Project of the Month: Maugel DeStefano Architects completes Advocates’ 14,000 s/f Community Behavioral Health Clinic

Framingham, MA Maugel DeStefano Architects, a New England-based architectural design firm celebrating 30 years of shaping exceptional environments for innovation and growth, has completed a 14,000 s/f behavioral health clinic for Advocates, located at 1094 Worcester Rd. Advocates provides a broad range of services for people facing life challenges such as addiction, aging, autism, brain injury, intellectual/developmental disabilities, and mental health challenges. The renovated facility is now home to one of the largest outpatient behavioral health clinics in Massachusetts. 

Maugel DeStefano’s healthcare team worked closely with the clinicians and executive team at Advocates to transform an existing structure into a modern Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CBHC) that provides scheduled and urgent care services for youth and adults. The new clinic features 30 treatment rooms, an onsite lab & pharmacy, rooms for group therapy, a patient nourishment station, and ample support spaces to maximize staff efficiency. 

Interviews with clinical staff conveyed the importance design has on the success of treatment. All interior spaces were purposefully designed with a calming color palette and soothing materials to create a comforting environment for patients. Maugel DeStefano partnered with Creative Office Resources to select furniture that was safe and aesthetically pleasing. 

“The dedicated professionals at Advocates provide exceptional behavioral health care and support to individuals, families, and the community,” said Nicole Kirouac, architect at Maugel DeStefano Architects. “We are grateful for the opportunity to design this exceptional behavioral health clinic and crisis stabilization unit that will enable Advocates to expand their vital program to support people in need.” 

The facility will also be home to a Community Crisis Stabilization (CSS) program to provide a safe place for patients to stay when in crisis. The program’s goal is to alleviate pressure on emergency room stays while trying to place a patient in the appropriate recovery program. The Framingham CCS unit will be open and staffed around the clock, seven days a week. Interior spaces, thoughtfully designed with a residential aesthetic to promote patient well-being, feature a kitchen, lounge area, six bedrooms, laundry services, and shower facilities. 

The project team included:

• Maugel DeStefano Architects - Architect
• Pinnacle Construction Company, Inc. - General Contractor
• New Horizon Finishes, Inc. - Painting