... she (Ruchi) isn't just someone you hire, but a partner on your side who helps build your vision into a beautiful and functional space. We promise you'll enjoy the process and love the results!!

If you're changing plumbing or electrical, adding or removing walls, you will likely need an architect to design your healthcare space, but not necessarily the one who did your finished basement.  

First, you want to choose an architect  who is skilled in your industry.  Just as importantly, you want to hire an architect and/or designer with whom you communicate well and comfortably.  

... or the Authority Having Jurisdiction, it is better to have an experienced architect as part of your team from the start. Her input, early in the process, can contribute to a faster overall timeline.

Ask if he or she has a portfolio of projects in your industry.  Are you looking for a particular architect's or designer's style or would you prefer to have your personal branding be the impetus of design?   

Ask how you will communicate (email, phone, text?) and how often you will meet in person.  If you are considering a large firm, do you have an effective way to get in touch for last minute changes? 

Ask for references and permission to call them.  Find out about the doctor's overall experience with the Architect, their communication & efficiency within the firm, and inquire if concerns were handled effectively.

An efficiently planned and well-designed medical office, with clear circulation through the space, will calm and relax nervous patients.  A chaotic space will undermine a patient's confidence in the practice.

We can design custom cabinetry or a unique reception desk that complements your branding and have it fabricated by a local cabinet maker for less & without freight expense.

A smaller space can still be organized and flexible, with multi-specialized operatories with systems that can move within the operatory depending on hand preference or provider specialty.  

 You do not want to waste precious time developing a plan that would cost twice your budget. And if your budget is higher, you want to focus on developing a plan that you would not otherwise be able to pursue.   

 Consider scheduling construction during the less busy months & we can recommend excellent General Contractors who can schedule your project in phases so you don't miss a single day of seeing patients.  

Always stemming from your design style, if your focus is on cosmetic or aesthetic solutions, we will design your space differently than we would an orthodontic, kid-friendly practice.  But kid-friendly practices can be elegant too!

Consider patient anxiety as one enters a healthcare facility.  We will recommend a floor plan & finishes that create calm by minimizing unnecessary sounds from carrying through your practice.   

Paint colors and wall-coverings need to be considered carefully.  We will propose color schemes that stem from your preferences and place colors strategically to not only calm patients, but also make patients and staff look & therefore, feel their best.

Poor lighting in a Waiting Room, whether too much or too little, instantly influences a patient's mood.  We will address lighting differently in your Waiting Room versus an Exam Room, making it most comfortable for both patients and staff.

High ceilings look impressive. But if your office is slab on grade, remember heat rises. Higher ceilings make it harder to keep patients warm/comfortable in the 30-48" above floor work zone of exam chair.  

If you have space, dual entry offers staff mobility without disturbing the doctor. A well-designed, single entry exam room can also create excellent workflow because everything necessary for a procedure is handy. 

Everyone has a budget, but planning ahead & installing infrastructure for equipment, to be purchased or leased in the future, while the walls & floors are accessible, will save you $$$ in the long term.

 Make sure you know if you are getting a Vanilla Shell (or White Box or Warm Shell), a Grey Shell (or Cold Shell). A Grey Shell could require greater upfront costs that you might not have anticipated.

Is the landlord providing a Tenant Improvement Allowance? If so, confirm the allowance will cover as much as possible for your specific needs for improving the space. And make sure to negotiate the terms. 

Know what you are getting. Will existing HVAC & electric capacity meet your requirements? Do you need structural changes and will they be allowed? Will the permitting process delay your time-line?  

Although it seems expensive, this excellent investment will quickly pay for itself with its efficiency & ease of operation and, for your patients, a lower dose of radiation & more comfort vs. traditional x-ray devices.

Contact Lens patients produce more long-term revenue than Eyeglasses-only patients.  Make sure to design your space with ample & organized storage for the variety of brands and storage case sizes. 

Rather than wasting precious square footage on contact lens inventory, city ODs should focus patients on a clearly laid out and personalized dispensary and offer to ship contact lenses directly to their home. 

For a Fear Free start consider non-slip flooring, with fewer grout lines for surfaces that are easy to clean and maintain hygiene.  A drain in an inconspicuous corner can speed up cleaning of any accidents.

Plumbing is an important aspect of a veterinary practice.  Floor drains allow for easier collection & disposal of cleaning chemicals and urine.  Flush fixtures, acting like toilets, reduce odors in your practice.

Your space doesn't have to feel like a traditional, loud, jail-like veterinary practice.  Let's design your practice to be comfortable for animals, animal's people & staff, showing trust to build trust.