Designed with Dignity at Its Core, the Damien Center Is an Environment Where Those Living with HIV Feel Seen, Valued and Heard.

The new Damien Center was born out of necessity. Serving more than 25% of the individuals living with HIV in Indiana, the Damien Center officially outgrew their former facility and could no longer support their one-stop model of care, providing medical care, mental health services, pharmacy, food assistance, and housing support under one roof. The design vision was clear: create a space that feels warm, welcoming, and deeply human—somewhere every person who walks through the door feels seen, valued, and heard.

A Space That Communicates Care

Balancing hospitality and professionalism was central to the project. The building needed to feel approachable and comforting, while also clearly communicating, without words, we’re here to care for you. Natural light, layered textures, and open gathering areas encourage connection and community, while carefully placed private spaces ensure the confidentiality, comfort, and trust patients expect.

Light, Constraint, and Intention

The building’s narrow footprint encouraged a highly intentional approach to planning, particularly within the administrative areas where efficiency and clarity were essential. A fully glazed perimeter became a defining asset, allowing daylight to shape the organization of the space and create a strong visual connection to the outdoors. The resulting layout is a study in balance. Access to natural light, clear movement through the space, and functional work environments were carefully integrated to create an atmosphere that feels calm, deliberate, and intuitive for daily use.

Everyone deserves more than just good design. They deserve a space that functions seamlessly and that thoughtfully supports the life, work, and care that happens within it.”

 – Kathleen Lemaster, studioAXIS Partner

Materials That Carry the Work

In a space like this, materials matter. As a wellness facility with a hospitality-driven tone, the building needed to feel warm, calming, and welcoming, while at the same time, it needed to withstand the constant movement, frequent cleaning, and heavy daily use. Durability and maintainability became just as important as texture and tone. Every surface was evaluated not only for how it would look on day one, but how it would perform years down the line. The goal was to avoid anything institutional, while ensuring the materials could withstand real life. Because real life is exactly what happens here.

What the Building Represents

More than a building, the new Damien Center stands as a physical embodiment of their values. It honors their history while confidently positioning them as a forward-thinking, top-tier healthcare provider, one that understands that everyone deserves more than just good design. 

Learn more about the Damien Center and how you can support their mission.