Office Space: Viva Dental

by Darcie Galbraith, BA, Interior Design Coach; Peter Barry, C.M.C. Practice Success Coach

Viva Dental

THE WHY: Owner’s story

Over the span of a 32-year dental career, Dr. Craig Siemens has transitioned his career through various practice settings. He owned and operated three offices in North Vancouver, eventually selling his final practice and moving to Victoria in 2012, around the mid-stage of his career. At that point, he had decided to slow the pace of his professional activities by reducing his clinical days and owner responsibilities in exchange for a more flexible lifestyle while practicing as a locum dentist. He did this for approximately 10 years in a variety of clinical environments, which included some mission work. While living in Victoria, BC, and enjoying the reduced pace and balanced lifestyle, he began to feel a renewed itch and spark of excitement for the next phase of his professional career. This prompted him to seek out a new location where he could build a brand new, beautifully designed facility that would nourish his excitement and passion for servitude in healthcare.

Viva Dental

Viva Dental

THE HOW: Planning & preparation

Viva Dental is in Victoria, BC, on the beautiful tourist-driven island of Vancouver. Surrounded by water and full of adventure, Victoria has a unique combination of old-world charm and modern luxuries, as well as a variety of outdoor adventures. After finding a space and signing the lease, he was excited to work through the logistical design and build challenges that had to be strategized in order to customize the space to his tastes and technical requirements. The COVID shutdowns significantly delayed the time line for completion and the grand opening. The year of delays was eventually forgotten and replaced with an excitement and enthusiasm for practising out of a ground-level commercial space that has great store front visibility and plenty of pedestrian, residential and commercial traffic. During the design, as well as in day-to-day practice life, they have made an overall concerted effort to be environmentally conscious and green-friendly wherever possible.

Viva Dental

Viva Dental

THE RESULTS: Technical design features

They designed the space with open concept rooms and strong air filtration, for post pandemic peace of mind, as air flow restrictions eased into a new state of normalcy. The space is clean and modern with white walls, white cabinetry and warm, rich wood flooring. Behind the front desk they created a linear wall-to-ceiling wood-like custom design feature that accentuates the beautiful Viva Dental Logo for all patrons to see when they enter. To promote their unique branding and stand out in the community, they also hired models and a professional photographer to capture quirky, exciting images that liven up the vibe of the overall space. Viva Dental also used these images as themed lifestyle artwork that is tastefully placed throughout the office as well as on their various media platforms for magnetic marketing attraction.

THE IMPACT: Empowered practice outcomes

They have been presented the first “Green Dental Office Award on Vancouver Island” for their efforts as recognized by the Vancouver Island Green Business Collective (VIGBC). To receive this achievement, the office was assessed on various initiatives, such as operational materials used on a daily basis, air quality, unique recycling initiatives, window quality, and day-to-day reduction of various factors that leave a carbon footprint on the environment. This facility has turned out to be a beautiful space to practise their full passion for dentistry. Dr. Siemens is proud of the new office and appreciates how enthusiastically the community of Victoria has welcomed their healthcare facility.

Equipment Supplier: Henry Schein
Construction: Skyline Contracting Ltd.
Dental Cabinetry: A-DEC Dental


About the Authors

Darcie is co-founder of Bella Vita Designs Inc; an interior design company specializing in creating beautiful functional spaces for start-ups, remodeling, expanding, or relocating your dream practice. To have your proud story and unique office design featured she can be reached at darcie@bellavitadesigns.ca / IG @bellavitadesignsinc / 905-716-8528.

 

Peter is Founder of Practice Mastery Inc, a Team Development Coaching company that serves the growth & development needs of your practice. He provides customized group and one on-one “Success Training” to dental professionals & industry companies across N. America. IG @peterbarrycoach / peter@practicemastery.com / www.practicemastery.com / 416-568-5456.

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