Fitting Out Your Space for Your New Medical Practice

Are you undertaking a new medical office fit-out? Whether it’s your first time designing a new space or you’ve done it several times before, there are many things to keep in mind and our architects are here to help. In this article, we’ll discuss some important things to remember when refitting a medical practice, and if you have any questions, please contact us. 

Consider code constraints when optimizing your space 

Every city has its own set of commercial building codes and it’s essential to thoroughly understand your city’s codes before starting the planning process. Building codes are often not easy to interpret, so we recommend speaking with an architect who can give you a very clear idea of what you can and cannot do with your fit-out. 

Understanding code constraints and planning accordingly can save you a lot of time and money, and will ensure your medical practice is in compliance with your city’s building codes. You don’t want to get ¼ of the way through your re-build only to discover that you’ve broken a code. 

Plan for isolation rooms 

Most medical practices have the same number one question: How many private exam rooms can we fit? Whether your practice is focused on pediatric care, geriatric care, or urgent care, you’ll undoubtedly need isolation rooms for patients. COVID-19 has only increased the need for isolated spaces, and maximizing the amount of isolation rooms should be the leading factor in your design plans. 

More exam rooms and smaller waiting areas 

Our architects have observed that waiting areas are now generally smaller than before, as there’s rarely a need for a huge waiting space within a medical practice. This has, of course, been influenced by COVID-19 and social distancing measures, but also by the fact that reducing the size of the waiting area means more space for private rooms. 

It’s also important to ensure your waiting area is appropriate for your practice. For example, pediatricians’ offices should have an area where children can play while waiting. 

Incorporating high design choices 

While you may think of a medical practice as a traditional space with no room for creativity, architects have recently started incorporating high design elements into medical office fit-outs. These elements include things like open areas and barn doors, which aren’t what you typically think of when you envision a medical practice. 

But high design elements allow you to be more creative with the space, especially when dealing with limited size and certain code constraints. There’s also no reason why your medical practice needs to feel cold or unwelcoming, so speak with an architect for some ideas about how to liven it up by incorporating high design elements. 

If you’d like to learn more about considerations to keep in mind during your medical office fit-out, or if you’d like to speak with one of our architects, please contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you.

Originally posted https://leeb-architecture.com/fitting-out-your-space-for-your-new-medical-practice/