M/E 1’s Post

When it comes to barrier-free bathroom conversions, there are a few challenges that architects and planners should avoid. In our HEWI MAG, we tell you what is particularly important.

To wrap-up #EMSWeek, H2M architects + engineers is spotlighting how #InteriorDesign can protect first responders. According to Senior Project Interior Designer Megan Ballato, CID, NCIDQ, NYSCEO, “We are spending a third of our day at work. There needs to be more thought regarding design that can positively impact the mental and physical well-being of the building occupants. This is important for anyone with a stressful job such as first responders.” Design elements, such as daylight and lighting controls, cool-toned colors, and flexible options for decompression spaces, can influence mental health and rejuvenate first responders with the energy to continue serving their community.

Thinking About a Mixed-Use Building? 🤔 Mixed-use design has been around since the 1900s. However, these types of buildings lost their cachet as cars became more common. Over the last two decades, mixed-use projects have made a comeback in Fort Worth and throughout North Texas – especially neighborhoods with an emphasis on being pedestrian-friendly. As in the past, the owner of a mixed-use building typically has their medical practice, retail space, or business office on the first floor with residences above. And in every case, a second floor of boutique apartments is bringing the owner revenue they would not otherwise have. When mixed-use buildings started reappearing, there were no codes for these types of projects. Today, TMA Architects knows every need and requirement for this type of design. We have completed 16 mixed-use projects in Fort Worth. In fact, our architecture firm’s building (see photo) in the Near Southside is a mixed-use building. If you’re considering a mixed-use building, contact us for more information. #architect #architecturefirm #mixeduse #fortworth #dfw

Redmond Area Park and Recreation District | Community feedback is invaluable in the new RAPRD Recreation Center. The initial building design featured four (4) showers in each locker room, accompanied by six (6) cabanas. The RAPRD Design team determined that this was insufficient. Therefore, BRS revised the design to include six (6) showers and six (6) cabanas. After sharing this design and considering input from the community meeting held in December, as well as valuable insights from current facility users, the RAPRD design team and the broader public, the BRS design team worked to maximize the shower facilities within the locker rooms. Consequently, each locker room will now boast a total of eleven (11) showers: one (1) ADA-compliant shower, six (6) open showers, and four (4) private showers. Additionally, there will be four (4) private cabanas available for general use. Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture HMK COMPANY #oregon #hmkco #concepttocompletion #projectmanagers #projectmanagement #ownersrepresentative #construction #educationfunding #architect #bondplanning

Just the other day my friend reached out to me regarding System Designs. He wanted to know what's the difference between HLD and LLD. At a glance, HLD is High Level Design and LLD is Low Level Design. But what does it mean? Let's say you are an architect in charge of designing a city. You've been given an approximate area of the land, no. of inhabitants, etc. You start to chalk up a rough sketch of the city: - residential block, - hospitals, medical canters, pharmacies, - schools, - city hall - entertainment zones, - roads (crucial!) - etc. But your job isn't done yet. You have to zoom in to, let's say, the hospital. Now you start working on designing it - floors, beds, OTs, etc. Now you zoom back out and zoom in to the residential block. You start designing different kinds of houses for the residents. You start to sketch the roads to connect those houses... We can think of the the city sketch as a whole as the High Level Design - you are looking at the sketch from a 20,000ft view. And when you zoom in to a particular feature (schools, hospitals, roads, etc.) in the city and you start designing that, you are creating a Low Level Design. Think of it as the infinite painting in the video below. You start with HLD and then you zoom in to get to LLD. #systemdesign #hld #lld #backend #frontend #apidesign #architecture #openforopportunities Video credit: https://lnkd.in/dyDP9ys8

