We have been accused of designing high-end dental offices.
Plea: But, but… we are simply “facilitators of our client’s dreams”. They made us do it. Honest!
Defense: Our designs are predicated on the following:
- Function
- Flow
- Space utilization
- Efficiency
- Productivity
- Client tastes
- Budget
Value Engineering: Since most projects are influenced by budgetary constraints, it is imperative that our clients have the opportunity to select finishes and architectural appointments that will be representative of their quality of care- yet financially manageable. This is accomplished by value engineering- or cost/quality comparatives. For example, counter surfaces can be constructed with plastic laminate, solid surface (i.e. Corian) or stone. All will look great. But, more often than not the more costly products and details are chosen.
EXAMPLE 1: The facility on this project only offered windows on one side of the building. With good sense, the client chose to have the treatment rooms face in that direction. Since we also needed to provide privacy between the treatment rooms and the reception area, the only way that we could provide natural light to the internal space would be through an interior window in an fixed partition; known as a “borrowed lite”. Among the variety of options were the vinyl-clad, acrylic “glass block” show in t he photos. The “glass” measures ½’ think. However, from each side the windows look like conventional glass block. With the inclusion of radiused corners, the windows look great. However the cost was a fraction of the cost to construct a glass block separation, and the windows served as a perfect sound barrier.
EXAMPLE 2: It is a fact that based on first impressions; the expectation of the initial impression will persist, if supported with a similar tone. Since the featured project included land purchase, a new building with leasable space and equipment, we had to be conservative in our proposal to create a first-class image. Although the reception/ greeting area is nicely appointed, it was created economically. For example, the etched glass is actually an applied film on clear glass- un-discernable to the eye. Also, what appears to be a “raised panel” façade is simply two sheets of stained plywood with square-edged wood trim. That detail is carried onto the counter surface. The ceiling features recessed cove lighting in a boxed soffit. But with the inclusion of a conventional, recessed ceiling, the access to framing and lighting is simple. Therefore the construction costs were quite reasonable. Having created a favorable “first impression”, we simply had to create a similar vision throughout the rest of the office. The transaction counter in the departure features a plastic laminate surface. But, since it blends all of the surrounding finishes, it looks first-class. We also created a “stepped soffit” on a “shoe-string” by simply layering the drywall. The effect is as dynamic as if it were framed and sheetrocked at distinctly different heights.
EXAMPLE 3: By admission, we do create “high-end” offices… on request. The photo shows a serpentine, wood veneer reception desk with inlaid glass tiles and solid surface transaction counter. Those contours are mirrored by curvilinear, drywall soffit with recessed cove lighting. We are simply “facilitators of our client’s dreams”. What’s your preference?
Conclusion: The majority of our clients choose the finer appointments. Perhaps that is why they are among the most successful dentists in the United States. We are very proud of our contribution to those statistics.