Apothecary

The Apothecary or herbal pharmacy is focused on holistic healing through natural health sciences; such as Aromatherapy, Phytotherapy, Natural Cosmetics, Homeopathy as well as Medicinal and Aromatic Herbs. An apothecary performs the distilling, mixing, and dosing of medications and liquors, in-house. It is the foundation of a personalized wellness program that combines traditional healing methods with modern techniques to create a holistic approach to health and wellness.

The Apothecary acts similar to a modern pharmacy.

The Apothecary provides a wide range of medications and healthcare products.

Has knowledgeable staff who can provide advice and assistance to members.

Prioritizes patient/member privacy and ensures that sensitive information is kept confidential.

Maintains strict quality control measures to ensure the safety and efficacy of the medications they dispense.

Follows legal regulations and guidelines related to the dispensing of medications.

May offer additional services such as vaccinations or health screenings to promote public health.

Must provide a welcoming atmosphere for customers, ensuring a positive experience.

The Apothecary is central to Discovery Well Being's customized wellness plans that include exercise, nutrition, diagnostics, therapeutic services, and mindfulness practices. The experience includes a consultation with a wellness expert and personalized herbal remedies and therapeutic treatments.

The design should seek to create a sensorial journey. Central to the space is a lounge with comfortable seating where you can sip teas and tinctures while reading a book form the library, listening to music, conversing with friends (perhaps “sound cones” above the seating to maintain silence for others), waiting for an appointment/service, or simply relax.

Space Planning

Acoustics

Provide sound attenuation elements in order to control the noise level in this space

Use sound-absorbing materials such as acoustic panels, sound-absorbing ceiling tiles, wall coverings, or carpets to reduce excessive reverberation and echoes.

Arrange furniture and fixtures strategically to create distinct zones within the space, separating the tea lounge and reading area from the retail space to mitigate noise transfer.

Consider acoustical ceiling treatments like suspended baffles or acoustic ceiling tiles with sound-absorbing properties to minimize noise reflections from the ceiling.

Ventilation

Maintain adequate airflow for the space to circulate

When possible, include natural ventilation: Incorporate windows, doors, or nano walls that can be opened to allow for natural airflow and cross ventilation, promoting fresh air circulation.

Separate areas with dividers. If the tea lounge and reading area are adjacent to the retail space, consider using dividers or partitions to create separate zones. This helps prevent smells and noise from the lounge area from affecting the retail space.

Plan the layout of furniture and fixtures in a way that allows for unobstructed airflow, avoiding blocking air vents or natural ventilation sources.

If the climate necessitates it, provide air conditioning to maintain a comfortable temperature and humidity level, enhancing the overall experience of customers.

Adjacencies

Requires an adjacent designated area for formulation and preparing herbal teas, infusions, or other mixtures, equipped with necessary tools, containers, and workstations.

Allocate both dry and cold storage nearby to store inventory, supplies, and equipment, ensuring easy access for restocking and managing the retail and tea lounge operations.

Plan restroom facilities in close proximity to the retail, tea lounge, and reading areas, providing convenience for members.

Include a small kitchenette or pantry near the tea lounge for basic food and beverage preparation, storage, and cleaning purposes.

Dedicate a space for garbage disposal, recycling, and other utility functions, maintaining cleanliness and efficient waste management.

Allocate a staff area or office space behind the scenes, equipped with a workstation, storage, and amenities to support administrative tasks and provide a break area for employees.

Circulation

Apothecary Retail Space:

Ensure that there are clear and unobstructed pathways throughout the retail space, allowing members to easily navigate between product displays and aisles.

Keep the retail area organized and free from excessive clutter to prevent congestion and make it easier for members to move around and explore.

Arrange shelves and displays at appropriate heights to allow easy access to products, minimizing the need for members to bend or stretch excessively.

Apothecary Lounge:

Design an open layout within the lounge area, allowing for comfortable movement and social interaction. Arrange seating and furniture to promote a relaxed flow and avoid creating bottlenecks.

Organize seating areas in small clusters or arrangements to encourage conversation while maintaining enough space for individuals to move freely between seating options.

Library/Reading Area:

Designate quiet reading zones or separate areas with minimal foot traffic, ensuring a peaceful environment for concentration and undisturbed reading.

Apothecary Prep Area:

Organize the prep area to support a smooth workflow. Arrange workstations, equipment, and storage areas in a logical sequence that facilitates the preparation process, minimizing unnecessary movement or steps.

Allocate distinct areas for different tasks within the prep area, such as compounding, labeling, or packaging, to avoid congestion and maintain order.

Technology

Apothecary

A computer-based Point-of-Sale (POS) system for sales transactions, inventory management, and tracking member information.

Barcode scanners to scan product barcodes for quick and accurate item identification.

Provide reliable Wi-Fi access to allow members to connect their devices for work or leisure purposes.

(Recommended Option) Mobile charging stations equipped with power outlets or wireless charging pads to enable members to charge their devices conveniently.

(Recommended Option) Media streaming devices like smart TVs or digital media players to stream content, provide entertainment, showcase product information, promotions, or share educational material in the lounge area.

