A senior figure at architect Allford Hall Monaghan Morris has called for LIFT projects to include "project design champions".
It is thought that this appeal is designed to counter fears that the LIFT procurement method puts cost savings before design quality.

Paul Monaghan, a partner in AHMM, said its Kentish Town Primary Healthcare Centre project in north London had been transformed by the client, Roy Macgregor, head of the James Wigg healthcare centre, who took an active part in the design process.

Monaghan said: "Roy's work at the James Wigg made all the difference to the process.

"The scheme proves that LIFT projects don't need to be badly designed."

The design of the health centre is open plan – a rejection of the cellular, unfriendly design of most healthcare buildings.

LIFT procurement bundles small primary healthcare facilities, such as GPs' surgeries and clinics. Sixty per cent of the costs are borne by a private consortium; 40% is split between the Department of Health and Partnerships for Health.

AHMM fought off competition from architects Penoyre and Prasad and Van Heyningen and Haward to win the scheme.

The client is Camden Primary Care Trust.

AHMM's design has been favourably reviewed by CABE and is waiting for planning permission.