Maine Plastic Surgery Earns AIA Maine 2020 Design Award

Posted May 12, 2020

CHA Architecture’s elegant, yet functional design of Maine Plastic Surgery has earned a Citation Award in the Renovation & Adaptive Reuse category from the Maine Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).

The annual AIA Maine Design Awards recognizes the stunning work from architecture firms across the state. The jury of Wisconsin-based architects was highly impressed with all the projects and designated winners from over 60 entries in commercial, residential, renovation, small project, and unbuilt categories.

Congratulations to the inspired project team for their hard work in creating a medical practice that offers the finest in comfort, convenience, and privacy! Maine Plastic Surgery is showcased on AIA Maine’s 2020 Design Awards website, and it will be featured alongside other award-winning projects in the June issue of Maine Home + Design. 


A Marriage of Modern Elegance and Industry

A boutique clinical practice with spa services and clinical plastic surgery services called for an elegant yet functional space that radiated warmth, sophistication, and therapeutic confidence. Maine Plastic Surgery worked with CHA Architecture to create an interior aesthetic that married modern elegance with industrial touches while focusing on the efficient movement of patients and staff throughout the practice.

The organization of the client’s program became the main driver for the layout of the space, which was clearly divided into three contiguous sections. From the third-floor elevator lobby there are two patient entry points at opposite ends that separate and distinguish the consultation/spa functions of the practice from the clinical procedure functions. An unmarked staff entry is tucked between the two, providing the backstage office and support functions for staff to efficiently access from both sides. The need for privacy and discretion influenced the layout and patient flow throughout the facility.

The office design aesthetic is a rich mix of sharply contrasting interior finishes, including blackened steel, white quartz, patterned glass, and reclaimed barn wood inspired by Maine’s rocky coast. Finishes for clinical areas were appropriately selected for their infection prevention properties while maintaining a sense of warmth and adherence to the overall palette. High ceilings, oversized doors, and decorative lighting enhance the feeling of elegance. Large windows flood the space with natural light and provide breathtaking views of the surrounding coastal marsh.


Maine Plastic Surgery will be recognized at the Design Award Ceremony on Wednesday, September 16, 2020, in Portland, Maine, where it will also be eligible for the People’s Choice Award.