildings that create a sense of vibrancy, longevity, and intention and would love the opportunity to create together.
Sincerely,
Alec A. Luong, AIA, NCARB, RID Managing Principal | Project Luong Architects, LLC alec.luong@projectluong.com
o +1 346 708 8241
c +1 713 582 0996
What is A.M.D.G.? And why is it written on the top right- hand corner of our documents?
A.M.D.G. is Latin for “Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam” — translated into English as “For the
Designing medical office spaces is not a simple matter of arranging cubicles and desks. It is an art of creating spaces that reflect the values, cultures, and identities of organizations and their people. When we approach medical office design, we consider the functional needs of clients as well as the emotional and psychological needs of the individuals who work there. Every detail, from the colors on the walls to the lighting and materials, is carefully chosen to create a coherent and effective environment that inspires and energizes.
c +1 713 582 0996
alec.luong@projectluong.com
ALEC A. LUONG AIA,
NCARB, RID
PRINCIPAL - MANAGING PARTNER
As the Principal and Managing Partner of Project Luong, my passion lies in healthcare architectural design. With years of experience and expertise, I focus on creating spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and economically sound. I have successfully worked on a diverse range of healthcare projects, including medical office buildings, healthcare facilities, and mixeduse developments. My keen eye for detail, problem-solving abilities, and creative approach enable me to develop concepts that reflect the clients’ vision, the contextual environment, and the functional requirements of healthcare spaces. I am dedicated to exceeding client expectations, ensuring overall project success by adhering to budget and schedule constraints. My goal is to foster a collaborative partnership with our clients, grounded in a deep understanding of healthcare needs and a shared commitment to creating spaces that meet their goals and objectives.
Qualifications
EDUCATION
Master of Architecture, Virginia Tech
Bachelor of Architecture, Virginia Tech
AFFILIATIONS
American Institute of Architects Texas Board of Architectural Examiners (NCARB #124984)
CERTIFICATIONS
Registered Architect - Texas #24095, Alabama #9490, Colorado #ARC.00407489, District of Columbia #ARC.40000740, Florida #AR102888, Iowa #8305, Louisiana #10074, Massachusetts #954131-AR-R, Nebraska #A-5380, New York #044461, South Carolina #AR.11536,Virginia #0401019744, Washington #24005178
Registered Interior Designer - Texas #12198
c +1 281 818 8652
yesika.soto@projectluong.com
YESIKA SOTO
AIA, RID
ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL
Since graduating from the University of Houston with a Master’s degree in Architecture, my career has focused on designing medical office buildings and healthcare facilities. At Project Luong, we firmly believe that architecture is centered on people, and healthcare design uniquely embodies this perspective. My role involves collaborating with clients and consultants to create functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces that meet specific needs while adhering to local building codes and regulations. Our goal is to design environments that enhance patient care, improve efficiency, and ensure safety and compliance. Whether your project involves an interior medical buildout or a state-of-the-art healthcare facility, I am dedicated to meeting the schedule and budget requirements crucial for project success and stakeholder buy-in.
Qualifications
EDUCATION
Master of Architecture, University of Houston
Bachelor of Architecture, Texas A&M University
AFFILIATIONS
American Institute of Architects
Texas Board of Architectural Examiners
Texas Board of Architectural Examiners
CERTIFICATIONS
Registered Architect - Texas #27251, California # C-39791, Nevada N478
Warren has over 40 years of extensive architectural and interior design expertise in the healthcare sector, as well as other markets. His responsibilities have also included senior design direction and management of medium to large-scale corporate, mixed-use, multifamily, and hospitality projects. Warren is actively involved in the entire design process, from conceptual site planning through schematic building design and the development of those designs. On healthcare projects, he is active in the facility programming and planning stages, integrating the final program into a comprehensive building envelope with a timeless design. Warren is also active in the day-to-day management of project designers and medical programmers within the project team, ensuring a seamless transition from design to implementation. Since his background includes a diverse exploration of architectural designs in numerous market sectors, the knowledge gleaned from these non-healthcare market solutions can be applied to new healthcare projects that are part of mixed-use developments or neighborhoods. This has often led to unique solutions, enhancing the knowledge base of healthcare facility design.
