Business Details
35 Years
experience
Animal Care Facility Architects in Florida
Bacon Group Architecture has spent over 30 years designing functional, healthy environments for animal care facilities. Founded in 1991 by Richard S. Bacon, our firm specializes in architectural design, interior planning, and sustainable solutions for animal shelters, veterinary hospitals, and high-volume spay/neuter clinics. Our team of licensed professionals combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of animal welfare needs, delivering projects that achieve measurable outcomes for clients. With LEED accreditation and Fear Free certification, we prioritize energy efficiency and stress-reducing design principles.Our work has transformed facilities nationwide, including award-winning projects like the Jacksonville Humane Society Community Animal Hospital, which reduced euthanasia rates by 78%. We maintain active memberships with the American Institute of Architects and Pinellas County Small Business Enterprise Program, ensuring compliance with industry standards while delivering cost-effective, innovative solutions.
Services
Architectural Design
Interior Design
Sustainable Design
Construction Observation
Design Programming
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of specialized experience in animal care facility design
- LEED-certified professionals implementing sustainable building practices
- Fear Free design expertise reducing animal stress in facilities
- Award-winning projects with proven client outcomes (e.g., 78% euthanasia reduction)
- Active members of American Institute of Architects and SBE programs
Associations and certifications
- LEED Accreditation
- Fear Free Certified
- Pinellas County Small Business Enterprise (SBE)
What people say
78% euthanasia reduction
Award-winning designs
Proven track record
Specialized expertise
Measurable outcomes
Services
Animal Shelter Design
Our animal shelter design service creates efficient, stress-reducing environments that improve adoption rates and animal welfare. We incorporate specialized zoning for different animal types, durable finishes, and energy-efficient systems. Our designs consistently deliver measurable outcomes like the 78% euthanasia reduction achieved at Jacksonville Humane Society.
Veterinary Hospital Design
We design veterinary hospitals with optimized workflow patterns and medical equipment integration. Our spaces feature diagnostic imaging areas, surgical suites, and client consultation rooms that balance functionality with comfort. The Jacksonville Humane Society Community Animal Hospital demonstrates our ability to create healing environments that support both animals and staff.
Sustainable Design
Our LEED-certified professionals implement energy-saving strategies like natural lighting systems and efficient HVAC designs. The Pasco County Technology Center achieved annual energy savings of $3,000 through our sustainable design approach, which combines environmental responsibility with operational cost reduction for our clients.
Construction Observation
We provide comprehensive construction observation services to ensure design intent is maintained throughout building. Our team monitors material quality, installation methods, and code compliance, drawing from decades of experience managing complex animal care facility projects across multiple states.
Design Programming
Our design programming service analyzes client needs to create optimized spatial relationships. We develop detailed functional requirements for animal housing, medical areas, and public spaces, ensuring each facility meets operational goals while maintaining flexibility for future expansion.
People
Richard S. Bacon
President and Principal Architect
With 30+ years of experience, Richard leads our architectural team in designing award-winning animal care facilities. A LEED-AP and Fear Free Certified professional, he has authored industry publications and speaks nationally on animal shelter design.
Nicole J. Mirabelli
Project Architect
Nicole brings specialized expertise in sustainable design and healthcare architecture to our projects. As a LEED-AP and EDAC-certified professional, she ensures our facilities meet rigorous environmental and accessibility standards.
Laura P. Badraun
Project Architect
Laura contributes Fear Free Certified design expertise to our animal care projects. Her focus on stress-reducing environments has enhanced multiple shelter and veterinary hospital designs across the southeastern United States.
Questions
What factors influence animal shelter construction costs?
Costs range $350-400/SF depending on HVAC systems, kennel quality, and finishes. Proper engineering systems account for 30-35% of total costs.
Can I purchase pre-designed animal shelter plans?
We only provide custom designs tailored to specific sites and local building codes for optimal functionality and compliance.
What services are included in architectural fees?
Fees cover design, construction documents, bidding assistance, and construction observation. Expect 9-12% of construction costs for basic services.
How do architects calculate design fees?
Fees use percentage-based, per-square-foot, or hourly models considering project complexity, scope, and schedule requirements.
What project delivery methods do you use?
We work with design-bid-build, construction management, and design/build methods, adapting to client preferences and project needs.
How are your architects qualified?
Our team includes LEED-APs, Fear Free Certified professionals, and licensed architects with 30+ years of specialized experience in animal care facilities.
