Michael Graves & Associates Completes New Headquarters for Shore Orthopaedic University Associates

PRINCETON – International architects Michael Graves & Associates (MGA), in collaboration with Shore Orthopaedic doctors and Scarborough Properties, announce the completion of the headquarters and medical office building for Shore Orthopaedic University Associates in Somers Point, New Jersey. The 10,300 square foot newly constructed facility utilizes a “Patient First” design approach based on “Lean Design Principles.”
The new clinic houses exam rooms, x-ray imaging services, offices, public lobby and waiting room, staff lounge, physical therapy facility, medical offices, conference space and an outdoor relaxation garden. MGA designed the entire project from strategic planning, architecture and interior design, to furniture, graphic design, company branding, website and marketing graphics.
Lean Design Principles are focused on the process of continuous improvement based upon a careful examination of an organization’s current method of operations. The goal is to create environments that eliminate waste, optimize the practice’s efficiency and enhance the patient experience. “We were able to improve the patient experience and streamline daily operations making treatment more cost-effective, faster and focused. The facility also features built-in flexibility for future changes and growth”, said James Wisniewski, Senior Associate at MGA and lead architect on the project.
Designing from a patient’s perspective, MGA drew upon our wide experience in architectural as well as industrial (product) design. They were able to clearly define patient and staff areas to be as flexible, rational and easy to understand for patients, doctors and staff. Natural light and controlled views to the outside are an important element of the design. The waiting area and the patient route to the clinical modules take advantage of the light and views, as do the administrative areas and the staff lounge. Borrowed light into the exam rooms and offices, as well as glazed doors further support the connection to the outside.
The reception area and lobby, which accommodates a large seating lounge and administrative stations that exceed HIPAA standards for privacy, have been designed to visibly identify the intake stations directly in front of the entrance and the exit stations on the path from the exam and consult rooms. The waiting area is informal with a strong indoor/outdoor connection to the relaxation garden. The physical therapy area includes support spaces, such as a whirlpool, laundry, sink, and storage cabinets. All corridors are a minimum of 5 feet wide throughout the entire complex, allowing for accessible movement throughout the building for patients, doctors and support staff.
The project was executed as Integrated Project Delivery, where the architect closely coordinated the development of the design with the developer, user, engineering sub-consultants and the general contractor. This process included performing comparative cost and schedule analysis for systems and materials and identifying portions of the work that could be fast tracked. The project utilized a design-build construction manager project delivery format, in order to accommodate a six-month construction schedule. Together with the developer, Scarborough Properties, and builder, DRK & Associates, the architect was able to meet a $250/SF project cost budget.
Shore Orthopaedic Clinic combines Michael Graves’ personal experience with his distinctive architecture style. As a paraplegic himself, Graves has unique insight into the needs and abilities of those living with a disability. Graves has long been an advocate for the disabled and was recently appointed by President Barack Obama to the Architecture and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, known as the Access Board, which governs the independent federal agency covering accessible design under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Michael has since become a thought leader, speaking across the country as a healthcare design and patient’s rights advocate at major conferences including TEDMED and the American Hospital Association Leadership Summit.