UAMS

Effective Integration of Clinical and Office Worksettings

Teaching. Healing. Searching. Serving. Four words that together express the mission of UAMS. Internationally renowned for their extensive research programs, comprehensive academic disciplines and widespread patient healthcare centers, UAMS is not only one of the largest public employers in the state, but it contributes a hefty $4 billion annually to the Arkansas economy.

It comes as no surprise that growth is one of the business issues challenging the staff responsible for real estate and facilities decisions. Certain programs grow so fast that space can literally disappear overnight. While projects of all shapes and sizes are being managed on a daily basis, the JT Stephens Spine and Neurosciences Institute presented an opportunity to provide a building whose interiors combine technical/medical areas with conventional/corporate needs. The new 13-story building, which houses clinics, rehab therapy, offices, conference centers and labs, is the tallest building on campus to date. Claire Denham, interior design coordinator for the Department of Construction and Contract Management in UAMS Campus Operations, headed up the interiors for UAMS.

"It was a fast track project," she said, "designed, built, and occupied in two years. Delivering a top quality working environment for both patients and staff was crucial."

As the largest basis and applied research institution in the state, aesthetics and function were equally important. And while donors are generous, budget is always a consideration.

So how do you deliver high-end interiors to a high profile building quickly and within a reasonable budget?

The nature of this multi-faceted project demanded the use of a variety of products. Early in the process, Leah Thompson, workplace consultant at Today's Office, took the UAMS facilities team to Grand Rapids, Michigan to tour the Steelcase corporate headquarters and manufacturing plants.

"Claire was impressed with Steelcase's visible commitment to both healthcare and corporate environments," Lisa said. "Steelcase and the Steelcase Design Partnership's product offerings were able to achieve goals for almost every space."

With design and product application sharing top criteria, UAMS was convinced Today's Office could deliver the best overall package for the campus.

There were few surprises along the way because of the strong rapport built over the years between UAMS and Today's Office.

"Today's Office has been consistent in their support regardless of the size of the project," Claire said. "Whether it is a 2k square foot project or an entire building, I rely on their knowledge, resources and shared sense of urgency about timing and budget."

Leah echoes Claire's sentiment.

"We are here to anticipate pitfalls and plan for them so there is seldom a breakdown," she said. "We sincerely appreciate their business and they extend us the same courtesy. We have enjoyed a great relationship. We provided great-looking products at a reasonable price to better support administrative tasks and new approaches to patient care."

Although a balancing act was required between aesthetics, function, budget and life cycle costs, the project is a testimony to the proverbial "happy ending." Claire is pleased with the results.

"After months of meetings, planning, revisions and decisions, the interiors are really the lasting effect our end users and patients experience," she said. "And when my customers are happy, I'm happy."