The project: A 20,000-sf remodel of the outdated family birthing center including remodel/relocation of two c-section rooms, LDRP rooms, ante/post-partum rooms, testing areas, sleeping rooms, nurse stations, locker rooms, medication rooms, and other back-of- house spaces.

The goal: Modernize and enhance the functionality of the existing facility, aligning it more closely with current patient needs and operational standards. Originally designed to accommodate a lower volume of births than currently projected, the facility had outdated finishes and infrastructure that no longer reflected the level of care the organization strives to provide. A key driver was the need to upgrade all patient rooms to improve comfort, aesthetics, and clinical efficiency.

Additionally, the C-section rooms required modernization to meet contemporary surgical standards and improve outcomes for both mothers and infants. Safety was another critical concern, particularly the infant abduction prevention system, which needed a comprehensive upgrade to ensure compliance with current security protocols.

Project approach: IMEG collaborated with the owner, user groups, and project partners to ensure the final solution met both operational goals and patient care standards. From the outset, the team engaged directly with stakeholders—including clinical staff, facilities personnel, architect, construction manager, and project manager—to understand the specific challenges and aspirations for the space.

Using a collaborative planning process, IMEG’s medical equipment planners worked closely with user groups to schedule and specify the necessary equipment, ensuring alignment with clinical workflows and future flexibility. 3-D renderings, virtual fly throughs and mock up rooms were used to verify the placement of all medical equipment, receptacles, and gas outlets in patient rooms.

The project also included upgrading the infant abduction prevention system. IMEG coordinated directly with the system manufacturer to identify infrastructure improvements required to support the new technology.
Additionally, the facility’s HVAC infrastructure—comprised of five separate systems—was consolidated into a single modern unit. This not only improved energy efficiency and reliability but also simplified long-term maintenance. IMEG worked hand-in-hand with the facilities team to confirm reliability requirements and ensure the new system would support uninterrupted patient care.

Challenge: The new HVAC system needed to be installed while maintaining full operational capacity throughout construction. Solution: IMEG collaborated with all project partners to develop a phased implementation strategy that allowed critical infrastructure improvements to proceed without disrupting patient services, demonstrating a shared commitment to safety, continuity, and excellence in care delivery.

Challenge: One wing of the building had no existing documentation and the mechanical systems were located above plaster ceilings. Solution: IMEG used what access was available to identify the systems and develop a design but then went back into the field during demolition to document and modify the design based on the actual above-ceiling conditions.

The outcome: The upgrades provide a more open and welcoming patient experience, a more reliable and function HVAC system, and up to date security system.