Dr. Kim Sherry, a Grand Rapids, Michigan-based dentist, embarked on her journey as an independent practitioner and set out to establish a family dental practice that reflected her personal style and values. She envisioned a warm, inviting space that moved away from the traditional sterile health care environment, instead offering a residential-inspired atmosphere where both patients and staff felt at ease.

Dr. Sherry selected a white-boxed suite in an office building as the home for her new practice. The space featured exposed wood ceilings, providing a natural warmth that served as a foundation for the design team’s vision. Building upon this existing element, the challenge was to craft an interior that balanced comfort with functionality, ensuring an efficient workflow while maintaining a home-like aesthetic.

Key design considerations included creating a residential feel with soft textures, warm lighting, and inviting furnishings to ease patient anxiety. The layout was optimized for seamless workflow between reception, waiting areas, treatment rooms, and staff spaces. Budget-conscious solutions ensured quality and aesthetics without exceeding financial constraints. The design reflected Dr. Sherry’s vision, making the practice distinctive, approachable, and aligned with her commitment to family dentistry. Existing architectural features, such as the exposed wood ceilings, were incorporated to enhance warmth and cohesion. The result was a welcoming, functional space that felt like home for Dr. Sherry, her staff, and her patients.

Project Partners:

General Contractor: BDR

Architect: Dixon Architecture