UGA Health Center Renovation: Campus Design & Well-Being

The University of Georgia (UGA) Health Center in Athens, GA, recently underwent a major renovation to create a space that not only meets functional needs but also reflects the university’s esteemed academic reputation. This case study explores how UGA, in partnership with Shaw Contract and StudioOne™, revitalized its health center through strategic design, brand integration, and cost-effective solutions.

Project Goals: Merging Functionality with Brand Identity

The primary objective was to modernize a three-story facility that hadn’t seen significant updates since the 1990s. UGA aimed to:

• Enhance the environment for students and faculty
• Reflect the university’s values and academic prestige
• Achieve these goals within tight budget and time constraints

By focusing on flooring and paint upgrades, UGA refreshed the space without extensive structural changes, maximizing impact while minimizing costs.

Brand Identity: Subtle, Strategic, and Student-Centric

Traditionally, UGA’s “Super G” and Bulldog logo were reserved for athletic facilities. Recognizing the importance of brand presence across campus, Facilities Manager Donnie Smith collaborated with Shaw Contract to integrate UGA’s identity into the Health Center in a design-forward way—without relying solely on logos.

Key Strategies:

• Thoughtful use of UGA’s iconic colors (scarlet, black, and silver charcoal) in flooring and accents
• Avoiding overt branding to maintain a welcoming, professional atmosphere
• Providing students with a sense of belonging outside athletic spaces

Cost and Time Savings: Smart Choices, Big Impact

UGA’s renovation focused on paint and flooring, which:

• Accelerated the project timeline
• Delivered considerable cost savings, thanks in part to Shaw Contract’s free in-house design services (StudioOne™)
• Bypassed lengthy bidding processes due to state contract approval
• Ensured the project was completed under budget and ahead of schedule

Color Psychology: Designing for Well-Being

Understanding the psychological impact of color, UGA prioritized the well-being of students and staff in the Health Center’s design. While the university’s official colors are bold, the Psychology Suite features a palette of soft greens, blues, and grays—hues known to evoke security, comfort, and calmness.

Benefits:

• Promotes a soothing, healing atmosphere
• Differentiates the Health Center from other campus facilities
• Supports mental health and recovery through intentional design choices

Results: UGA’s Vision Realized

By working closely with Shaw Contract and leveraging StudioOne™’s design expertise, UGA transformed its Health Center into a space that:

• Reflects the university’s values and brand identity
• Supports the well-being of students and staff
• Demonstrates how thoughtful design can deliver maximum impact with minimal disruption

Materials Palette: A Closer Look

Hard Surface:

• Compound 5.0 (LVT 4077V) in Granite
• Pigment Direct Glue (LVT 0503V) in Red

Soft Surface:

• Saturate Tile (Carpet Tile 5T109) in Scarlet and Black
• Chromatone Tile (Carpet Tile 5T444) in Silver Charcoal, Charcoal Taupe, and Charcoal Black
• Achromatic Tile (Carpet Tile 5T107) in Charcoal

Partnering for Success

Whether virtual or in-person, Shaw Contract’s StudioOne™ team offers customized design services—from ideation to full selection and visualization support. Their expertise helped UGA achieve a renovation that was both beautiful and budget-friendly.

The UGA Health Center renovation is a model for universities seeking to modernize facilities, reinforce brand identity, and prioritize student well-being—all while staying on budget and schedule. By focusing on strategic design, color psychology, and cost-effective upgrades, UGA created a welcoming, functional, and inspiring space for its campus community.