Ritter Maher Architects was tasked with creating a thoughtful space for the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency (LOPA) in Covington, Louisiana.

Located along Interstate-12 at Highway 190 in Covington, Louisiana, this 66,000 square foot non-profit organ and tissue recovery agency is the only organ procurement organization servicing the state of Louisiana. The building was designed to facilitate the company’s core purpose, “Making Life Happen.” The illuminated tower façade, visible from the adjacent interstate, was designed to be a beacon during night hours, as this facility remains in operation 24 hours a day/7 day a week. The first floor serves those clinical needs of LOPA, as it includes an Ambulance Bay, a 3-bed Donor Care Unit, 3 O.R. suites for organ and tissue procurement, an Organ Pump Room, a CT Scan Room, and a Lab, in addition to a 24-hour call center, among other support areas. The second and third floors house offices, meeting rooms, and social spaces for agency operations and community outreach. It was important to balance design intent with budget and program realities, consistently maintaining a policy of good stewardship of the non-profit’s funds. The client was cognizant of serving their donor “heroes” throughout the design process, always making decisions that would best honor the agency’s goals and donor families.

Design: Ritter Maher Architects
Interior Design: CDI Solutions
Contractor: SL Shaw and Associates
Photography: James Peck | The Pixel House