Grand Rapids, Michigan
BluePearl Emergency Pet Hospital
THE CLIENT’S GOALS
BluePearl Emergency Pet Hospital in Grand Rapids needed to embody a cohesive new design to reflect the company’s refreshed brand identity. Beyond a simple relocation, this design project presented a unique opportunity to translate BluePearl’s revitalized colors, shapes, and motifs into tangible architectural elements. One additional core design objective of this larger emergency pet hospital was to cultivate a bright and spacious environment that encourages healing for patients and well-being for staff. The team recognized the growing awareness of animal care professionals’ mental well-being and desired to create an environment that actively supports staff comfort and rejuvenation.
Year Completed
2024
Project Type
New Build
Size
24,899 SF
Services
Architecture, Interior Design, Spac Planning
THE DESIGN
The design of BluePearl Grand Rapids goes far beyond mere functionality, demonstrating a profound commitment to the holistic well-being of the community, its clientele, and its dedicated staff. By thoughtfully crafting the environment, rather than simply selecting utilitarian finishes, BluePearl communicates a clear message: health and wellness are paramount. Recognizing the powerful impact of the environment on the body and mind, our design prioritizes a sense of calm and peace for all who enter.
For staff, the breakroom and Mother’s Room were intentionally designed to offer a distinct and aesthetically pleasing departure from the clinical atmosphere, providing a spacious and beautiful setting for respite. Additionally, the inclusion of a dedicated small outdoor break area further underscores BluePearl’s commitment to employee wellness. We designed common spaces that offer a true opportunity to relax and decompress amidst the often-stressful environment of medical procedures and emotionally charged animal encounters. The focus on employee well-being directly contributes to reducing burnout, improving morale, and ultimately, enhancing patient care.
Equally crucial is the well-being of the animal patients. Throughout the facility, we meticulously selected finishes and designed animal housing spaces with their safety and comfort in mind. This includes strategically closing off small spaces where anxious cats might hide and become inaccessible, installing durable and claw-resistant wall and floor materials to prevent injury, and implementing dimmable lighting systems that allow staff to create a darker, calmer environment for stressed or recovering animals. Our primary objective was to create spaces that are not only functionally optimal for animal care but also aesthetically pleasing and conducive to a sense of security and tranquility for patients. This dual focus on human and animal wellness underscores BluePearl’s commitment to providing exceptional and compassionate care in a thoughtfully designed setting.
CHALLENGES
While the project navigated internal procedural hurdles, including initial limitations on the local team’s input regarding space planning and a delayed finalization of imaging consultant drawings, these challenges ultimately underscored our team’s adaptability and commitment to delivering a successful outcome. We redesigned multiple treatment spaces during the construction phase after the local team was approved to share valuable feedback. Carrying out quick, adaptable solutions was also needed for last-minute changes to the CT room to accommodate the technical requirements from the imaging manufacturer.
IMPACT
This strategic relocation to a developing semi-rural area directly addresses a significant community need. Previously, pet owners in this region requiring specialized vet care or emergency services faced the burden of extensive travel. Establishing this state-of-the-art facility within their community eliminates this barrier, providing convenient access to a wider range of advanced medical expertise, diagnostics, and 24/7 emergency support that was not readily available before. BluePearl Grand Rapids has been able to become a vital resource, supporting the health and well-being of the entire community’s animal population.
The significantly larger facility has also directly contributed to attracting a greater number of skilled doctors and support staff. This influx of talent has enabled BluePearl to expand its service offerings to the community, providing specialized care that was previously unavailable at its former, more limited location. By becoming a comprehensive vet healthcare hub, this BluePearl Emergency Pet Hospital is positioned to serve a wider range of patients’ needs and establish a robust foundation for sustained financial growth.
