Animal Emergency Hospital (AEH) was busting out of their Plainfield location. With an increase in pet and animal owners in West Michigan and a need for more animal care, they set their eyes on a new and larger location.
Working with First Companies, they selected a family convenient location near the intersection of 68th Street and US-131, where they planned for a 12,000 square foot building. Architect Michael Belisle from The Design Forum envisioned a contemporary building with a large clerestory waiting area, allowing in natural light and giving patients and their owners some space. The plan also included outdoor spaces for staff and patients in a well-appointed patio area.
AEH asked that their new facility replicate another animal hospital that they visited in Wichita, Kansas. While the exterior of the building looks very different the use of space and interior finishes on the inside are similar.
r.o.i. Design was asked by Dr. Marilyn Brink, head of staff and chief veterinarian, to look at the Wichita facility and convert the “look and feel” to the 68th Street facility, along with her personal vision for her hospital’s space.
That “look and feel” included:
- Light and bright finishes in white and gray with black trim accents
- Large black and white graphics of animals.
- Distinctive and clear signage.
- Highly maintainable finishes.
- Unlike Wichita, the lobby incorporates ceiling clouds and decorative lighting to soften the clerestory experience.
The r.o.i. Design team loves animals and most of us have pets. This project was heartfelt as we go home to our pets Holly, Chica, Layla, Moe, Dottie, Bob, Ronnie, and Charlie!
© All Photos Courtesy of First Companies, Inc.