Color and texture: Keep your veterinary clinic inviting

November 20, 2018

Dan Chapel is president of Chapel Associates in Little Rock, Ark., a nationally recognized firm specializing in animal facility design. His firm has participated in the design of more than 500 veterinary hospitals, boarding kennels, and animal shelters. Past projects include two Veterinary Economics Hospitals of the Year and several Merit Award winners. Chapel is a nationally recognized expert in the field of veterinary architecture, and has served as a featured speaker on topics of animal facility design at all major veterinary conferences. He has spoken at every Veterinary Economics Hospital Design Conference since 1981 and has served on the Veterinary Economics Editorial Advisory Board since 1985. For a list of articles and video by Chapel, click here.

Whether it's a new build or a remodeling project, this veterinary architect suggests that you focus on a warm, welcoming atmosphere, inside and out.

A new construction project or hospital makeover is your big chance to make a statement with your veterinary practice-the opportunity to unleash that reflective signage and purple awning you've been dreaming of.

Or, maybe not.

If you're tempted to use the fresh start of a facility update to let your inner dayglo designer run wild, HospitalDesign360 speaker Dan Chapel, AIA, NCARB, says you need to check yourself.

More design talk-we have it

Picking perfect materials to quiet your veterinary hospital

Freaked out pets? Try outdoor examinations

Consider maintenance and image for veterinary clinic exteriors

"You want to select materials that are in the warm, earth tone color range," Chapel says, "You want to remember textures and patterns that are welcoming and comfortable."

And this does apply to exterior design elements too, he says.

"You want to build or remodel your building in such a way that people actually want to go in and see what it looks like inside," he says.

If you err on the side of comfy and cozy ("homey," as Chapel puts it), you'll not only warmly receive current clients, but invite new interest as well.

Watch the video for more.

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