Qualifications
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science, Architecture, Georgia Institute of Technology
AFFILIATIONS
American Institute of Architects
LEED Accredited Professional
NCARB Member
Urban Land Institute
International Council of Shopping Centers
c +1 832 477 7528 mpamatmat@johnsondesigngroup-llc.com
CERTIFICATIONS
Registered Architect - Texas #10294
MICHAEL C. PAMATMAT
PRINCIPAL
Michael Pamatmat’s experience includes managing all phases of a project, from design to construction. He coordinates with clients, consultants, and contractors throughout the project execution, delivering the project with the expected results. Michael has experience generating 3D renderings and presentation materials for clients and marketing. He participates in off-site design charrettes with team members, clients, and relevant individuals to collaborate on design ideas and direction. He also conducts site visits to take field measurements and gather data to produce as-built drawings.
Qualifications
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science, Architecture, Central Colleges of the Philippines
CERTIFICATIONS
Associate American Institute of Architects
Project Luong’s medical office designs prioritize the well-being and productivity of the people who work in them. Healthcare professionals can spend long hours in these spaces, and a well-designed environment can contribute to their comfort and effectiveness. We balance the need for functionality with the need for a comfortable and efficient workspace. Proper lighting, acoustics, layout, and the use of materials are important considerations in achieving this balance. A well-designed medical office space can enhance job satisfaction, reduce stress, and promote productivity.
GREAT PEOPLE DOING MORE
Project Luong is a growing firm of landscape architects, architects, interior designers, mixed media designers, and administrators who understand that delivering a successful project begins well before planning and design.
Based in Houston and San Antonio, Texas, and Santa Monica, California, our diverse team has more than ten decades of combined multidisciplinary experience across many project classes, including community, retail, commercial, municipal, aviation, higher education, corporate, healthcare, recreational, and multi- and single-family residential. On each and every project, we strive to create ease and cohesion throughout project start-up, execution, and closeout. We stand behind our work, and our designs aim to clarify, align, and respond to our clients’ visions, missions, and goals. When we reach your goals, we reach ours.
RELIABLE MWBE PARTNER
Project Luong is a small architectural and interior design firm with an outstandingly diverse team that makes a large impact. Our firm’s leadership is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace by promoting minority, women, and LGBTQ employees, cultivating flexibility for remote work and floating holidays, and providing paid family leave for both mothers and fathers—an almost unheard-of benefit within the industry. With the majority of employees being women and/or minorities, this diverse workforce allows us to bring a variety of perspectives and experiences to the design process and better serve the communities and clients we work with.
As a firm led by a Vietnamese American, Project Luong is a certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) by the City of Houston, City of Austin, South Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (SCTRCA), and North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (NCTRCA). The firm is also a certified Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) with the State of Texas. We are certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
FIRM COMMITTED TO DIVERSITY WITH…
WOMEN EMPLOYEES …DIVERSE EXPERIENCES INFORMING OUR ARCHITECTURE
We are certified as a minority-owned business and HUB throughout the State of Texas, as well as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise through the US Department of Transportation.
TMC INNOVATION SPACES
HOUSTON, TEXAS
The Creative Suite
Even the smallest of projects take time to complete. This year we delivered our first completed projects – a Creative Office Suite for a biotech start up, and a series of Wellness Rooms to be used for nursing mothers or meditation space. Both of these projects are part of TMC Innovation, an initiative which allows the Texas Medical Center to help form, fund, and promote healthcare companies from around the world that are changing the future of healthcare. Project Luong could not be more excited to be a part of that. Having the opportunity to work with fellow start-up companies as well as design spaces that promote women in the work place and mental wellbeing are exactly the kind of projects that we love to do.
Owner: Texas Medical Center
Budget: $600,000
Size: 3,100 SF
Instead of a cookie-cutter approach replicating previous projects, we provide true personalization bolstered by lessons learned and extensive boots-on-the-ground experience. Our team-like design approach involving all stakeholders has a track record of meeting all project goals. We will walk with you step-by-step to transform your project idea into reality.
