PHARMACY DESIGN
HOW TO DESIGN A PHARMACY
Every good pharmacy brand has a story. Whether you are a family-run pharmacy with a long history or a franchised chain built from one person's big idea, your brand story helps humanize your business. Telling this story clearly and efficiently helps to create a long-lasting connection between a company and its customers.
Store design and marketing principles are universal, so they apply to the pharmacy just as easily as any other retail endeavor. The customer experience directly results from your store design, flawless multichannel approach, and customer service. This will influence whether customers will use your pharmacy in the future.
Gone are the days when retail spaces, including pharmacies, were designed solely to sell products. Today's consumers demand more from their shopping experience. They crave environments that are functional but also aesthetically pleasing and emotionally stimulating. As designers, our task is to create immersive, interactive spaces that connect with the consumers on a deeper level, turning the mundane into extraordinary. Here's a comprehensive guide on transforming the ordinary into the unforgettable, focusing on the pharmacy's branding and physical design.
BRANDING YOUR PHARMACY
Branding isn't designing a logo or picking the colors of your business. It's about shaping the emotional connection and the narrative between your brand and your customer. According to Jeff Bezos, "A brand is what other people say about you when you're not in the room."
Identify Your Product
Determine what sets your pharmacy apart. It could be your commitment to personalized care or your range of organic health products. This should inspire the core of your brand identity and influence the design of your pharmacy.
Craft a Strong Brand Story
Your brand story is the narrative that encapsulates who you are, what you stand for, and the experience customers can expect. This story should be subtly yet distinctly communicated in every aspect of your pharmacy's design.
INTERIOR DESIGN
Designing a pharmacy requires harmony between numerous elements. These range from your choice of materials, lighting fixtures, furniture, or color palette. The interplay of these elements creates the sensory experience that defines your pharmacy and shapes the narration of your brand story. In the era of digital media, a visually stunning space can work as a free marketing tool. Consider designing a space that customers will want to photograph and share on social media, enhancing your brand's visibility.
Creating an Inviting Atmosphere:
A welcoming environment can put your customers at ease, making them more likely to spend their time browsing and connecting with your brand.Visual Merchandising: Thoughtfully display your products in a way that encourages exploration. Guide your customers' journey through the store with strategic product placement, highlighting new items, best sellers, or seasonal promotions. The goal is to create a visual path that invites discovery.
Interactive Elements: Enhance customer engagement by integrating interactive elements into your store design. These could include digital kiosks for product information, touch-and-feel displays, or an interactive wellness station.
Sensory Appeal: Beyond visual aesthetics, appeal to your customers' other senses. The scent of essential oils, the texture of materials, and ambient sounds can all contribute to a captivating sensory experience.
Lighting: Light fixtures aren't just functional; they can be used to highlight products, create ambiance, and contribute to the overall aesthetics of your pharmacy. The wrong color temperature, or intensity can cause your customers to feel uncomfortable.
Our task, as designers, is to use aesthetics as a tool to create engaging, beautiful spaces that inspire, entertain, and evoke emotions. The importance of aesthetics in a retail environment has shifted from an afterthought to an integral part of the brand strategy, especially in the digital age where visuals reign supreme. A beautifully designed pharmacy is a physical manifestation of your brand, facilitating customer engagement and enhancing their shopping experience.
Functionality shouldn't be viewed as separate from aesthetics; the two must work harmoniously to create an efficient and captivating space. In our studio, we live by the principle that beauty is indeed a function. We aim to create designs that serve as brand theatres where stories unfold, memories are created, and relationships are nurtured.
After all, your customers don't come just for simple transactions; they want to connect with your brand, champion its cause, and weave it into their lives.
OUR SERVICES
At Sergio Mannino Studio, we help clients develop a unique identity that will perfectly convey the brand message and be relevant for many years. We believe that a brand is made of multiple components working together seamlessly: the graphic, the logo, the color palette, the interior of your space, each material and finish, the packaging, the website, etc. All these elements must work together to convey the brand's values and story.
Since 2008 we have been helping companies of all sizes develop interiors, graphics, and furniture that together tell powerful stories.
FAQ
What is pharmacy design, and why is it important?
