Volunteers from the Design and Construction Community Celebrate with Share Our Selves

Pro Bono Efforts Revitalize Orange County Clinic and Social Services Center

Newport Beach, CA – August 23, 2011. Team members from several of the region's leading architectural and construction firms, including TAYLOR, Suffolk-Roel, C.W. Driver and Questar joined their collaborators from Hoag Hospital's Real Estate, Facilities, Construction, and Operations (REFCO) and Share Our Selves (SOS) to celebrate the completion of the redesign of the SOS facilities in Costa Mesa on Friday, August 19. What began as a "paint-up, fix-up" project to update the image of the busy 13,000 square foot clinic and social services center evolved into a full-scale renovation and a remarkable collaboration that brought the design and construction community together to create a functional, patient-centric design that reflects the SOS culture of respect, dignity, and professionalism.

Share Our Selves is one of the largest, most comprehensive, volunteer-based agencies providing free, safety net services for homeless and low-income individuals and families in Orange County including medical and dental care, counseling, case management, food, clothing, financial assistance, legal aid, and special holiday programs. Hoag Hospital has had a long partnership with SOS and the initial request for assistance was made to REFCO, who in turn asked TAYLOR, the Newport Beach architecture firm, to provide design guidance. "After meeting with SOS staff and volunteers, we saw the need for a much more comprehensive renovation plan that would not only refresh the spaces, but would provide an environment that is warm, welcoming and healing," noted Elise Drakes, the project coordinator from TAYLOR. "From the reconfigured the spaces to bright colors and artwork, the design decisions were as much about creating a more uplifting and respectful place as improving efficiency."

"The concept that TAYLOR developed was so compelling that we were able to put together a team of architects, contractors, furniture and flooring dealers who, even in challenging times, were eager to donate a lot of their time and resources to deliver a facility that supports the vision SOS holds for the community," said Anza Vang, Hoag REFCO project coordinator. "It is this kind of rare collaboration ushering in an era of 'coop-etition' among professions that is evidence that everyone grouped together becomes something greater."

"There has been an incredible alignment of mission among all of the over 90 contractors, designers, subcontractors, and vendors," observed Karen L. McGlinn, executive director of SOS. "They all shared a common goal, united in caring for the poor and vulnerable in our community by creating an environment that restores the spirit and gives hope. The effort has been a phenomenon that transformed not just our facility but the team itself."

The power of the experience that McGlinn describes is echoed in comments from team members. Jesse Jenner, who has been the superintendent for Suffolk–Roel, one of the general contractors on the project said, "I have been on the project full-time for over four months; in my 34 years in construction this is the most rewarding project I have ever done. It's all about community; it's about giving back. Being on site, I have seen first hand who SOS serves – they are a life line to those in need."

The end results – from the new entrance and facade to updated registration and checkout areas, improved client/patient experience, confidentiality and privacy, upgraded volunteer, staff and donation/receiving areas and a refreshed brand graphics and logo – are as remarkable as the unprecedented effort. In addition to the generous donations of time, materials and furnishing – including over $400,000 in construction costs – the team tapped into the artistic community who responded with equal enthusiasm. Artwork from local artists Ruben Acosta, Irene Abraham, Bill Couture, Bill Quiriam and Laurie Zagon enliven the walls. Dylan Tellesen, a Chico, CA based artist, donated a custom mural that depicts the SOS story with images of past and present.

The official celebration marked the completion of over a year of planning and four months of construction for the design and constructions team but it is just the beginning for the individuals and families that depend on SOS. Early responses to the renovation have been rewarding. Karen McGlinn related the comments from a patient using the "new" clinic for the first time. "I feel so rich now," she said. As do the volunteers who made it possible.

For more on the SOS Redesign Collaboration see: http://www.taa1.com/sosproject/

About TAYLOR: TAYLOR is a full–service architectural and interior design practice focused exclusively on healthcare. The 60–person firm has built a strong regional practice and national reputation with a commitment to "Promoting Wellness through Architecture," clients include: Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, CA, Miller Children's Hospital in Long Beach, CA, St. Jude Medical Center in Fullerton, CA, Scripps Health in San Diego, CA and Kaiser Permanente. For more information on the firm visit www.TAA1.com

About Suffolk-Roel: Suffolk–Roel is a construction firm founded on the West Coast that combines the expertise, capabilities, and resources from two of the country's premier building contractors: Suffolk Construction Company and ROEL Construction. The organization is committed to providing clients innovative construction approaches and solutions to deliver the highest quality projects in the healthcare, science and technology, education, commercial, and multi-family residential sectors. The firm is dedicated to environmentally friendly business practices and sustainable building, leveraging state-of-the-art tools to minimize client risks and lower costs, promoting learning and development opportunities for employees, and making a positive impact in the local community. For more information about Suffolk-Roel, visit our website at www.suffolkroel.com.