Chad Porter Leads Capital Campaign for Nexus’ New Doswell Medical Building
Founded in 1971, Nexus is facing an unprecedented demand for its services and has evolved into a lifeline for over 2,500 women and children each year. These women rely on Nexus for comprehensive, trauma-informed care designed to support their recovery journey. To address increasing demand, Nexus is developing the new Doswell Medical Building as part of a ten-year campus vision. This state-of-the-art facility will provide a welcoming space for detoxification and initial medical assessment.
Chad Porter, Design Director at HKS and leader of the Dallas LINE (Laboratory for INtensive Exploration) Studio in Dallas, is leading Nexus’s transformative Recovery Rising capital campaign for the Doswell Medical Building. An award-winning architect, Porter is leading some of the firm’s most influential projects. He also teaches a graduate level design studio at the University of Texas – Arlington, where they explore macro-level design concepts aimed at enhancing the quality of life in Texas. This project holds personal significance for Porter, as he has lost family members to substance use disorder (SUD.) He is deeply committed to creating a facility that combines architectural excellence with meaningful social impact.
The Doswell Building is designed as a recovery sanctuary harmoniously integrated with nature. Embarking on a detox journey requires immense courage: battling cravings, grappling with guilt, and confronting emotional turmoil. This sanctuary is crafted to offer a tranquil environment that fosters healing for both mind and body. Envisioned as a 9,530 square foot space, the Doswell Medical Building emphasizes privacy and comfort for its clients. Its design includes:
- A private courtyard for the exclusive use of clients and staff
- An abundance of high-quality natural light
- A modern admitting area
- A private waiting room
- A detox unit with 16 beds, a nurses’ station, and essential amenities
- Offices for medical personnel
- Dedicated spaces for medical examinations
Porter’s leadership goes beyond design; he is pivotal in shaping the project’s vision and mobilizing community support. Porter states, “The Doswell Medical Building represents more than just a new facility for Nexus—it’s a commitment to elevating the standard of care for women and children in recovery. Our goal is to create a space that embodies dignity, hope, and healing, offering a compassionate environment where every person can take their first step toward a brighter future.“
As the Recovery Rising Campaign progresses, Porter and Nexus invite the community to invest in a project that will profoundly impact the lives of many, offering a path to recovery and hope.