The University of South Dakota’s 45,000 square feet Health Sciences Center opened in 2022 to support the academic, research and service mission of eight of USD’s fastest growing majors in health professional disciplines. As an extension of USD’s Medicine and Science Building, this was an essential project to support USD’s continued growth. IOP collaborated with department members, facilities, GC, and designer on this project to extend IOP’s 20-year relationship with the university.

 

Design and Product Selection

IOP’s EVP of Sales and Design Kristi Christensen spearheaded this project alongside Interior Designer Jenessa Neve. As a continuing contract customer, IOP had developed a look book of standards for USD that enables quick completion of projects. Working with USD’s buildings team, IOP zeroed in on preferred products and developed layouts that served faculty, students, and administrators as needed. As a new, flagship project, IOP also guided the USD team towards a newer, fresher look to update on timeless standards.

As a facility that combined academic and healthcare settings, IOP drew on its vast experience in both spaces to create a cohesive design that served both functions. Giving students practical, real-world scenarios in the classroom necessitated creating realistic healthcare settings. Classroom and lab experiences were balanced with hospitality-focused flex spaces that gave students a place to relax from the rigors of the classroom and focus in on individual and collaborative work.

Project Management and Installation

University schedules demand quick completion to meet student and faculty needs on campus. With a short window to complete most interior construction projects, IOP coordinated with both USD’s building and facilities team and the general contractor to ensure furniture could be installed prior to fall classes starting. This short window necessitated IOP communicating regularly with the GC to understand the construction completion schedule down to the room and ensure IOP could install furniture as soon as finish work was completed.

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