As a designer, and a professional, I strive to
create
an office environment that:
· Reflects your
practice;
· Attracts patients;
· Creates
a healing environment; and
· Allows your style
to emerge.
As a comprehensive office planner, I also seek
to:
· Reduce your stress
level;
· Handle every
detail;
· Protect your
investment; and
· Save you money.
Office
Design Must Reflect Your Practice
The most important element in design is to make certain it reflects you
and your practice. A reception area is the patient's first contact with
the practitioner and thus should reflect the professionalism of the practitioner
without being intimidating. It should also show that the practitioner
cares about their patients, his or her practice and that stays up-to-date
with the latest practices and technology. Accomplishing this doesn't necessarily
demand a high-tech or contemporary style (this is particularly important
in this Northern Virginia area), but instead must present a clean, professional
and non-residential appearance that will put your patients at ease while
reassuring them of your total professionalism. (back
to top)
A Well-Designed Office
Will Attract Patients
The current managed care environment has made healthcare a competitive
market, forcing the healthcare profession to look at marketing for the
first time. A well-designed office will attract patients, making it a
good business decision. All factors being equal, a patient will choose
the practice with the most comfortable environment.
(back to top)
A
Healing Environment Relaxes Patients
I create a healing environment, one which helps relax the patient and
anticipate their needs. I use many motifs found in nature, artwork and
plants throughout my designs - both to calm and reinforce nature and life
- but always with a nod to functionality. (back
to top)
Allowing
Your Style to Emerge
As a designer I try to serve as a guide for the practitioner. I don't
force a particular style on my clients but allow their preferences and
style to emerge. My job is to take their preferences, then steer them
toward the proper decisions, to create a professional appearance, plus,
of course, good color choices, functional furnishings and finishes. This
doesn't mean that I will sit back and allow mistakes to be made - in this
case I will always speak up. (back to top)
Reducing
Your Stress Level
Throughout the process, I act as an advocate for my clients. I serve to
reduce the stress the client feels through the design/building/remodeling
process. I feel strongly that they are paying for my experience and it
is my job to get them the best end result for their money and take a lot
of the stress off their shoulders. I negotiate with contractors and vendors,
make furnishing and accessory purchases and schedule deliveries. I check
all products and workmanship and handle any necessary repairs or replacements
should they be necessary. I want my clients to be happy for many reasons,
but the biggest is that they are my best marketing tool. I don't advertise
- I depend entirely on my current and past clients for additional business.
(back to top)
I'll Handle
Every Detail
Details, details, details. My job is to follow, track and stay on top
of all the details. Are the cabinet hardware, blinds, coat hooks, lamps
and mirrors all the same color finish? If we raise the ceiling should
we raise the chair rail? The edge of that custom cabinet door is 1/8"
lower than the other - has to be fixed. These time consuming details are
resolved without the practitioner spending his or her valuable time. (back
to top)
Protecting
Your Investment
I mentioned that I can protect my clients from making expensive mistakes.
This is very important. The certification process ensures that I know
materials testing procedures and code. I make sure that the materials
meet fire & safety codes and will wear well in that particular environment.
I always look to the future, taking great care with life-cycle costing
(e.g., perhaps a $20 carpet might save you money up front but a slightly
higher priced carpet will give you a lifetime warranty, thus saving you
significantly over the next 15 years). I also ensure that the furniture
selected will actually physically fit in the space and will allow enough
circulation room, a very common mistake. I know ADA and ANSI codes and
will make sure that a space meets ADA requirements. (back
to top)
Saving You
Money
I am a licensed reseller which means that I buy quality products at wholesale
and pass on most of my discount to my clients -- so they actually end
up paying less for their furnishings. And I deal only with reputable vendors
that are responsive and sell quality products. The same goes for subcontractors.
I won't work with any that are not responsive and reputable. I have an
excellent relationship with all of my subs, but they also all know what
I expect of them and that my standards are high. (back
to top)
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