The Zebra Clinic represents a transformative interior renovation of a28,000+ square foot former furniture showroom, reimagined to serve as a welcoming and purpose-built facility for a child and youth advocacy center. With a focus on trauma-informed design, the space has been carefully tailored to meet the needs of a multidisciplinary team including therapists, administrative staff, RCMP, and local police—working in unison to support children and families during some of their most vulnerable moments.

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At the heart of the project is the intention to foster an environment of safety, calm, and dignity. The design team prioritized maintaining the integrity of the existing building’s architectural framework while creating a cohesive and emotionally supportive interior environment for a wide range of users.

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One of the core challenges was balancing the security and functionality required by law enforcement with the therapeutic, approachable atmosphere needed for counseling and family support. This meant creating secure, compartmentalized areas for police and RCMP, while also designing therapy rooms and public zones that feel open, tranquil, and emotionally safe.

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A key technical focus was achieving near-complete acoustic privacy—especially in interview and therapy rooms—to ensure sensitive conversations remain confidential. This required intensive research and coordination around floor finishes, ceiling treatments, and door and hardware selections to meet rigorous soundproofing standards without compromising aesthetics.

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Interior finishes reflect a balance of professionalism and warmth. Public-facing areas feature playful colors, organic forms, and a rainbow-toned feature carpet that encourages a sense of self-expression and comfort. In contrast, staff areas use deeper, neutral tones to promote focus and professionalism. Shared spaces such as the staff kitchen and volunteer room are designed to be colorful and textured, reinforcing a spirit of collaboration and community.

Custom millwork features light-toned wood finishes with neutral countertops, contributing to a soft, contemporary look. A vibrant wood slat feature wall—drawing inspiration from murals in the clinic’s previous location—serves as a visual statement of the center’s values: unity, compassion, and diversity.

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Lighting design throughout the clinic was carefully curated to support both emotional tone and practical function. Public and staff areas are enhanced with bright, playful fixtures, while therapy rooms feature ambient lighting and recessed skylight-style elements that create a peaceful, nature-inspired atmosphere conducive to healing and open dialogue.

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The Zebra Clinic is more than a renovation—it’s a space of safety, support, and collective care. Every design decision was made with the user experience in mind, reinforcing the center’s mission to serve children and families with empathy, dignity, and strength.

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