Design Process for a Reception Desk

I got a call from an old friend Jon Virden, who is a contractor not too long ago. Jon was looking for some design assistance on a family clinic he was remodeling. It was a small project, but I love these before & after’s… especially when they are on tight budgets.

Step One: Identify the problem.

The lobby and reception desk was not attractive, crowded, and is un-accessible. Basically it was all kinds of bad but it was serving its purpose and had patients moving through it daily.

Step Two: Define the scope.

So we set the scope to develop a more open and functional reception desk which would meet ADA code, functionality requirements, and be more aesthetically pleasing.

Step Three: Schematic Design

I then began to sketch the first few ideas to get a feel for the scale and proportions that were appropriate for the space… and to get a feel for the clients’ preconceptions:

 

Then the budget was entered into the conversation and we determined that the design needed to be simple and the least intrusive on the space and the existing structure. From there, we discussed different “panel-type” systems which could achieve the results we were looking for without escalating the budget.

 

 

Step Four: Design development.

I then provided Jon with the following options to present to the client so that we could determine the style and the finishes that the client preferred:

 

Turns out, they liked option 4 the most, which was very similar the very first concept sketch. Always trust your gut (intuition).

Step Five: Construction Documents.

No need. Jon is a good contractor and he could get it built with only a concept sketch.

Realization:

Finally…. the after shots:

 

I think the project was a success. Special thanks to Jon Virden at Corco Construction and his client Autumn Road Family Practice for the oppurtunity!

 

Tags | build, contracting, design, healthcare environments, lobby, plastic laminate, reception desk, wood grain