PKA participated in the initial design of Walla Walla General Hospital in 1976 as well as numerous expansions and remodels since that time. In 2010, PKA developed a master plan for the campus which led to the expansion of the lobby, dietary, administration, and emergency departments. The project also completely renovated the existing exterior facades of the building to a more contemporary hospital design that also is responsive to the Walla Walla community and environment of Eastern Washington.

To accomplish these project goals, PKA innovatively developed a design solution which transitioned the existing facility which was constructed using heavy timber to a moment resistant steel frame. The design then split the patient and public circulation routes which had for years been shared. The new circulation strategy allows for better privacy and operational efficiency. The split in public and private circulation also allowed for a fundamental reorganization of the way patients and their families experience Walla Walla General Hospital. The wayfinding process is now streamlined — with reception, the gift shop, and the dining room/cafe all visually accessible from the spacious and welcoming main lobby.

The design takes advantage of the natural landscape by capturing the rural beauty of Eastern Washington and natural light using double height window systems around the perimeter of every public space possible. Not only did this allow for a maximum of natural light to be brought into the interior, it also minimizes the energy costs of interior lighting. This emphasis on open, naturally lit spaces created opportunities for PKA to design places of respite in the public spaces for patients and families to take time to rest and relax. The finish palette of natural colors and materials was carried throughout the interior and to the exterior, culminating in the new entry featuring an iconic stone and glass facade.

The client wanted more space and a new look for their clinic. They purchased the adjacent building, and

asked PKA to design the addition, as well as a connection to the original building. PKA responded with an innovative design solution, connecting the two buildings with a dynamic sweeping, arcing element that defines the building as one. From this connector, the entrance stretches out to greet arriving patients, and takes them to a sunlit reception space. Along the generous waiting area, this leads to a new urgent care with eight exam rooms, a radiology department including X-ray, Mammography, CT and MRI, the clinic’s laboratory and call center as well as a café.

PKA completed a thorough renovation and addition to St. John Medical Center’s patient tower in 2010. The multiple-phased project enhanced the facilities technological capabilities and allows for future expansion of technology and patient volume. This was an extensive and intense patient room and multi-specialty department remodel that affected 151 total inpatient beds.

The medical planning work included a new state-of-the-art birthing center with rooms specially designed to allow mothers to go through labor, delivery, and recovery in the same room. In addition, four floors of medical/surgical inpatient rooms were renovated to create more space and privacy for patients and their families. The design work also doubled the size of St. John’s existing Emergency Department and renovated the Behavioral Health department as well as the Critical Care Unit. The goal of the new, more open design and enhanced patient care model is to improve patient, family and staff satisfaction. The renovation provided floor plans that improve coordination of care and the increased Emergency Department capacity will enable access to additional patients in a more efficient manner.

St John is expanding their campus to incorporate an Outpatient Facility in a new 19,000 square foot center.  This center was designed to emulate the feel of the historic fronts along the waterways of Longview, Washington.  The design incorporated LEED principles and requirements early in the design development process, which will generate significant life cycle savings back to the client. The Medical Office Building will house 12 doctors, with room for up to two floors of expansion in the future.

The Kearney Breast Center is a Nationally Accredited Program for Breast Centers in which PKA collaborated with Czopek & Erdenberger on the interior design. The program is a collection of important care activities ranging from imaging to cancer care and reconstruction. The design of the space was critical to promoting a feeling of warmth, support, and the sense that the patient is receiving top-of-the-line care. The PKA with Czopek & Erdenberger team worked closely with the department heads, administration, as well as the philanthropy board to devise this successful collection of interior finishes.

The large and inviting reception space leads to hospitality style changing rooms, highly detailed exam rooms, and other high-end spaces such as imaging and consult spaces.

OHSU relocated its radiation oncology department to the new Kohler Pavilion to better serve its patient population. Easily accessible via the new outpatient entrance, the waiting room has gorgeous views of Mt. Hood and the Aerial Tram. Throughout the department warm wood and earth tone colors create a relaxing environment.

PKA found great challenges in this project from fitting into an 11’-4” floor to floor space to creating an open and light environment when two thirds of the building is buried into the hillside. The final result is a vastly improved radiation treatment center for OHSU that improves patient access and staff flow while providing truly cutting-edge care.