Eastern Shore Medical Center was designed to create a bright, calm, andwelcoming healthcare environment for the community it serves. The goal wasto move away from the sterile atmosphere typical of medical facilities and instead introduce warm materials, abundant daylight, and clear architectural organization. The result is a space that feels approachable and comforting for
patients while supporting efficient, focused work for medical staff.
The International Interior Design Awards 2026 are now open for entries, inviting creative professionals and emerging designers from around the world to showcase their finest work on a global platform. This prestigious competition celebrates innovation, excellence, and visionary interior design across diverse categories. Take your work to the next level, gain international recognition, and be part of an inspiring design community—register now and make your mark in 2026.
Gold 🏆 Winner
International Interior Design Awards 2025
Eastern Shore Medical Center
Health-Care Interior Built
Firm
Kimmel Studio
Designer
Devin Kimmel
Design Team
Devin Kimmel, Dani Crawford
Location
Rehoboth Beach, DE, USA
Country
United States
Photographer/Copyright
©Photography: Laura Metzler
The design revolves around a curved administrative core that anchors the plan and organizes circulation. Its soft geometry contrasts with the clean lines of the surrounding clinical spaces, creating an intuitive flow through the building. Natural light from continuous clerestory windows fills the interior throughout the day, reducing anxiety for patients and improving well-being for staff.
Warm wood textures, upholstered seating, and simple detailing introduce a hospitality-inspired character. These elements soften the clinical functions of the medical center and help establish an atmosphere of care, comfort, and dignity. Durable finishes and discreet integrations ensure that performance and hygiene remain uncompromised.
The medical center reflects a commitment to patient-centered design, where comfort, clarity, and care guide every architectural decision.
The reception area establishes the tone for the entire facility. Soft curves, warm wood, and evenly diffused light create an atmosphere that feels calm and approachable from the moment patients enter. The design encourages a sense of welcome rather than formality, while preserving efficiency for staff.
Exam rooms were designed around comfort and clarity. Natural light filters through frosted glazing to maintain privacy while softening the experience for patients. Minimal detailing, integrated storage, and durable surfaces support hygiene and long-term performance without creating a cold or clinical atmosphere.
The primary waiting area provides a variety of seating options to accommodate different patient needs. Large windows bring in daylight and views of the landscape, helping reduce anxiety and create a sense of openness. Soft upholstery and a muted palette support a calm, restorative experience. Throughout the patient-facing zones, every material and detail was selected to support
comfort, clarity, and ease of navigation
Staff spaces were designed with the same care and material warmth as public areas. Large windows bring daylight deep into workrooms and break areas, supporting comfort and well-being for medical professionals who spend long hours in the facility. Wood slat walls add texture and acoustic softness, creating a restorative atmosphere.
The upper level provides clear views across the building, reinforcing intuitive wayfinding and strengthening the connection between clinical and administrative zones. The roof structure and clerestory glazing allow daylight to filter through the entire volume, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and enhancing spatial clarity.
The planning strategy organizes public, clinical, and staff areas around a central curved core. This minimizes travel distances, improves operational efficiency, and keeps navigation simple for patients. Circulation paths are clear and direct, with support spaces placed to streamline daily workflows.
Throughout the medical center, light, warmth, and clarity shape the patient and staff experience. The combination of soft materials, natural illumination, and intuitive circulation creates an environment that supports healing, reduces stress, and fosters a sense of dignity and comfort for everyone who enters