A goal for West End Orthopaedic Clinic, a private practice, was to open an ambulatory surgery center to achieve a comprehensive, superior level of care for its patients. The mission was to provide highly skilled orthopaedic care in a technologically advanced facility commensurate with the patient care standards of the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, and the requirements for Medicare certification. Our firm acted as lead designer for the project, coordinating with the physician group, electrical engineer, mechanical and plumbing subcontractors, signage consultant, and the tenant’s business-consulting firm and equipment specifier.

The physicians requested the new facility be unique in contrast to the typically traditional Richmond style. We introduced contemporary design details, metal laminate, and metallic wallcovering and paint. Wood-simulated laminate creates a sense of warmth throughout the facility. The reception area was subdivided to establish private waiting areas for patients’ families, with a computer work area for their convenience. The wheelchair storage area serves a dual purpose, with a counter above acting as a refreshment station for the families. The wood laminate and design details carry back to the clinical areas.

Stage-one and stage-two recovery are located along the exterior walls to allow patients and staff to see outside and enjoy natural light. A half-wall was strategically designed at these windows to provide a headwall for medical gases and monitors.

The physical therapy area is separate from the operatory suite. A patterned floor was designed to aid the therapists during rehabilitation exercises.

Project category: New construction (completed January 2003)

Chief administrator: Jim Perkins, Administrator, (804) 282-2226

Firm: Hummel Associates, (804) 643-7337

Design team: Anne W. Tait, CID, Senior Project Manager; Catherine A. Saunders, CID, Senior Project Manager; Aimee Richardson, Project Designer (Hummel Associates); Jennie Monette, EIT, Electrical Engineer (Hanover Engineers, PC)

Photography: Lee Brauer Photography; Dennis McWaters Photography

Total building area (GSF): 10,366

Construction cost/sq. ft.: $120

Total cost (excluding land): $2,300,000