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When Dr David Hurst moved his business into an iconic heritage building in Perth, he created a practice that’s beautiful and timeless. By Kerryn Ramsey
The decision to close up a practice in one location and re-open somewhere else can be difficult and worrisome. Many factors have to be taken into consideration—there’s no certainty that clients will follow, the business will expand, and the cost is warranted. For Dr David Hurst, however, it was the easiest decision he’s ever made.
“Our previous practice was in a building that was old and tired,” he says. “Cracks and problems were showing up quite regularly. On top of that, our lease was ending and the building was slated for demolition. A friend of mine who was a commercial real estate agent pointed me towards the Wentworth [Heritage] Building in Raine Square. It’s an updated heritage building that had a floor potentially designated as completely medical. It was the perfect site for our dental clinic.”
Wish list
Dr Hurst had a list of non-negotiable items he wanted in the new practice: five surgeries, large rooms, natural light and an expansive waiting/reception area. He took his list to Medifit Design & Construct. The Medifit team put together a plan showing how Dr Hurst’s ideal practice could be achieved.
“David was keen on a minimalist look for Perth Dental Rooms and I’m a firm believer in less is more,” says Sam Koranis, managing director of Medifit Design & Construct. “The building was originally constructed in the 1880s so we had to incorporate and work around different heritage aspects. There were dozens of archways that had to be saved and even the grooves in the plaster walls were heritage protected. We came up with a design solution that David loved and we were ready to proceed.”
What is it they say about best laid plans?
Change in plans
With the design approved and construction about to start by placing the new plumbing services, the building’s owner contacted Dr Hurst with a new issue. A major brand company wanted to take his space so they could expand the size of their store. The owner offered Dr Hurst a different site in the building and Sam Koranis handled the negotiations.
“They offered a small incentive for David to move but I knew we had to play hardball,” says Koranis. “There was a lot of discussions but ultimately, I managed to get the incentive doubled. The site where we were moved was 52 square metres larger but the leasing terms remained the same as the original space. This also meant that David could expand to a sixth surgery down the track. All in all, the move was a blessing in disguise.”
A new design allowed for five expansive surgeries—plus room for a sixth—a steri room, an OPG/CBCT room, a lab, two offices, a kitchen, toilets and a large and welcoming reception area.
Winning awards that are voted by our peers is validation for all the hard work we put in. The heritage restrictions made this project challenging but a good designer will always rise to the challenge.
Sam Koranis, managing director, Medifit Design & Construct
“I wanted the look and feel of the practice to be clean and sharp, as well as low maintenance,” says Dr Hurst. “I wanted it to be minimalist with a decidedly non-clinical aspect. I was hoping for more of a boutique hotel feel rather than a dental practice, and that’s what Medifit delivered.”
Open for business
Perth Dental Rooms is elegant and refined. The reception area features warm, neutral tones complemented by timber joinery and a large soft rug. The chairs and sofa are comfortable and the decision was made to avoid banquette seating. “Banquette seating is found in fast-food restaurants and is usually uncomfortable,” says Koranis. “The other reason we avoided it was that David’s project was completed just after COVID in 2020, so people were concerned about sitting close together.”
The reception area is illuminated by LED downlights and features European-made hanging circular lights. With a floating effect, the curved reception desk is constructed of Corian, brass and high-quality timber veneer manufactured in the Medifit factory. The White Oak timber flooring has a herringbone pattern that flows through the rest of the practice.
“I love the journey from the waiting area to the consult room,” says Dr Hurst. “We pass under heritage arches that have a new powder-coated metal finish. It’s a wonderful mix of original features and a contemporary look.”
Award winner
The renovation and attention to detail saw Perth Dental Rooms win the 2021 Master Builders WA Excellence in Construction Award for Best Historic or Heritage Restoration or Renovation and the National Interior Fitout Association Award for Best Medical/Professional Suites.
“Winning awards that are voted by our peers is validation for all the hard work we put in,” says Koranis. “We were fortunate to have a client like David who knew what he wanted but gave us the freedom to create his bespoke practice. The heritage restrictions made this project challenging but a good designer will always rise to the challenge.”
And business has increased dramatically. At present, the practice has six dentists, six nurses, three reception staff, two oral therapists, one hygienist and a practice manager.
“The costs involved in creating an elegant design and an attractive, functional practice is money well spent,” says Dr Hurst. “We’re on the first floor and a little tricky to find. Once clients have seen our practice and experienced the professionalism of our staff, the retention rate is very high. All our feedback is overwhelmingly positive. You can see the classic features that have been retained. It’s a perfect mix of modern facilities and technology with warm heritage charm.”
