Must-have materials for veterinary hospitals

When we asked architects and designers to name the products they love to work with most, they positively gushed. Read on to see if any of these items are perfect for your new building or renovation.

Go ahead and write on the wall: Those aren't whiteboards behind the technician-that's Idea Paint on the walls, one of design expert Wendy Wheeler's favorite wallcoverings.

Paint you can write on: "One of my current favorites is Idea Paint from MDC Wallcoverings. As an alternative to the standard, boring whiteboard, this product turns any smooth surface into a seamless dry-erase board. The end result is similar to a vinyl wall covering, but less expensive per square foot."

— Wendy Wheeler, BDA Architecture

Energy recovery ventilators: "Being the mechanical geek that I am, I love energy recovery systems. They make for a good environmentally friendly story to share with clients, and they help to create a healthier, odor-and disease-free workplace."

— Bryan King, AIA, Animal Arts/Gates Hafen Cochrane

Porcelain tile: "Crossville tile comes in so many colors, textures, and patterns that we intersperse different tiles for accent colors. Your creativity is the only thing holding you back. It cleans with a mop, soap, and water. The tile can be turned up a wall to make a wainscot or used on the reception desk to protect the counter."

— Dan Chapel, AIA, Chapel Associates Architects

Quartz surfacing products: "I like Silestone and other quartz surfacing products for transaction counters on reception desks. They don't scratch or stain, they come in a thousand different colors, and they're less expensive than real stone."

— Heather Lewis, Animal Arts/Gates Hafen Cochrane

Concrete masonry unit (CMU): "I like working with CMU building material. You can use it as a structural element or as a visible finished product. You can use it inside or outside. CMU comes in different shapes and sizes, so you can create all sorts of patterns, colors, and textures. And it's extremely durable."

— Jeffrey Keast, AIA, Animal Arts/Gates Hafen Cochrane