TMC MELAX
HOUSTON, TEXAS
The Biotech Hub
This project is another Creative Office Suite for a biotech startup housed within the TMC Innovation Factory Campus. This campus was created as a hub for life science and research innovation. For this project, Project Luong took advantage of the natural lighting coming through the original factory skylights by leaving most of the ceilings exposed. Next, we added pops of functional art, such as contrasting backsplash tiles, custom acoustical panels, and bright accent walls, to complement the company’s branding and the tenant’s aesthetic without overpowering the simple elegance of the space.
Owner: Texas Medical Center
Budget: $310,000
Size: 1,920 SF
CHALLENGE:
The renovation was one of several phases to transform a historic Nabisco factory building. Recently, the building had been occupied by a mix of tenants, including art classes from the Glassell School, startups, small research facilities, and storage areas. Many rooms suffered from leaks, water damage, and rodent infestations due to years of neglect. Each build-out required special attention to address these issues specific to each space. This work was done while maintaining a consistent open-ceiling concept to capture natural light from the large sawtooth windows and illuminate the office spaces.
TMC AUDITORIUM
HOUSTON, TEXAS
The Auditorium
The TMC Auditorium was transformed from an abandoned space with leaks and mold issues into a versatile venue that the entire facility can utilize. The renovation included the addition of a catering room, enhancing its suitability for various types of speakers and presentations. Located off the main second-floor corridor near a central stairway, the auditorium is easily accessible and features unique sawtooth lights with an open ceiling for natural light. Acoustic ceiling clouds and accent wood walls were used to improve sound dampening. The space now accommodates a modern design that is both functional and elegant.
Owner: Texas Medical Center
Budget: $600,000
Size: 2,365 SF
CHALLENGE:
The renovation faced several challenges. The absence of a ceiling required mounting acoustical clouds to mitigate sound issues in the concrete building with an exposed structure ceiling. The auditorium’s slight incline necessitated an ADA-accessible front entrance and new rear stairs designed to meet current codes, replacing the steep and inconsistent stairs of the previous design. Additionally, the skylight posed difficulties for projection, leading to the decision to install a large television to ensure clear presentations even on bright, cloudless days.
TMC INNOVATION FACTORY
HOUSTON, TEXAS
Hamilton Health Box
Hamilton Health Box is an innovative leader in healthcare that relocated to the state-of-the-art TMC Innovation Factory. The healthcare provider combines the latest advancements in medical technology, comprehensive wellness programs, and personalized care all conveniently housed under one roof. Design elements of this 5,600 SF tenant improvement project include open workspaces and lounge suites, polished concrete floors, non-porous/antibacterial surfaces to maintain healthy spaces, a welcoming reception desk, a phone booth for private calls, and a conference room.
Owner: Texas Medical Center
Budget: $670,000 Size: 5,600 SF
Experience
WEST LOOP MEDICAL
BELLAIRE, TEXAS
Local Doctors, Local Facilities
The West Loop Medical Building is a case study in bringing high-quality specialty providers into an already dense urban environment. The City of Bellaire is an enclave of Houston, Texas, and is only a few minutes from the Texas Medical Center, yet still lacks any quality medical office space within its own city limits. The strict zoning codes and lot coverage requirements, along with the city’s commitment to preserving existing tree canopies, make this project incredibly complex. The design includes 78,000 square feet of leasable area, along with 6 floors of parking providing access to each tenant level. The project utilizes a unique pre-cast structure to combine the parking and tenant floors into a single structure, driving cost and time savings in the delivery of the building.
Owner: Enclave Development Budget: $17,800,000
Size: 78,000 SF
METHODIST SUGAR LAND CANCER CENTER
SUGAR LAND, TEXAS
The Replacement Tower and Clinic for the MHSL campus in Sugar Land, Texas, replaces a 50-bed hospital originally on the campus. The program is typical of larger regional hospitals, featuring an extensive OR suite, Birthing Center, Clinic, Emergency Department, Radiology, etc., all transferred and expanded into the new structure from the existing hospital. A parking garage was added to the rear of the facility. The entry areas and bed towers are arranged around a generous central atrium space reminiscent of Methodist Hospital in the TMC. As an addition to the existing campus, the project required extensive master planning and flow diagramming to connect the new facility to the existing hospital, medical office buildings, and Cancer Center. The work included an extensive real estate support cycle, campus master planning, planning and zoning approval, and the design and documentation of the facility.
