Name: Daniel N. Sprague
Firm: Sprague Solutions; Boise, ID
Client: Customedica Pharmacy; Eagle, ID

This retail space, a compounding pharmacy, focuses on filling traditional prescriptions as well as custom prescriptions to match the patient's often specialized needs. Custom prescriptions may involve compounding a sterile eye drop, hormone replacement cream, or preparing medication for veterinarians. The client's primary design objective was to provide an inviting contemporary environment for his unique, state-of-the-art compounding pharmacy that not only created the desired ambiance but also provided an almost subliminal direction for the consumers as they entered the space. The primary design challenge was to provide this warmth and contemporary design while still providing a safe and clean environment for the preparation of medications that avoided an overly sterilized look and feel. The 2,300 square foot pharmacy opened in February of 2002 and has had phenomenal amount of success from its community. The tenant improvement budget of $65/squre foot was maximized by providing upper end design and materials in the retail space, while the back, non-public areas received less expensive carpet, paint and rubber base.

The successful use of color and pattern provides direction and draws customers into the retail space as well as greatly enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. The customer is immediately guided by carpet patterns and borders along the sweeping curved counter used to prepare custom medications. As the carpet borders and counter gently curve back into the space, they create a natural traffic flow leading to first the prescription drop-off area and then the pickup area. A consulting room is conveniently located next to the pick-up area for quick and easy patient consultations. Directly behind the drop-off and pickup areas is a circular pattern within the carpet, matching a highlighted ceiling that provides a retail area for upper end, custom made lotions and medications. The retail shelving continues down the wall into the waiting area. The waiting area, allows customers who are waiting for their orders, the opportunity to sit and admire the sweeping curves and moving patterns around them, minimizing stress and reinforcing a positive impression of the entire operation.

The color, pattern and texture within the space play an integral part in providing the desired contemporary look. These critical design elements were supported with the complementary and high-quality lighting, the lime-green walls, and the striking accents of pewter and copper - thereby effectively creating the inviting yet functional space the pharmacist desired and an inviting retail space for the customer.