dvm360 announces 2024 Hospital Design 360 Competition winners

Photo courtesy of Blue Cross Animal Hospital

The lobby of the Blue Cross Animal Clinic in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Three veterinary hospitals have been named grand prize winners in dvm360’s 2024 Hospital Design 360 Competition. These newly built or recently renovated facilities were each named Hospital of the Year, in 3 structure size categories, and 7 more hospitals are receiving merit awards. All winners are being recognized for the quality and uniqueness of their layouts, décor, and amenities as well as spaces that serve staff, clients and patients well.

The 3 grand prize winners will be presented with their awards Sunday, August 25, 2024, with a celebratory luncheon during the Fetch dvm360 Conference in Kansas City, Missouri. Selected by a panel of judges, the 2024 Hospital of the Year honorees are as follows:

• Larger than 8000 sq ft: Blue Cross Animal Clinic in Albuquerque, New Mexico
• 3500 to 8000 sq ft: Habitat Veterinary Hospital in Boise, Idaho
• Smaller than 3500 sq ft: The Vet Vision Center in Lambertville, New Jersey

“With the highest number of submissions this year, these 3 winners did a fantastic job showcasing their outstanding veterinary hospital designs, setting a new benchmark for excellence in our profession,” Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, chief veterinary officer for dvm360, said. “Their arduous work, dedication and passion for innovation are celebrated in each of these outstanding hospitals.”

Photo courtesy of Vet Vision Center

The reception space at Vet Vision Center uses natural light, separations, and a beverage bar to help keep clients and patients comfortable and relaxed.

The celebratory event in Kansas City will also feature a panel discussion with the winning practice owners, as well as an architect and design expert. These scheduled speakers include Christman; Ashlee Andrews, DVM, owner, Blue Cross Animal Clinic; Sohaila Maleki, chief visionary officer and founding partner, Habitat Veterinary Hospital; Reed Linenberger, DVM, chief financial officer and partner, Habitat Veterinary Hospital; Shelby Reinstein, DVM, MS, DACVO, owner and founder, The Vet Vision Center; and Becky Gasser, NCARB, director of design and partner, BDA Architecture, PC.

In an interview with dvm360, Maleki and Linenberger spoke about the significance of Habitat Veterinary Hospital’s being selected a grand prize winner. “It means a lot, actually, because we put so much thought and energy and all the things that we've learned through the years together to create this beautiful space. To be recognized for that is really, really special to us,” Maleki said.

“I think it also helps us in our grand vision… veterinary medicine is changing a lot, and we feel very appreciated that [dvm360 is] recognizing us as a smaller hospital,” Linenberger added.

Photo courtesy of Habitat Veterinary Hospital

An outdoor space at Habitat Veterinary Hospital welcomes patients during their visits.

Although the competition brings attention to the winning hospitals, Reinstein said the program also helps bring awareness to designers and the work they do for hospitals. “Veterinary medicine is coming into a new age, where it matters what your hospital looks like. It matters what it does. All of it matters,” she said.

In addition to the grand prize winners, the competition judges recognized the following Merit Award recipients:

• Larger than 8000 sq ft
  • Arizona Humane Society in Phoenix
  • Chi Animal Hospital in Reddick, Florida
  • Partners Animal Hospital West Loop in Chicago, Illinois
• 3500 to 8000 sq ft
  • West Davis Veterinary Center
  • Red Barn Animal Hospital in Gilberts, Illinois
• Smaller than 3500 sq ft
  • Vetique in Chicago
  • Pure Paws in New York, New York

dvm360’s John Hydrusko, vice president, sales, MJH Life Sciences, congratulated all of the competition winners in a statement. “We are honored to add these incredible clinics into our Hospital Design winner's circle. Creating a beautiful workspace for employees, the clients and pets they service is a true testament to exceptional veterinary care,” he said.

Abi Bautista-Alejandre, assistant editor, contributed to this article.