Skip to main content

Author: tsausa

utah healthcare architects 3d visualization

Published in Utah Construction and Design: 3D Visualization – Tools for Communicating and Understanding that Enable Creation

Written by tsausa on . Posted in Articles, Team News.

We’re excited to see an article written by Nathan, our Design Principal and Vice President in the May 2018 issue of Utah Construction and Design! The technology enabling us to communicate concepts to our clients and collectively work together towards the ultimate solution has evolved and come a long way – here’s a look at how the different tools available today help us do that most effectively and efficiently:

“Decades of study and research of Human Psychology reveal that we are all wired to perceive, learn, understand, think, and act with certain preferences. We all fall somewhere along the spectrum in our preference for the realistic vs. imaginative, concrete vs. abstract, past vs. future, sensory vs. intuitive, visual vs. kinesthetic, etc. With such varied perspectives, how do we ever communicate and understand each other in a world where ideas big and small need to be generated, developed and become real? How do Architects and Designers communicate with Clients and Users and then with the executors of the ideas on the Contractor and Construction side?”

 

 

Read more on page 18 HERE.

2018 Newsletter: Edition 1

Written by tsausa on . Posted in Newsletter.

Office Updates

First Annual Putt Putt Tournament

We began a new tradition, and hosted our first annual Putt Putt Tournament! This year, we chose to raise funds for Sophie’s Place – a wonderful organization that provides music therapy services and spaces in children’s hospitals across the country and also one of our newer clients. Thanks to our AMAZING hole sponsors and great support from the A/E/C community, we were able to raise a donation of $3,781! We’ve got plans for a repeat performance next year, and have already discussed several ideas to make it bigger and better.
Here’s some pictures showcasing the creativity and skills of our hole sponsors:

 

University of Utah College of Architecture + Planning: Healthcare Studio

 

TSA will be leading a final-year graduate studio for the University of Utah’s College of Architecture + Planning. Taking place in the first semester of the 2018-2019 school year, the studio will meet 2-3 times a week to focus on design for health and senior care. This studio will be led by Nathan Murray, Rachel McKenzie, and several other members of our team. Throughout the semester, students will work individually and in groups on a true-life scenario involving master-planning and design. We’re looking forward to working with the up-and-coming generation of architects!

 

Project Updates

 

RMC Mountain View Care Center (Heber, Utah)

The new RMC Mountain View Care Facility has come a long way in the last couple of months.    Exterior and Interior finishes are adding character and personality to the architecture.  Siding, stucco, and masonry are all underway on the exterior, adding color and depth to the Heber Landscape.  On the interior gypsum board, t&g ceiling, and masonry details are making this building feel more and more like home!  We are excited about the progress!

 

University of Utah Women’s Volleyball Suite

Things are hastily moving along on the RMC Skilled Nursing project in Heber City, Utah.  The weather has kindly held out for us to get things closed in before the roughest parts of winter!  The roof is in and the windows are currently being installed.  The grand entrance bridge has also made some headway with the suspended concrete slab being poured last week. The structural steel of the canopy is now up and provides a welcoming, inviting statement to come explore the space within.  On the interior, the patient rooms and coved ceilings are being prepped for our first 4-way inspection.  Each week we are excited to see the progress at Rocky Mountain Care Heber as the building is really starting to take shape!

 

 

Staff Additions and Promotions

 

Melissa Williams – Healthcare Planner and Project Architect
Perpetually inquisitive by nature, Melissa finds incredible satisfaction in the problem-solving and collaboration intrinsic to the architectural process. In her youth, she found that the endless learning opportunities and evolving technology of architecture provided her the intellectual challenge she craves. Specializing in healthcare, she brings her passion for exploring ideas and opportunities to each project, engaging with users to create the best outcome together. Melissa’s drive to delve deep into the “whys” of each project enable her to truly hear and engage with each client on a level that allows her to learn as much from them as she can while
formulating solutions as a team. When out of the office, she can be found spearheading industry events, and exploring the Utah wilderness sandwiched between her
camera lens and her backpack.
 Melissa can be reached at 801.463.7108 and mwilliams@tsa-usa.com

 

 

 

Anna Miller – Graphic Designer
With a creative eye and graphic design skills that have taken our branding and firm to a whole new level, Anna will officially be spearheading all of TSA’s graphic design efforts. Though the title is new, she has been the chief producer of our branding and marketing materials for quite some time!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rebecca Weidler – Associate
Rebecca has accepted the opportunity to join the leadership of our firm as Associate. As our healthcare planner, she brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for patient-centered, dignified design that enhances their experience in any healthcare setting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Experts Share

Our Experts Share – Out with the Old, In with the New!

Stephanie shares how interior design has evolved in the healthcare arena, and what we’re taking our cues from.

Read Article

Published in MCD Magazine- “Serving up Good Design”
 
Rebecca writes about the current and future trends of food service and dining design in healthcare facilities – from the spaces the food is prepared in to the actual food itself, big changes are under way!
 
Read Article

 

 

Mountain View Care Center Update

Written by tsausa on . Posted in Projects.

