Just What The Doctor Ordered: Why Medical Facility Construction Requires A Higher Level Of Care

People speak of a doctor’s “bedside manner” and why listening skills and empathy are as important as medical expertise in helping a patient navigate a difficult time. The same could be said of a building contractor working on a healthcare facility. 

Healthcare clients often struggle with their own anxieties as they embark on a facility renovation or a new build, said Jason Scholl, president of Philadelphia-area general contractor LK Miller. 

“Medical professionals are often unfamiliar with construction processes, so a contractor must be able to translate technical details into clear, actionable steps while maintaining a consultative approach,” he said. 

Scholl said a healthcare provider often has more questions than answers when contemplating a construction project. That is not surprising, he said, because soliciting bids and negotiating prices are not generally covered in medical school.

“Nobody's really teaching them the soft skills of running their businesses,” he said. “They're just being sent out into the wilderness and that's where a lot of them have been getting hurt.” 

Scholl said it is a contractor’s responsibility to hold the client’s hand and ensure the experience is positive, particularly when they may have had a poor experience on previous projects.

“You don't have to go broke to build or rehab a space, which is what a lot of medical clients have told me is historically the case,” he said. “This is where a contractor can add value to the process and help put folks’ minds at ease.”

Scholl walked Bisnow through his firm’s approach to healthcare projects, a growing source of work for LK Miller, as well as the questions doctors or dentists should ask a potential contractor partner.

Unique Industry Requirements

Healthcare clients have been a part of LK Miller’s practice since its founding in 1990. During that time, Scholl said the sector has undergone “significant shifts” in how facilities are designed and built, all of which a contractor must understand.

These include compliance with numerous regulations that might not apply to other asset classes such as office. Among them are tighter Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, infection control and the use of advanced HVAC and ventilation systems to address airborne disease concerns.

Technology, too, has transformed the sector.

“Twenty-five years ago, when I joined our company, these offices were built around physical patient charts and film X-rays,” Scholl said. “Now, they require digital integration at every level. Cloud-based patient management systems, digital X-ray equipment, telemedicine capabilities and smart building technologies are all key considerations in modern healthcare construction.”

Contractors need to understand that medical offices have infrastructure demands that set them apart from other projects. Scholl said these can include complex mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems to support medical equipment, surgical suites, imaging rooms and sterilization areas.

Other challenges include helping the practice meet patient expectations with a welcoming environment that might resemble a spa more than a traditional office, or meeting a healthcare organization’s national branding specifications. 

Once construction begins, the building team must also work quickly and within budget while not interfering with a practice’s daily operations.

As a result of these many expectations, Scholl said contractors should be versed in strategic scheduling, prefabrication and modular construction methods. At the same time, however, basic client concerns that drove medical construction in the ’90s have not gone away.

“Medical and dental clients still want a builder they can trust — one that is communicative, reliable and understands the nuances of their industry,” Scholl said. “Speed, budget and quality remain the three most important factors in any construction project.”

‘Trust And Responsiveness Are Critical’ 

Medical office owners should confirm that a contractor understands the unique needs of their practice and profession before signing the contract, Scholl said.

“First, they should inquire about the contractor’s specific experience in healthcare construction, including past projects, client references and familiarity with medical regulations,” he said. 

LK Miller’s recent work includes the renovation of a pediatrics office in East Norriton, Pennsylvania, where it took a design-build approach. This enabled it to work closely with the practice to ensure the space remained functional throughout the work.

For another contract, LK Miller recently began a 6K SF renovation of a mental healthcare facility in Colmar, Pennsylvania. The project involves a modernization of the building while keeping the original structure intact. 

“Whether it’s new construction or a renovation, the builder needs to prioritize communication, precision and seamless execution to deliver a space that meets clients’ needs today and in the future,” Scholl said.

Questions he said a contractor should be able to answer include how it plans to minimize disruptions to patient care, what approach it takes to scheduling and phasing the work, and how it responds to unforeseen challenges in active medical environments. 

It is also important to evaluate a contractor’s project management and communication capabilities, its track record on previous projects and its network of subcontractors. Ideally, they should also have healthcare facility experience.  

Throughout the work, Scholl said, the building team should follow a detailed project timeline and establish a clear process for communicating progress, which can include site meetings and walkthroughs. Then, upon completion, many healthcare clients expect ongoing support to make sure their facility continues to meet expectations. That is why LK Miller launched its Commercial Management Program to provide building management services after the ribbon cutting, he said. 

By working with a contractor whose bedside manner prioritizes collaboration and long-term accountability, healthcare clients can reduce the stress inherent in construction projects, Scholl said.

“Trust and responsiveness are critical in this space because healthcare clients require assurance that their project will be delivered on time, within budget, with attention to detail and discretion, and without compromising quality,” he said. “Medical and dental clients aren’t just building spaces: They’re creating environments that directly impact patient care and business operations.”

This article was produced in collaboration between LK Miller and Studio B. Bisnow news staff was not involved in the production of this content.

Studio B is Bisnow’s in-house content and design studio. To learn more about how Studio B can help your team, reach out to studio@bisnow.com.