Creating Space for Community: Bernardo Wills Completes Phase 1 Renovation for Community-Minded Enterprises
At Bernardo Wills, our mission is simple: to give our clients’ purpose a place. That means taking the time to understand the vision behind every project and designing spaces that serve people- especially when those people are doing vital work for the community. One of our latest completed efforts reflects exactly that.
We recently wrapped up Phase 1 of a tenant improvement project for Community-Minded Enterprises (CME) in Spokane, Washington. This project was a unique opportunity to support an organization that is deeply invested in expanding access to care and services in our region.
A Building with a Bigger Purpose
While the building already had administrative functions and training spaces in place, CME’s goal was to transform it into an outpatient treatment facility that would better serve their programs and clients.
In partnership with their leadership and facilities manager, we worked to reimagine the SHV suite—repurposing existing rooms where possible, making strategic upgrades, and thoughtfully reorganizing key areas to serve both staff and patients effectively. This project was about more than just renovation—it was about realigning the built environment with CME’s mission of community care and healing.
What Was Included in Phase 1
Our scope of work included planning and design documentation for selective demolition and construction. The focus of Phase 1 was on creating a new reception area, vestibule, and waiting room, while improving circulation throughout the space.
Some highlights of the design include:
A reworked hallway that promotes easy flow around the reception area
A new separation wall and access-controlled entry to create clear boundaries between staff and patient areas
Matching existing finishes to maintain design cohesion throughout the building
Preserving and repurposing existing conference rooms and office spaces to minimize disruption and cost
This approach made the most of the available layout while preparing the space for future phases and continued growth.
A Collaborative Approach to Design
As with all our tenant improvement projects, collaboration was key. We hosted on-site meetings with the client and contractor to ensure alignment across all teams and reviewed final designs virtually with CME to confirm every detail met their expectations.
With a quick timeline of just two weeks from notice to proceed, our architectural team worked efficiently to deliver floor plans, reflected ceiling plans, reception elevations, and other key construction documents- all with a focus on flexibility, clarity, and patient-centered design.
What’s Next
Phase 1 is only the beginning. Future phases of the project will be covered under a separate contract and will continue the work of transforming the full facility into a comprehensive treatment center. By approaching the remodel in phases, CME can continue delivering services without major disruptions—while gradually building out a space that’s tailored to their growing needs.
Why This Project Matters
Designing for behavioral health and outpatient treatment requires more than standard space planning. It demands an understanding of how people feel in and move through a space, and how those experiences can influence recovery, dignity, and trust.
We’re proud to help shape an environment where people can walk through the door and feel safe, welcome, and supported. That’s what architecture should do—and that’s what this project is all about.
Looking for a partner for your next tenant improvement or healthcare renovation project in Spokane or the Inland Northwest?
Let’s connect. We’re here to help bring your purpose to life—beautifully, efficiently, and with community at the heart of it all.
