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Building Design for Animals
Eastern Animal Hospital: A Benchmark in Veterinary Care
From a seamless patient journey to dedicated staff support areas, every element of this a state-of-the-art primary and urgent care center was meticulously planned to optimize operations and create a nurturing environment.
A Legacy of Healing and Growth
For nearly three decades, BDA has partnered with Dr. Kaufman and Eastern Animal Hospital to advance veterinary care in Baltimore, Maryland. What began with the remodel of a shopping center site for Eastern Animal Hospital's second facility in 1998 has culminated in a magnificent, state-of-the-art, two-story freestanding hospital that triples the size of their original building. This new facility, a testament to a shared vision for optimal client, patient, and staff experience, was proudly recognized as the 2020 dvm360 Hospital Design Competition Runner-Up Hospital of the Year.
A Welcoming Experience
From the moment clients arrive, Eastern Animal Hospital redefines the veterinary experience. The porte-cochère provides a covered entry and an impressive presence, setting a tone more akin to a high-end hotel than a typical hospital. Inside, the design embraces the challenge of creating a welcoming lobby that simultaneously manages client flow and minimizes pet and owner anxiety. The stunning space is centered around a 1,000-gallon cylindrical saltwater aquarium, a signature element that continues a tradition from their previous hospital. Private, partitioned seating surrounds the tank, allowing for separation between canine and feline clients and offering comfort with charging ports, robust Wi-Fi, and bench seating accommodating all pet sizes.
A client concierge center provides premium amenities, including a custom coffee station and fresh snacks, while a tasteful retail area offers convenient browse. To ensure a quiet atmosphere for direct client interaction, a separate call center and a private telephone room behind reception eliminate lobby distractions, ensuring 100% client engagement.
A key goal of the design, facilitated by its 14 spacious exam rooms, is to transition clients and their pets quickly into an exam room upon arrival, minimizing wait times in the lobby. Each exam room is equipped with interactive flat-screen TVs and designed with fold-down tables and raised cabinetry for a clean aesthetic. Checkout also occurs directly in the exam room, offering clients a private and streamlined departure. Patient and client comfort is further enhanced by a dedicated comfort room with a separate exit, providing a serene space during difficult times.
The entire hospital benefits from zoned LED lighting and music selections, creating an optimal ambiance throughout.
Cutting-Edge Care
The lower level of Eastern Animal Hospital is dedicated to the clinical floor, meticulously designed for peak operational efficiency and optimal patient care. The facility boasts a double-surgery suite accommodating two operating tables with ample room for anesthesia machines and specialized equipment. A dedicated special procedures room provides a quiet space for ultrasounds, endoscopy, and phlebotomy.
The treatment area is a hub of activity, benefiting from extensive LED lighting and a full wall of natural light. A glass-enclosed ICU provides a quiet, self-contained critical care environment, also with abundant natural light. At the heart of the treatment area is the "fishbowl" DVM workstation, an all-glass space allowing for quiet focus yet excellent observation of both the ICU and treatment floor.
Focus on Staff Well-being
Recognizing the intensity of clinical practice, BDA designed the upper floor as a sanctuary for staff, providing a distinct separation from the clinical environment. This level includes a large conference room, and individual offices, providing dedicated spaces for staff to focus, decompress, and manage administrative tasks.
A spacious, naturally lit staff lounge serves as an indoor/outdoor space with a full kitchen, tables, chairs, and laptop counters. This area seamlessly leads to an amazing outdoor deck with umbrella tables and chairs, offering a valuable respite space.
Comprehensive Services
Beyond its cutting-edge medical facilities, Eastern Animal Hospital provides extensive comprehensive services. It operates as a primary care practice with urgent care services, offering a wide range of medical expertise. The hospital extends its services to include pet boarding, designed with convenience and comfort in mind.
Separate hospital and boarding receptions ensure distinct client experiences. Canine and feline boarding options are available, with luxury runs equipped with TVs, and a large indoor daycare space. This indoor area transitions seamlessly to three enclosed outdoor grass yards via garage doors, ideal for play and canine training.
Excellence in Veterinary Care and Design
The design of Eastern Animal Hospital by BDA demonstrates a profound commitment to creating a state-of-the-art healing and efficient environment for both patients and staff. From the striking architectural beauty, featuring a rustically attractive stacked-stone wall behind reception, modern lighting, and stunning flooring, every component makes a statement of quality and durability. This project allowed BDA to help Dr. Kaufman realize a dream: a veterinary masterpiece in both style and substance, designed with staff, clients, and their pets at its heart.
BDA takes immense pride in this project and the enduring partnership with Eastern Animal Hospital. By strategically addressing client flow, enhancing comfort, optimizing clinical operations, and providing dedicated staff spaces, BDA has helped Eastern Animal Hospital realize its vision for a leading veterinary center.
Discover more about the innovative design and features that earned Eastern Animal Hospital a top honor in the dvm360 Hospital Design Competition, and hear directly from Dr. Kaufman on his vision in the profile feature by dvm360: Setting the table for service.
