When the project was brought to FMAI, the Lionel Kelland Hospice building had fallen into disrepair, no longer up to code, and wore the usual signs of wear and tear of a building well past its prime. FMAI was tasked with the challenge to make Lionel Kelland the first family-centered residential hospice in Newfoundland, with national-standard palliative care and social support for the visiting families. The program for this building included private hospice bedrooms, visitor living quarters, office spaces, health care support, a cafeteria, and a greenhouse.

Throughout the project design, a rigorous consultation procress was utilized to assure this project would work into the future; 3D renderings were used with the client to help fully visualize the space at the outset and inform upon later choices of material and the overall vision. FMAI provided full Architectural services, Interior Design, and Construction administration.

The intent at the outset for the interior design was to make a space that kept the respect, wellbeing, and comfort of the user at the forefront. The central area of the building was entirely replaced with a bright and open central core that rose up into a greenhouse room overlooking the front courtyard. Opportunities for calm and pleasant outdoor sitting spaces for both the user and their visiting families were exploited whenever possible.

A notable challenge within this project was its complex M&E systems and fire and life safety systems, which needed to both meet modern code for large scale housing and medical facilities, while also working within the limitations of the existing structure. This required constant collaboration between all consultants to achieve a successful project and make these systems workable.