How one emergency hospital is designing for care and flow

When Charleston Veterinary Referral Center (CVRC) outgrew its original award-winning facility, the team reunited with BDA Architecture (Building Design for Animals) to design a massive 32,558–sq ft expansion. Formally opening in 2026, the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society Level I–certified hospital has optimized every inch of the new space to meet the growing demand for specialty and emergency care in the low country.

Design decisions to note

To minimize species-specific stressors, the expansion features 2 completely separate lobbies—one for emergency services and another for specialty services. The design also includes a dedicated feline-only waiting area and hospital ward. By isolating these environments, CVRC aims to prioritize patient comfort as much as medical outcomes.

To ensure rapid access to diagnostics across all departments, the laboratory and pharmacy were centrally relocated within the facility. This strategic placement is designed to streamline the flow of information and medication, allowing for faster response times for both surgical and critical care patients.

The expansion significantly increases the facility’s capacity, adding 19 exam rooms and 6 surgical suites. These suites are equipped with high-tech 3D neurosurgery cameras. Additionally, the expanded intensive care unit (ICU) features custom oxygen cages and specialized ICU cribs to provide advanced support for the hospital's most critical patients.

The facility now houses an expanded physical rehabilitation department, which includes 2 underwater treadmills and a dedicated outdoor exercise area. Beyond physical health, the design addresses the emotional needs of clients with 2 private bereavement rooms, each featuring a discreet exit to provide families with privacy during difficult moments.

Check out the slideshow above for more detail on each room.