Pharmacy design centers on creating functional, modern, and customer-focused spaces that optimize workflow, elevate the patient experience, and ultimately drive sales. Beyond the practical aspects—such as efficient medication dispensing and clear signage—a visually appealing environment builds customer trust and positions your pharmacy as a reliable, professional destination.
How does Sergio Mannino Studio approach pharmacy design?
We combine Italian design roots with modern branding and retail strategies to develop distinctive pharmacy spaces. Each project begins with a deep understanding of your goals, followed by meticulous planning of layout, furniture, and branding details. We aim to craft a space that’s efficient and compliant but especially warm, welcoming, and true to your vision.
What services does the Studio offer for pharmacy design?
We provide comprehensive solutions, from initial layout planning and architectural design to furniture creation, interior finishes, and branded signage. Whether you need a full-scale renovation or are opening a new location, our team ensures that every element—lighting, color palettes, custom fixtures—works in harmony to present a cohesive image.
Why should pharmacies invest in professional design?
In a competitive market, a well-designed pharmacy sets you apart. Streamlined layouts speed up daily operations, enhance customer flow, and reduce wait times. Thoughtful aesthetics and branded touches create an environment that patients trust and want to return to, while strategically placed product displays can boost sales and encourage customers to explore additional health and wellness items.
Does the Studio work with independent pharmacies and large chains?
Absolutely. Our experience spans everything from boutique pharmacies to multi-location retail chains and healthcare institutions. Each project is tailored to its unique context and audience, ensuring that the design speaks to your brand values and operational needs—regardless of scale, budget, or setting.
Can the Studio redesign an existing pharmacy?
Yes. We specialize in revamping older locations to meet modern retail and healthcare standards. By assessing your current space, we identify areas for improvement—such as workflow inefficiencies, outdated interiors, or poor brand visibility—and transform it into a fresh, inviting, and highly functional environment.
How does pharmacy design impact customer experience?
When customers walk into a space that’s organized, inviting, and easy to navigate, their overall experience improves. Clear wayfinding helps them find products quickly, while well-lit consultation areas foster private, comfortable conversations with pharmacists. These elements, combined with a welcoming atmosphere, build patient confidence and loyalty.
Does the Studio provide custom furniture for pharmacies?
Yes. Our custom furniture and display units are designed to seamlessly integrate with your overall branding and the functional needs of a pharmacy. Whether you require specialized storage solutions, ergonomic counters, or unique seating, we create pieces that blend style, efficiency, and durability.
How do you handle regulatory and technical aspects of pharmacy design?
We collaborate with trusted architects, engineers, consultants, and local code specialists to ensure compliance with healthcare regulations, ADA guidelines, and building codes. While technical details are crucial, we believe they form only one part of the design puzzle. By managing these requirements behind the scenes, we keep the focus on delivering a welcoming and brand-aligned space.
What if my pharmacy concept is unique, and I don’t see an exact match in your portfolio?
It’s natural to want proof of identical experience. However, we believe creativity often thrives when crossing industry boundaries and rethinking familiar models. Architects and designers are trained for a wide range of projects, and the core principles—strategic layouts, compelling brand narratives, and efficient workflows—apply to every type of space. If you value fresh ideas and a tailored approach, we’re confident we can bring your unique vision to life.
Where is Sergio Mannino Studio located?
We operate out of New York and Milan (Italy), providing global design services informed by both Italian craftsmanship and contemporary international trends. This dual perspective allows us to serve pharmacies and healthcare retailers around the world.
How can I contact Sergio Mannino Studio for a pharmacy design project?
Reach out via our website’s contact form, and we’ll schedule a time to learn about your project’s specifics. Whether you’re looking for a modern makeover or building a brand-new pharmacy, we’re here to guide you through every step of the design process.
About Sergio Mannino, Founder
Sergio Mannino, who honed his skills in architecture at the University of Florence, had the privilege of working closely with influential designers Ettore Sottsass and Remo Buti. He also spent three years teaching interior architecture at the same university before relocating to New York in 2001.
Sergio showcased his unique furniture designs in a solo exhibition at the Memphis-Postdesign Gallery in Milan in September 2002. This exhibition, again supervised by Sottsass, featured nine completed pieces and a hundred watercolor renderings.
In 2008, drawing on his wealth of experience and creative drive, Sergio set up his own architectural branding agency. His goal was, and still is, to utilize design as a catalyst for brand success.
