Veterinary Clinics and Animal Hospitals
Boarding Kennels and Daycare Facilities
Animal Shelters & Humane Societies
Animal Care Facilities
Our experience with the design of hundreds of animal hospitals and shelters nation-wide, brings an expertise that is valuable for the planners of new and improved animal care facilities. We understand the conditions that make these buildings unique,.and as architects, help coordinate the team of engineers, product suppliers, and builders to achieve a successful building project.
E. John Knapp
Mark Schmidt
A Legacy of Innovation in Animal Care Architecture
E. John Knapp relocated from Michigan to Madison, Wisconsin, where he played a pioneering role in the field of veterinary facility design. In 1992, he authored The Floor Plan Book: Veterinary Hospital and Boarding Kennel Planning and Design, a foundational resource that helped define the standards for modern animal care environments.
In 1984, architect Mark Schmidt joined John and became involved in designing hundreds of animal care facilities across the United States. AIA member and principal at Knapp Schmidt Architects LLC, Mark has carried forward the firm’s legacy since John’s retirement and passing in 2018.
Knapp Schmidt Architects LLC is known for its specialization in animal care design, with a focus on critical elements including sound and odor control—vital considerations for the well-being of animals and staff alike. Their portfolio includes veterinary hospitals, pet boarding facilities, and animal shelters nationwide.
Animal Care Facility Design Expertise
At Knapp Schmidt Architects, we bring decades of specialized experience to every animal care project. Our design approach balances functionality, comfort, and long-term performance through the following key areas:
1
Function & Organizational Needs
We take the time to understand your specific goals, workflows, and preferences—ensuring your facility supports both daily operations and long-term success.
2
Sound Control
We plan for effective control of sound using our knowledge of floor planning, construction techniques, and coordination of mechanical systems. The goal is facilities that are comfortable for both people and animals.
3
Odor Control
We assist in the selection of finish materials that promote the ease of cleaning and maintenance, both critical issues for long term building use and odor control. We participate in the planning of ventilation systems.
4
Animal Housing
We are familiar with the wide variety of needs of housing pets, from the Bio-Isolation needs of an animal hospital to the boarding suites of pets while in extended care. Our goal is to address the individual needs of each facility.
5
Design Style
We have no preconceived building style, and understand most client’s needs to integrate their facility into the fabric of the local community. This requires on-site visits and direct work with local governing authorities.
6
Facility Operations
We strive to design buildings that are energy efficient, so consider climate conditions and building site orientation as fundamental components of every design project. Balancing initial cost vs long-term operational cost is part of every project decision making.
7
Geographical Location
Our specialty in animal care has led us to provide our expertise throughout the United States. Since each area is so unique, we routinely work with engineering consultants local to the project. This ensures that our projects have the necessary communications
with local governing officials as needed for a smooth process. Since architects and engineers are individually licensed in each state, we arrange for team partners as needed for state building code compliance.
8
Construction
As architects, we may plan a facility, but also expect to be involved in the process of assisting owners to receive cost estimates and bids for construction. We assist builders to acquire the appropriate building permits. Our role in construction varies per the needs of each individual project.
Work With Knapp Schmidt Architects
CONTACT MARK SCHMIDT, AIA
