$1.5 Million conversion of approximately 15,000 GSF of VA’s 5th floor hospital patient rooms, to hospice care.  The space conversion should be conducive to the medical care or treatment that concentrates on reducing the severity of disease symptoms, rather than providing a cure. The goal is to prevent and relieve suffering and to improve quality of life for people facing serious, and/or complex illness The project included complete Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing evaluation including Life Safety integration and Interior Design Aspects for the Health Care environment.

The overall intent of the project is to provide an optimum environment for reducing the severity of disease symptoms.  The optimum environment will be homelike, with a personal feel, rather than an institutional. The various spaces within the hospice had to be redesigned so they would be comfortable, eugenically functional, with minimal obstacles and obstructions. Comfort areas included those for seating, bedding, eating, personal hygiene, and informational areas. Comfort items included material selections, density, materials that patients come in contact with, noise levels, lighting levels, temperature ranges, and interaction with staff. All these collectively can create an environment of comfort for those to most enjoy their last days.