To Renovate Or Build Brand New? Shared Vision From David A. Deis, AIA, LEED AP, & Matthew Chalifoux, FAIA

Hospital owners face ongoing challenges in updating their facilities. There’s pressure to stay competitive by offering larger and more flexible space, streamlined emergency departments, private patient rooms, and improved infection control. In today’s market, it’s more critical than ever for hospitals to bring their communities the latest healthcare advances while being agile enough to respond to pandemic-type emergencies.

Many of the 6,200 hospitals in the U.S. are housed in aging buildings that need to be modernized to address best practices, enhance service lines, and increase energy efficiency, reports the American Hospital Association.

Faced with an existing building with limitations, leadership may believe that a new facility will solve all of its problems. That may be true, but a phased renovation and expansion can provide the same solutions while spreading the cost over time, making this approach easier to incorporate into fiscal budgets. (source)

In a recent article featured in Healthcare Design Magazine, David A. Deis, AIA, LEED AP, Managing Principal and Senior Project Director at EYP Architecture & Engineering (Atlanta) and Matthew Chalifoux, FAIA, is senior historic preservation architect and senior principal at EYP Architecture & Engineering (Washington, D.C.) had this to say when determining to renovate a healthcare facility or build brand new:

“The critical decisions that hospital owners contemplate—how to stay competitive, maintain compliance with updated regulations, and rise to current standards of care and safety—can all be met by modernizing an existing hospital. However, making the decision to pursue a renovation in place of building new requires a strong partnership between the design professionals and contractor, and a deep understanding of the building and the client. All team members must be on board with the plan and work collaboratively to address issues that inevitably surface to achieve a shared vision for a new project.” – Shared Vision From David A. Deis, AIA, LEED AP, & Matthew Chalifoux, FAIA

With this type of shared vision, healthcare facility operators can confidently make the best decision for all stakeholders. Case study: Children’s Hospital New Orleans

Marie Wikoff is the creator of Wikoff Design Studio based out of Reno, Nevada. Her expertise in healthcare design has helped modernize healthcare organizations locally, regionally, and internationally, improving patient experience and outcomes. Her credentials include Evidence-Based Design Accreditation and Certification (EDAC), American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designer (CHID), the National Council of Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) and LEED AP. Contact Marie Wikoff

Source:

David A. Deis and Matthew Chalifoux. “Operations and Facility Management.” HCD Magazine Solid Choice Comments, Mar. 2021, healthcaredesignmagazine.com/trends/operations-facility-management/solid-choice/?hilite=%27cancer%27.