Owner: Methodist Hospital Houston
Budget: $178,000,000
Size: 410,000 SF
UTHSCA HARLINGEN
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
This project was the brainchild of Dr. Leonel Vela, the current UT Rio Grande Valley RAHC Director, in the 1990s. After years of extensive research about Rio Grande Valley residents, many of whom lived in “colonias” under illegal status, he realized that infectious diseases, some previously mostly conquered, were rampant there. Tuberculosis, polio, and venereal diseases were growing in the squalid conditions of the colonias. Eventually, the University of Texas Board of Regents endowed funds to the program. Teaming up with local doctors, numerous clinics, laboratories, and healthcare facilities were established.
The RAHC for Harlingen was the first project initiated under this program, intended as the administrative headquarters for a future network of facilities spread throughout this large region of over 5 million people. It is located adjacent to Valley Baptist Hospital, a key partner in the program. The RAHC building includes educational facilities to train young doctors and interns to serve and remain in the Valley. Additionally, it houses a ground and river water testing center, research facilities for TB and other diseases, a community assembly wing, and administrative offices.
The UT Board of Regents mandated that the facility be contemporary in design while reflecting the Hispanic culture of the region’s residents. Extensive research and design in the Spanish Colonial Style contributed to the final design, which has stood the test of time.
Owner: UTHSCSA
Budget: $21,000,000
Size: 73,000 SF
METHODIST HSL
SUGAR LAND, TEXAS
A replacement Cancer Clinic and extension of the patient room tower for the MHSL campus in Sugar Land, Texas, marks the first phase of an existing campus master plan. The project required extensive planning to connect the new facility to the existing hospital and its medical office buildings. As part of the campus master phasing process, Methodist decided to add a “temporary” four-story addition to the existing patient room tower, expanding the Emergency Department in the process.
The Freestanding Cancer Center features facilities for diagnosis, home care, and long-term treatment departments, along with an MRI and full radiology lab. Design work encompassed an extensive real estate support cycle, renovation departmental planning, planning and zoning approval, as well as the design and documentation of the new facility and the renovation.
Owner: Methodist Hospital Houston Budget: $11,500,000 Size: 31,600 SF
FOSHAN WOMENS CLINIC
FOSHAN CITY, GUANGDONG, CHINA
A full-service, American-credentialed hospital specifically oriented towards women’s health and child healthcare is located in a large suburb of Guangzhou, China. The hospital features a full Birthing Center with an extensive Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Another focus is elder care for women, offering a comprehensive “full range of life” program. The building encompasses approximately 250,000 sf with an additional 110,000 sf of underground parking garage. As a full-service facility, it includes a surgery suite, luxury birthing rooms, maternity ward, children’s clinic, emergency department, cafeteria, education rooms, and radiology. The design separates these functions into two towers with separate reception areas to control infectious diseases.
The Women’s Tower houses over 200 regular and luxury patient rooms and suites, along with a dedicated lounge level for expectant mothers that includes facilities for their spouses, educational classrooms, and a kitchen. The Children’s Tower features specifically designed children’s play areas and family rooms within its 80-bed structure. Services included all design and procurement activities until 50% documentation completion, at which point the project was handed over to a Chinese design team.
Owner: New Century International Women’s and Children’s Hospital Budget: $140,000,000.00
Size: 360,000 SF
Experience MEDPLEX CASE STUDY
HOUSTON, TEXAS
Hospital, In-A-Box
MedPlex is being developed as a Hospital-In-A-Box concept for rapid deployment across the Houston metro area to deliver high-quality, one-stop healthcare to underserved communities outside of the major Houston health systems. In addition to providing emergency, imaging, inpatient rooms, and operating facilities, the building reserves floors for specialty buildouts that can be tailored to location-specific needs. Specific focus has been placed on enhancing the patient experience by facilitating intuitive wayfinding for quick access to necessary care.
Owner: Confidential
Budget: $25,000,000
Size: 60,000 SF
ALEC A. LUONG, AIA, NCARB, RID
Principal - Managing Partner
c +1 713 582 0996 alec.luong@projectluong.com
Houston | +1 346 708 8241
San Antonio | +1 726 245 1378
Santa Monica | +1 213 394 7230 medical building experience
