«The chemist’s is truly unique and suits our needs perfectly.»
Interview with Herr Rudi Kilchherr
Interview on 28 May 2026
Why did you choose to build a new house/renovate?
The Bollwerk Apotheke is pretty special in as much that the focus is around consultation and meeting clients face to face. I wanted to align the Pharmacy for this: creating more areas that clients can have individual face to face consultations.
Why did you choose Global Shop Design?
GSD was recommended by another Pharmacy owner.
How did you experience the planning process?
The Bollwerk is in the Bern city centre and covered by “Denkmalschutz” (heritage conservation). GSD was excellent navigating through this process.
How satisfied are you with the result?
Very satisfied! We managed to keep a traditional look and an unique feel.
How was the new pharmacy received by customers?
Feedback is very good.
How were the new pharmacy and the renovation phase received by the employees?
The renovation took about 4 months (3 floors) and we managed to stay opened at all times. So there was obvious challenges for the employees but they are happy with the result.
How does the redesign and new product presentation affect sales?
Being able to maintain operation during the Umbau was fantastic. Sales have not picked up yet but we are still in the process of improving workflows.
Initial situation
The Bollwerk Pharmacy is situated directly opposite Bern railway station and has been housed in a historic building dating from 1920 since 1938. In the early 1960s, the pharmacy began specialising in naturopathy and complementary medicine, and soon became known throughout the region as a herbalist’s. Later, the range was expanded to include traditional Chinese medicine and compounded preparations.
As early as 2008, the former owner commissioned Global Shop Design to carry out a preliminary design, but it became apparent that the time was not yet right for a major refurbishment.
In 2024, the property company planned a complete refurbishment of the listed building. In this context, we were once again approached by the successor and new owner, Mr Rudi Kilchherr, to undertake a project. Thanks to the good relationships established back then, our ability to understand the client’s wishes and our strong design expertise, Global Shop Design was awarded the contract.
Task
The refurbishment was to be cost-effective, blend in with the stately, historic building and reflect the pharmacy’s history. Furthermore, the focus was to be on personalised consultations, and the product range – which centres on natural remedies and herbs – was to be highlighted. The refurbishment was to take place whilst the pharmacy remained open.
Gallery
Stained spruce
Flooring
Stoneware/oak parquet
Chekout
Dekton Rem Natural
Sandstone wall
renovated
Solution
The pharmacy, which at the time comprised a ground floor with a mezzanine, a first basement level with a laboratory and preparation room, and a second basement level with a laboratory for the production of traditional Chinese medicine and storage rooms, was refurbished in three stages. The TCM laboratory was relocated off-site. In addition, a new staff lounge with a cloakroom and washroom, as well as an office, were fitted out.
On the first basement level, a new laboratory, a new compounding area, as well as an additional office and a consultation room were created.
On the ground floor, two new consultation rooms were set up alongside the back office and the dispensing area.
Whilst the ground floor was being refurbished, the pharmacy was temporarily housed in a container near the Neuengass underpass.
The design fully reflects the pharmacy’s identity and the client’s vision. The natural feel is conveyed by oak parquet flooring, whilst the long tradition and history are represented by historic tiles, a classic-style counter and elegant shelving with decorative elements. All of this was designed by Global Shop Design with dedication and attention to detail.
