Exploring Medical Space Design and Commercial Real-Estate with Rachel Koster

Rachel Koster earned her Master's Degree in Interior Architecture from Kansas State University. She is an expert in what's called 3-D visualization technology. She is also an expert in commercial real estate , particularly health care space design and development. We picked her brain and covered everything from how medical space design affects a patient mood to how it affects work flow and staff morale. How can elements such as colors, hallway width and lighting make a huge impact on your practice?

We covered leasing, negotiations and location selection. Have you considered getting into the commercial real estate arena? It's a tricky business and you're going to want to hear what Rachel has to say. We really covered a lot of ground and this is definitely an episode you don't want to miss. So let's get started...

Show Notes:

-What is Internal Architecture? How does space affect your mood?

-3D Visualization Software. Sketchup.com.

-2nd Generation Spaces vs. New construction.

-Knowing what your goals are. How many exam rooms will you need? How much administration space do you need? Meeting room?

-Opening a new office? Who do you need to speak with first? What are the steps to making a successful transition.

-The elements of Internal Architecture. The reception desk. Open spaces. Hallway widths. Work flow. Colors

-How do you use the medical office to reflect the personality of the medical provider?

-The importance of collaboration between the design team, the provider and the medical team.

-Where to go to get ideas and stratifies for your office design.

-Existing Office: What can you do in a day or weekend to transform your medical practice space? What are some quick fixes?

-Traffic choke points. Focusing on patient flow and efficiency. Making sure your patients don't get "lost in a maze" on the way out!

-Measuring your patients' experience. The importance of first impressions.

-Each area can be a different experience. The waiting area is a different experience than the exam room.

-Location, Location, Location! Retail vs. Medical office park. Parking, highway proximity and ease of access.

-Commercial real estate.

-You need help. How to qualify and assess a real estate professional.

-Negotiating a lease. Remember, all leases are written for the landlord, not you.

-What to look for and what to avoid in a lease agreement. Exclusivity clauses.

-Thinking about getting into the commercial real estate business? Should you lease or purchase office space? Assessment fees. Your legal rights. Flood plains.

-Dealing with practice partners as it relates to real estate.