THE WHY: Clinicians’ story
Canary Dental has a unique story consisting of a hardworking husband and wife team who overcame multiple challenges to build their vibrant dream practice. Dr. Komal Lamba is the principal dentist and co-owner. She is an empowered and fearless female entrepreneur who balanced her business operations, Covid lockdowns and zoning challenges, while at the same time finding out she was pregnant with their first child.
THE HOW: Planning & Preparation
Immediately after taking possession of the space, they discovered a significant zoning challenge. The municipality had service-to-retail ratio restriction, and there was no remaining allowance for a service-based dental practice in her location. To solve this, she was required to appear in front of “The Committee Of Adjustments”. For six months she waited in limbo for her case to be reviewed. In the meantime, no permit meant no construction could begin – while rent continued to be paid with an underlying uncertainty as to whether her dream practice would even come to fruition in this location. Her landlord graciously assisted by reaching out to the community to inquire whether locals would accept having a dental office in that location. The community extended an outpouring of support, paving the way for the design and build of her dream practice.
THE RESULTS: Technical Design Features
As a foodie, and a frequent explorer of cuisine she drew her design inspiration from her passion for sophisticated fashionable boutique cafés and chic restaurants. From the exterior, you would not even recognize this as a dental office, since the reception has a living room like atmosphere where patients and guests are greeted with warm tones, plenty of textural details and a calming colour palette. To honour her father and the Canary district, unique hanging custom pendant lighting was added, to resemble bird-like sculptures flying throughout the office from the spacious high ceilings.
THE IMPACT: Empowered Practice Outcomes
Dr. Komal is overjoyed to have the Canary district as her new professional home from which she can serve her local community in a practice that brings people warmly together. There are large sidewalks, live street performers, and young families taking strolls with children and pets. The locals are excited to welcome the practice. She is excited to be able to serve dental healthcare in her diverse community.
Lease Negotiator: Cirrus Consulting Group
Architecture & Interior Designer: Prop Architecture
Branding: Nothing Design Studio
Equipment supplier: Henry Schein
Photographers: Gagan Banga (portraits) Kuba Los Photography (interior)
About the Author
Darcie is an interior design coach and project coordinator specializing in the field of dentistry. Darcie helps dentalpractices achieve their décor and space design needs. Bella Vita Designs also provides dental professionals with a large selection of office furniture solutions. She can be reached at darcie@bellavitadesigns.ca, @bellavitadesignsinc