(Recommended Option) E-book Readers or Tablets: Offer e-book readers or tablets for customers to access digital reading materials, expanding the choices available in the library area.

Apothecary Prep Area:

Pharmacy Management System: Software solutions tailored for pharmacy operations, including medication compounding, inventory control, prescription management, and regulatory compliance.

(Recommended Option) Automated dispensing systems that assist in medication packaging, labeling, and dispensing to improve efficiency and reduce errors.

(Recommended Option) Safety and monitoring systems such as fire detection systems, security cameras, and monitoring devices to ensure a secure environment in the prep area.

Design Features

Room Features

The space should be highly sensorial and welcoming.

The design is clean and organized, but not sterile.

Place the retail section near the entrance for easy access and visibility, allowing members to browse and purchase products conveniently.

The space is a multi-functional space.

The space requires a mix of member-facing interactive, social, instructional, transactional and retail areas as well as back-of-house functional operations areas.

Featured areas:

Counter or small table and chairs where you can discuss remedies with the “pharmacist”
Retail area for selling bespoke herbal and pharmaceutical products
Pharmacy for formulating and dispensing herbal and pharmaceutical products
Multi-use lounge area:

Designate a separate space for the reading area, preferably near the tea lounge, providing a quiet and cozy atmosphere for customers to read and relax.
Provide comfortable seating/waiting area close to the entrance or near the tea lounge where customers can wait before their consultations or while their orders are being prepared.
Adjacent to the retail area, create a dedicated tea lounge with comfortable seating, tables, and a tea bar or counter for customers to enjoy tea and refreshments.
Use the design layout to create opportunities to utilize one or more of the above spaces for open classroom-style, demonstration, instructional, or guest speaker experiences

Furniture and Equipment

The equipment needed for an apothecary or pharmacy can vary based on the specific services offered, but here are some common equipment found in these establishments:

Dispensing Equipment: This includes prescription counters, weighing scales, measuring devices (such as graduated cylinders and spoons), pill counters, and pill crushers.

Compounding Equipment: If compounding medications is part of the services offered, equipment like mortar and pestle, ointment mills, capsule filling machines, and mixing equipment may be needed.

Refrigeration Units: Refrigerators and freezers are essential for storing temperature-sensitive medications, vaccines, and other perishable items.

Shelving and Storage: Sturdy and organized shelving units are required to store medications, supplies, and other inventory items.

Computer Systems: Pharmacy management software, computer terminals, printers, and barcode scanners are necessary for efficient medication dispensing, inventory management, and recordkeeping.

Prescription Labels and Printing: Equipment for printing prescription labels, such as label printers or thermal printers, along with associated label supplies.

Safety and Security Equipment: Fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, security cameras, and alarm systems to ensure the safety and security of the premises.

Customer Service Equipment: Countertops, cash registers or point-of-sale systems, credit card terminals, and customer seating or waiting area furniture.

Medication Packaging: Equipment like blister packaging machines or vial filling machines may be needed for packaging medications in a convenient and safe manner.

Cleaning and Sterilization Equipment: Cleaning supplies, sterilization equipment, and safety gear to maintain cleanliness and adhere to hygiene protocols.

Specific equipment needs may vary depending on the size, scope, and services offered by the apothecary as well as compliance with local regulations.

Storage and Millwork

A retail area that features organized open shelving or displays to showcase the various glass bottles, bulk storage jars, and other available products.

A checkout counter where customers can interact with the pharmacist and pay for their purchases.

A designated dispensary area with:

An organized shelving system for bulk storage for herbs, prescription medicines, and other ingredients.
A work area where orders are filled accurately and efficiently.

Flooring and Wall Finishes

Apothecary:

Flooring: Durable and easy-to-clean flooring materials like vinyl, linoleum, or ceramic tiles are suitable for the apothecary area due to their resistance to spills, stains, and high foot traffic.

Wall Finishes: Opt for easy-to-clean and moisture-resistant materials for the walls such as washable paint, tile backsplashes, or even wall panels made of materials like PVC or fiberglass, which can withstand frequent cleaning.

Apothecary Lounge:

Flooring: Comfortable options like carpeting or carpet tiles can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in the lounge area. Alternatively, hardwood or laminate flooring with area rugs can add warmth and elegance.

Wall Finishes: Consider using decorative wall coverings, such as textured wallpaper or acoustic panels, to enhance the aesthetic appeal and create a soothing environment. Paint with calming colors can also contribute to a relaxing atmosphere.

Apothecary Prep Area:

Flooring: In the prep area, choose flooring materials that are easy to clean and resistant to spills and stains. Options like epoxy or concrete flooring are durable, seamless, and provide a non-porous surface, ensuring a hygienic environment.

Wall Finishes: Use moisture-resistant and easy-to-sanitize materials, such as ceramic tiles, stainless steel panels, or FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic) panels for the walls. These options can withstand frequent cleaning, offer a hygienic surface, and are resistant to damage. Prioritize materials that are hygienic, easy to clean, and those that comply with local health and safety regulations.

