THE STORY

APTIH specializes in providing Autism diagnostic and therapy services as well as speech language pathology, behavioral, mental health, physical, occupational, and feeding services for children aged 0-21.

We became involved with APTIH through a deep relationship with a premier healthcare partner, OFS. The design firm saw products from Carolina’s portfolio (an OFS company) and turned to Office Revolution to help specify the furnishings and with project management. A true partnership among all parties, the designer, Chess Valenti, states, “In crafting the space, what became obvious from the start is that it was a constant balance in our process and how we selected everything. With the diversity of the patients, they could be polar opposites in their needs.”

With a range of neurodiverse patients, much consideration was given to high and low stimulus, contrast, brightness, and cleanliness. Ultimately, the goal was to create a safe space where the children and caregivers could feel comfortable.

Carolina products allow for a high level of customization with fabrics and materials and were the perfect fit for this healthcare space: clean, modern, light and airy while being portable, multi-use and functional. Additionally, pieces such as the Hex honeycomb ottoman suit the clinicians and caregivers as they move around the area to best accommodate the patient.

The waiting room allows for families to create modular, intimate spaces as needed. “It’s helpful to have some conversation, where families can chit chat or create community if they would like or focus and have flexibility if they need to work and pull up a desk,” says Dr. Laura Sambrookes-McQuade, APTIH Founder & Pediatric Speech Language Pathologist.

“Circling back on how we addressed our goals through design, we had a strong commitment to lots of textures. It’s tough to do in a medical environment. We worked on that balance of yin and yang. We were very intentional selecting fabrics with different textures because we know the kids would be touching a lot,” adds Ms. Valenti.

In this intentional design, no stone was left unturned, even in the mother’s room. The team selected furnishings like the Kyte rocker for a soothing motion accommodating nursing mothers and children in a tranquil environment.

Dr. Sambrookes concludes, “I love that we’re a private practice and bring a caregiver-centric feel to the practice. We have an inverse approach to putting the child front and center, as the whole culture of the organization. We wanted to offer our clients and their caregivers a space where they would be safe upon entry. Caregivers shouldn’t have to worry about or apologize for their child’s unique and diverse needs necessary to support waiting in a professional office.”

In an environment with comfort, cleanliness and care in mind, it’s evident the project team achieved these goals and then some. We were honored to embark on this collaborative process and know patients and caregivers will feel right at home in this welcoming space.