Rocky Mountain Care Heber is coming to life!  The progress at Rocky Mountain Care has come a long way in the last couple of months.    Exterior and Interior finishes are adding character and personality to the architecture.  Siding, stucco, and masonry are all underway on the exterior, adding color and depth to the Heber Landscape.  On the interior gypsum board, t&g ceiling, and masonry details are making this building feel more and more like home!  We are excited about the progress!  We couldn’t make this progress happen so smoothly without the astounding team efforts made by TSA, Ascent Construction, and Rocky Mountain Care!

 

Out with the Old, in with the New Healthcare Interior Design Trends

Written by tsausa on . Posted in Articles.

A stay in the hospital, even if just for a few hours or a short visit, is never an experience to look forward to. It was hard for anyone to imagine hospitals or medical facilities as friendly, sophisticated, attractive, and beautiful spaces until the past few years. There is an industry-wide movement that is pushing architects, designers and related decision makers to plan and design medical facilities with a patient- centric approach. The boring interiors, old-fashioned furnishings, and typical color combinations had never succeeded in creating a friendly impression for the patients or visitors. One trend that has been getting more traction into the healthcare design evolution is making the facilities feel more residential and hospitable. This design is more focused on patient customization and personal preference. Healthcare interior design needs to aim toward a healing approach and relaxation, which helps reduce stress levels for patients and visitors.

Jordan Valley Cancer Center – 2nd Floor Waiting

Color influences.  Colors are a major contributor to a space and can influence mood and behavior. Many healthcare facilities have moved from monotonous color palettes to more vibrant, refreshing and warm palettes. Using neutral and refreshing hues brings a feeling of comfort to patient rooms. Including some pops of color and contemporary patterns adds energy to the environment. A brighter color can also act as branding for the facility.

University of Utah Hospital – Universal Patient Room of the Future

Lighting & Technology. Lighting design can play a very important role in human health. Research shows that the human body and brain respond to natural light in a positive way, and the use of natural light has gained incomparable attention recently. Modern lighting technologies have been introduced to help negate the unhealthy effects of artificial lighting and focus on high performance, energy efficiency, longer bulb life and low maintenance.  A well-designed system can lead to reductions in medical errors, stress, depression, pain and length of stay, as well as aid in a good night’s sleep.

Mckay Dee Hospital – Hybrid OR

Nature’s Cue. Many studies show improved health and well-being when connecting with nature. It makes sense for the interior design to include and emulate aspects of nature. The trend is to create connections to nature by using natural light, pleasant exterior views, natural element finishes, natural or organic shades, patterns, and graphics, and beautiful works of art. “It is not about the color of one lake or a single stone outcropping, but a general representation of regional elements. The goal is to capture a range of colors, tones, textures and shapes—in the variety of natural elements that represent the community. When done properly, the human mind, body and spirit instinctively respond in a positive way.” – Sheila Semrou AAHID, ASID

Jordan Valley Cancer Center – Radiation Treatment Room

The healthcare design industry and TSA Architects are making extra efforts to be more innovative and create environments that encourage healing in the most positive way possible. With the knowledge we are equipped with, we believe we can make space for the human spirit in the healthcare industry.

 

— Contributed by Stephanie Kwok, Interior Designer

2018 First Annual Putt Putt Fundraiser

Written by tsausa on . Posted in Team News.

This year, we began a new office tradition of hosting a Putt Putt Tournament Fundraiser. The purpose: to raise a donation for  Sophie’s Place, one of our clients. Sophie’s Place, established in loving memory of singer and songwriter Sophie Barton, brings music therapy spaces and services to children’s hospitals around the country, enabling young patients battling all kinds of ailments to experience the healing effects of music. Already operating at Primary Children’s Hospital, Sutter Children’s Center, and Cardon Medical Center, the organization has plans to expand in several states through the coming years.

The 9-hole course was designed and provided by 9 incredible sponsors – Van Boerum and Frank and Associates, Henriksen Butler, Ideacom, Reaveley Engineering + Associates, Spectrum Engineers, BHB Engineers, Envision Engineering, David L. Jensen & Associates, and Wadman Corporation. Each of these sponsors was tasked with creating a golf hole within their assigned location at the TSA Office, and their creativity and imagination provided a one-of-a-kind course! All kinds of materials could be found – lights, tracks, massive rocks, remote control cars, tunnels, training toilets, building materials, and actual putting greens that – thanks to the engineering behind them – could not possibly have been more structurally or mechanically sound.

With sponsor contributions as well as entry donations, we were able to raise on the order of $3000 for Sophie’s Place. We are so incredibly grateful for the support from our friends and colleagues – what a fantastic outcome.

Tracy with Anne-Marie and Kent Barton

 

The finale to our event was a raffle with a host of prizes provided by our sponsors including gift cards to various eateries and shops, a top-notch hiking backpack, bleach trays and teeth whitening, 2 Eames molded side chairs, an Odyssey putter, a football signed by Steve Young, and more.

Many sponsors have already begun planning for next year’s event – and we have several ideas of our own to make this annual tournament bigger and even better too.

Thanks to all who sponsored, donated, and participated – we’ll see you next year!