Revolution of Veterinary Practice Design

by Bryan King | Therian Lead Architect

We are seeing great changes in the design needs of modern veterinary clinics, as they strive to address the stressors of clinic life in today’s world.

Veterinary practices last saw a great revolution in design, when they began to move away from dependency on the notion of one person carrying the practice as the ‘charismatic local veterinarian’. The reception image opposite was from a design award submission from the early foray into Veterinary Hospital Design in the 60’s.

Veterinarians realised they needed to move to a model that allowed them to step away from the practice, for it to stand on its own. They realised that the bricks and mortar needed to be considered as an important asset that would be attractive to and form a critical part of their transition to the next generation of veterinarians.

Since then, the veterinary industry has seen huge changes – great leaps in technology and further changes in culture. The landscape has shifted again. This time around Veterinary Architecture needs to deliver both buildings that will hold value through sale to future owners and will contribute to the retention and recruitment of top-quality staff.

Fast forward to today and consider what a modern Veterinary Practice needs to succeed.

  1. First Impressions – create a welcoming experience, you’re setting the tone for the experience within.
  2. Bring the natural light in – enhancing the flow of light from outside throughout the clinic not only reduces your bills, but it improves the mental wellbeing of both clients and staff.
  3. Crafting purposeful places– a clearly defined need resolved through thoughtful design guides workflow through the clinic.
  4. Create a feeling of openness within the floor plan which also allows leveraging of staff.
  5. Low stress environments for both patients, clients and staff will make patients easier to care for, improving outcomes. Your staff will function more efficiently, and your clients (and patients) will be more at ease.

Our focus has always been within the animal care industries. When we transitioned from equipment only to also offering architectural services, it was in response to client requests. We had spent so much time researching best practices for veterinary design from an equipment perspective that we could see a huge need for specialty building design.

“We understand the industry and we understand veterinarians needs. Our focus is on de-stressing their environment with considered design – whilst enhancing their business model and increasing their return on investment. It’s the balance that’s needed for today’s modern veterinary practice owner.” ~ Bryan King

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