The Orange County Health Care Agency at Marine Way

The Orange County Health Care Agency at Marine Way consolidates the county’s three most essential public health divisions — Emergency Medical Services, the Public Health Laboratory and the Community and Nursing Services Division –– into a single, emergency-ready facility. Built on a remediated former military brownfield, the 70,000 sq. ft., Risk Category IV campus includes 20,000 sq. ft. of Biosafety Level-3 lab space and is designed for 24/7 operation during crises.

From day one, the county required flawless operations, strict adherence to a 24-month ARPA-funded schedule and uncompromising quality. The PCL + Gensler team delivered through a phased GMP strategy, starting site and foundation work while design progressed. The move saved months without sacrificing budget control.

Collaboration that Delivered Results
The team’s collective leadership strategy for this project centered on transparency, mentorship and shared decision making. County leaders, many new to design-build, joined DBIA trainings led by the project team; two earned DBIA credentials during the project. Over a six-month programming phase, end users (EMS responders, microbiologists and maintenance teams) were embedded in weekly design sessions to shape everything from outlet placement to lab adjacencies. The county helped select MEPF trade partners through a formal, point-based process considering qualifications, design-assist experience and cultural fit. This early integration streamlined procurement and improved constructability in complex lab and negative-pressure environments.

Sustainability features include a full Building Management System with demand-based controls, variable-speed pumps and daylight-controlled LED lighting. Recycled water was used for 100% of flush fixtures and monitored via utility sub-meters, while UV lights on cooling coils improved indoor air quality and fiberglass-free duct interiors ensured long-term occupant health. These strategies contributed to a 46% total water use reduction and significant lifecycle cost savings, ensuring the county’s public health infrastructure is prepared for decades to come.

Winner – Best in VDC

This project stood out for making BIM and VDC central to its design-build strategy, not just an add-on. The VDC Leader was fully embedded within the team, driving model-based decisions and seamless collaboration across disciplines. As the jury noted, “Integrating the VDC Leader throughout the project lifecycle delivered measurable outcomes through the whole team’s engagement with the technology.” Results included $900,000 in avoided rework and a 20% schedule reduction, proof that effective VDC integration can accelerate decisions, increase transparency and minimize disruptions.

Design-Build Team

Photos

Photo Credit: ©Mike Kelley