Ambient Controls

Lighting

In all areas, consider incorporating dimmable lighting options to adjust the light levels based on specific needs, time of day, or desired ambiance. Additionally, natural light from windows or skylights is beneficial whenever possible, but make sure to control glare and consider how it may affect product storage or display.

Apothecary Retail Space:

General Lighting: Use a combination of overhead fixtures, such as recessed or track lighting, to provide uniform illumination throughout the retail space. This ensures good visibility for customers to browse and select products.

Accent Lighting: Incorporate accent lighting using adjustable spotlights or track lights to highlight specific product displays, shelves, or signage, drawing attention to featured items or promotions.

Apothecary Lounge:

Ambient Lighting: Create a warm and inviting atmosphere by using soft, diffused lighting such as recessed downlights or wall sconces. This type of lighting helps in establishing a cozy ambiance for relaxation and conversation.

Decorative Lighting: Add decorative fixtures, like pendant lights or chandeliers, to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the lounge area, providing an elegant and stylish touch.

Library/Reading Area:

Task Lighting: Focus on providing ample direct lighting for reading purposes. Adjustable desk lamps or floor lamps with adjustable arms and shades are ideal options, allowing individuals to position the light according to their reading preferences.

Indirect Lighting: Install wall-mounted sconces or uplighting fixtures to create a soft and gentle glow, enhancing the cozy and tranquil atmosphere of the reading area.

Apothecary Prep Area:

Task Lighting: Ensure the prep area has ample lighting for precise and accurate work. Bright, evenly distributed overhead lighting fixtures, such as fluorescent or LED panels, are practical choices to illuminate work surfaces effectively.

Under Cabinet Lighting: Install LED strip lights or puck lights underneath cabinets or shelves to provide focused lighting on specific preparation areas, ensuring clear visibility during tasks.

Temperature

Provide thermostat control as an individual zone/space for each area of the Apothecary

Apothecary Retail Space:

Temperature Range: Maintain a temperature range of around 68 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 23 degrees Celsius) for the retail area.

Comfort and Product Preservation: Aim to provide a comfortable shopping environment for members while ensuring that temperature levels do not compromise the integrity and effectiveness of the medications and products on display.

Apothecary Lounge:

Temperature Range: Similar to the retail space, a temperature range of 68 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 23 degrees Celsius) is suitable for the lounge area.

Comfort and Relaxation: Maintain a temperature that promotes a pleasant and cozy environment for members to relax and enjoy their time in the lounge.

Library/Reading Area:

Temperature Range: Maintain a slightly cooler temperature range of around 66 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit (19 to 22 degrees Celsius) in the reading area.

Comfort and Concentration: If this space is segregated physically from or within the overall apothecary design, a cooler temperature is preferred and can help individuals maintain focus and prevent drowsiness while reading.

Apothecary Prep Area:

Temperature Range: The prep area should be kept at a cooler temperature range of around 64 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 21 degrees Celsius).

Product Stability and Hygiene: Lower temperatures help maintain the stability and efficacy of the medications being prepared. Cooler temperatures can also create a more comfortable environment for staff working in this area.

Sound/Music

Provide audio system controls with appropriate background music options

(Recommended) Provide additional local audio system options (ie. wireless speaker, dock)

M.E.P. Requirements

Mechanical Requirements

Individual HVAC zones for the Apothecary and storage area

Electrical Requirements

Provide individual outlets (and USB/USB-C) ports at seating areas

Power required for computer workstation or tablet charging

Install ample electrical outlets near seating areas and study spaces to accommodate the charging needs of laptops, tablets, and other personal devices.

Power required in storage/prep/mixing area:

Evaluate the power requirements of various equipment used in the prep area, such as mixers, blenders, refrigeration units, and compounding devices. Ensure that the electrical infrastructure can handle the load of these appliances.

Install an adequate number of electrical outlets, including Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs), for plugging in equipment and ensuring electrical safety.

Plumbing Requirements

Restrooms:

Plumbing fixtures such as toilets, sinks, faucets, and appropriate drainage systems.

Apothecary Retail Space:

Faucet and sink for interactive product use.

Apothecary Lounge/Library/Reading Area:

If the lounge area offers beverages, plumbing connections for coffee machines, water dispensers, or beverage preparation stations will be necessary.

A sink or bar area might be needed for dishwashing, glassware cleaning, or other related purposes.

Consider providing a water dispenser or drinking fountain for members' convenience.

If the library area includes a café or food service component, plumbing requirements for sinks, dishwashing areas, and potential food preparation stations may arise.

Apothecary Prep Area:

The prep area requires multiple sinks for handwashing, workspace hygiene, and equipment cleaning. The number of sinks will depend on the size and specific operations of the prep area.

If the prep area involves compounding or other specialized functions, plumbing requirements for specific equipment (e.g., water baths, wash stations, or mixing apparatus) may be necessary.

Safety and Sanitation Requirements

Sanitation and Safety Measures

(Recommended) Provide air filtration system

Modern Apothecary Examples

Modern Apothecary Design - Joali Being, Maldives

Modern Apothecary Design - Andaz Maui, HI

Apothecary Objective Space Planning Design Features Ambient Controls M.E.P. Requirements Safety and Sanitation Requirements Modern Apothecary Examples