Minnesota Women’s Care (MNWC)

Minnesota Women’s Care (MNWC) is known for its commitment to providing exceptional care in a warm and inviting atmosphere, with a special focus on the unique needs of women and their families. Recently, MNWC took a significant step forward by expanding its services to include pediatrics and family medicine, establishing a new location in Woodbury, Minnesota.

The expansion was not just about adding new services; it was a holistic approach to cater to the diverse needs of both women and children. To achieve this, MNWC embarked on a mission to update their branding and interior finishes for the new location. The visionary behind this transformation was Dr. Melvin Ashford, MD, Founder & CEO of MNWC. “The goal of the project was to develop for our family practice division a comfortable and home-like environment that spoke both to women and their children,” said Dr. Ashford.

MNWC found the perfect collaborator in Auromira Architects LLC, with Principal Mythili Thiagarajan leading the way. Thiagarajan envisioned a modern aesthetic infused with a soft, nature-inspired touch. The goal was clear: to develop an atmosphere that resonates with both women and their children. “We brought in nature tones and woodsy colors and created nooks with nature-inspired textures and elements for kids to play,” explained Thiagarajan.

One of the key challenges in this project was choosing materials that would not only be appealing to children but also withstand the constant wear and tear of a healthcare environment. “They wanted something that would be kid friendly but also healthcare grade and cleanable,” said Thiagarajan.

There was also a very aggressive timeline for the lab portion of the project, which meant any furniture that was chosen had to be in stock and ready to ship. This is where Henricksen, a trusted partner with a history of collaboration with Thiagarajan, came into play. “We have worked with Jennifer and Henricksen for a while,” said Thiagarajan, “She is very responsive, has good ideas, and is really fun to work with.”

The waiting area became a focal point of the project. Furniture selections for the women’s clinic were from OFS and Gressco and included stools resembling tree stumps and chairs featuring wood elements wrapping around the arms, paired with a modern-looking metal frame. The upholstery on the chairs, made of chenille, was not just aesthetically pleasing but also designed to withstand the demands of a healthcare setting.

“We also created glazing all around,” Thiagarajan explained. This strategic use of glass allowed for effective branding and marketing opportunities for the practice while maintaining a connection with the surrounding environment. It was a thoughtful integration that added a touch of transparency to the space.

Even the furniture in the exam rooms was carefully chosen to align with MNWC’s vision. With no fabric or cushioning, the pieces were easy to wipe down after each visit, ensuring a high standard of cleanliness. This attention to detail in selecting furniture and materials showcased the commitment to creating a space designed for durability and practicality.

The collaboration between Auromira Architects LLC and Henricksen played a crucial role in helping MNWC achieve its goal of establishing a warm and inviting space within a quick timeline.

MNWC’s new space in Woodbury stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful design and collaboration. By combining modern aesthetics with nature-inspired elements and choosing durable materials, MNWC has successfully created a haven that caters not only to women but embraces families. The project reflects the commitment of MNWC to evolve with the changing needs of its community and sets a standard for healthcare spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.