The Big Picture

When it comes to designing and building your perfect hospital, you want the perfect game plan. And what better resource could you have than those who already came and conquered? Their stories, lessons, and advice will help you move forward. Of course, at times, circumstances may force you back two spaces, but the more prepared you are, the better positioned you'll be to cut the red ribbon with a smile.

So no matter how long the path to your dream hospital, start your game plan now. After all, "It's never too early to start dreaming about what you want," says Dr. Rex Bailey, owner of Michigan City Animal Hospital in Michigan City, Ind., (Merit Award, 2005). Dr. Bailey started a notebook to keep track of his design ideas and those features he wanted to include in his practice 15 years before he actually built.

You'll find several succinct bits of critical advice, just like Dr. Bailey's, on the following pages. Put these pieces into play as you build your project strategy. And as you're negotiating the board, remember what Dr. Bailey says is his best advice: "Dream big, and work hard. It'll all be worth it in the end."