Veterinary architects claim design proficiency

Daniel Chapel remains one of a handful of architects claiming veterinary hospital design expertise. In 27 years of business, he's helped construct at least 380 practices.

So while Chapel agrees there are downsides to hiring long distance veterinaryarchitects , they also offer valuable tools, he says.

"It's all about education," says Chapel, who heads Chapel AssociatesArchitects, Inc., in Little Rock, Ark. "A lot of times, you can hirea guy in your town and everyone's not likely to get on the same page asfar as expectations.

"For example, you don't have to explain a veterinary hospital'sheating and cooling requirements to a specialized architect. We know abouttraffic flow, we know what goes on in an exam room and how to design a run.What we're selling is our expertise."

To avoid some of the problems that turn up in construction, Chapel offersthe following tips:

* Do some background work, starting with the American Instituteof Architects (AIA). Check references and ask around. "There's no betterreference than word of mouth," he says.

* Someone, preferably a local architect, needs to research sitebuilding codes and requirements before drawings are done.

* Veterinarians are notorious for putting off projects until thebitter last minute, Chapel says. Architects need ample time to researchthe site city and make contact with local inspectors.

* Sit down with the architect and hammer out what's expected.It all needs to be in writing. Take all contracts to an attorney beforesigning.

* Know what to expect. "Usually, the larger the firm, theworse communication will be with the person hired," Chapel says. "Theguy whose name is on the door isn't going to do your drawing. That's somethingthat can be discussed and something a savvy veterinarian will ask."

* Special features drive up costs. If there's a sink in everyroom and tons of cabinetry, expect a more expensive building. "Veterinariansalways want to put 10 pounds of veterinary hospital in a five-pound sack,"Chapel adds. "It's just another expectation problem."

Roughly seven well-known architects claim special knowledge relatingto designing and building of veterinary hospitals and clinics in the UnitedStates. They are:

* Dan Chapel, AIA, NCARB

Chapel Associates Architects, Inc.

Little Rock, Ark.

* William Copich, AIA

Copich & Associates, Inc.

Youngstown, Ohio

* Warren Freedenfeld, AIA

Warren Freedenfeld & Associates

Boston, Mass.

* Larry Gates; Mark R. Hafen, AIA;

Tony Cochrane, AIA

Gates Hafen Cochrane Architects PC

Boulder, Colo.

* E. John Knapp, AIA

E. John Knapp Schmidt Baptista

Oregon, Wis.

* Mark J. Schmidt, AIA

Knap Schmidt Architects LLC

Madison, Wis.

* Wayne Usiak, AIA

Wayne Usiak and Associates

Albuquerque, N.M.

Source: Veterinary Management Consultants