Transforming Care in Motion: Inside the Phased Renovation of Inova Heart & Vascular Institute

Healthcare never pauses—and neither did the design and construction of the Inova Heart & Vascular Institute’s Intermediate Cardiac Care Unit. Tasked with modernizing a critical, high-acuity environment while maintaining uninterrupted operations, Wilmot Sanz carefully orchestrated a phased renovation that redefined what’s possible in occupied healthcare design. Each step balanced patient safety, clinical functionality, and visual renewal—all without closing a single bed.

Before: The previous unit reflected an era of care delivery that prioritized efficiency over experience. Tight corridors, limited daylight, and dated finishes constrained both staff workflows and patient comfort. While the core infrastructure remained sound, it needed reconfiguration to meet today’s expectations for flexibility, visibility, and infection control.

After: The revitalized 24-bed unit—including two new isolation rooms—now embodies Inova’s forward-thinking model for cardiac care. Modernized patient rooms, decentralized nursing stations, and warm, light-filled interiors create an environment that promotes healing for patients and better collaboration among care teams. Thoughtful materials, integrated technology, and intuitive wayfinding now align the space with Inova’s system-wide design standards and brand identity.

‍

By transforming in place, this project demonstrates the power of precision planning and partnership. The phased renovation strategy—sequenced to maintain care continuity and minimize disruption—allowed Inova to modernize one of its busiest clinical areas while continuing to serve the community. The result is a fresh, functional space that celebrates renewal not just in design, but in the very heart of care delivery.