Ensuring safety and comfort for seniors and individuals with disabilities is a top priority, and we're here to help you every step of the way. Partnering with a Senior Home Safety Specialist can make a world of difference in creating a secure and accessible environment. 🔒 Why Work with a Specialist? 1. Customized Solutions: Tailored modifications to fit your specific needs. 2. Expert Knowledge: Access to the latest safety features and technology. 3. Peace of Mind: Professional guidance for a safer home environment. From installing grab bars and ramps to optimizing layouts and improving lighting, I will work closely with you to identify and implement the best solutions for your home. 🌟 Let’s make safety a priority and create a space where everyone can thrive. Reach out today to start your journey toward a safer, more accessible home! https://lnkd.in/gw_MKSVn #HomeModifications #HomeSafety #interiordesign #interiordesigner #HomeSafetyDesign  #renovation #beforeandafter #design #homedecor #architecture #exteriordesign #Safety #SeniorSafety #BNI 

In a world where nearly 1 million people in the UK live with dementia, designing spaces that genuinely support them isn't just a technical challenge – it’s a deeply human one. That was the focus of netMAGmedia’s fifth Building Insights LIVE round table, where architects, designers, and experts gathered to discuss how we can do better. The key takeaway? Good design for dementia is good design for everyone. It’s all about creating environments that reduce distress and boost quality of life by focusing on individual needs. One-size-fits-all just doesn’t cut it. This insightful event, backed by sponsors Amtico , WMS Underfloor Heating® , and Johnstone's Trade Paints, sparked lively debate on the role of colour, flooring, and even heating systems in dementia care spaces. With industry leaders like Lesley Palmer of Stirling University and Clare Cameron from PRP Architects weighing in, it’s clear that dementia-friendly design needs to be a core part of the architectural conversation. Read more ➡️ https://lnkd.in/e99Vkf6H #design #architecture #dementia #spacesthatinspire #adf #netMAGmedia

Discover the innovative design and cutting-edge construction in healthcare! This world-class health system wanted to update a suite of physician offices without impacting the other units in the building. Using the DIRTT Construction System allowed them to redefine the space without taking the rest of this ambulatory care facility offline. Building DIRTT wall assemblies off-site while the base building was being prepped for construction allowed them to streamline the schedule. It also reduced the amount of noise and drywall dust on-site. Those assemblies could be quickly tipped up into place during installation which also saved time. And because the modular walls are designed for disassembly, if the doctors decide they need to convert offices into meeting spaces, adapting the space will be quick, clean, and quiet too. DIRTT Construction Partner: ForBuild, powered by dancker Architect: Kliment Halsband Architects General Contractor: Ideal Interiors #HealthcareDesign #InnovationInConstruction #DIRTT

In new healthcare centers, the incorporation of rounded walls and curved spaces helps to create a friendlier and more private atmosphere within the healthcare setting. This design approach aims to address the challenge nurses face in monitoring multiple patients simultaneously by ensuring clear visibility from the nurses' station. In line with this focus on curved spaces, Construction Specialties offers Acrovyn Curved Doors that feature ultra-durable Acrovyn on the door's exterior, making them capable of withstanding high traffic, abrasion, and frequent cleaning cycles. These doors not only contribute to the aesthetic appeal of healthcare environments but also offer practical durability and functionality, aligning with the overall design intent of creating welcoming and efficient healthcare spaces. #ConstructionSpecialties #AcrovynCurvedDoors #HealthcareDesign #ArchitecturalSolutions #PatientSafety #InnovativeDoorDesign

JDJ Architects is currently providing construction documentation services for a new medical office spec suite in Chicago, in collaboration with Healthcare Realty. Manish Shah, our Director of Architecture, outlines the top considerations for this project: 1. 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗰𝘆: For patient privacy, walls should be full-height or extend 6 inches above the ceiling, with batt insulation on both sides above the ceiling. 2. 𝗔𝗗𝗔 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 & 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆: Separate, accessible restrooms and durable, easy-to-clean luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring promote hygiene and accessibility. 3. 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 & 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻: Sinks in exam rooms, energy-efficient LED lighting, high-quality ceiling tiles, and non-carcinogenic materials create a safe and comfortable environment. Designing medical spec suites isn't just about aesthetics; it's about facilitating patient comfort, while meeting stringent spatial and construction standards. Programmatic requirements may vary by specialty, but these core principles remain consistent across all medical practices. #HealthcareDesign #Architecture #SpecSuite