Dr. Nick Ritzema and his team have a vision for a more holistic practice where their dental patients’ complete health is considered. That meant they needed a space that included training space as well as enough room for growth. With the help of First Companies, they identified a building to purchase and renovate. First Companies called on r.o.i Design to help with creating a loft-like space that paid homage to the Grand Rapids history as the “Furniture City”.
Like the old furniture manufacturing buildings in Grand Rapids, the interiors have wood columns and beams, exposed brick, interior glazing, and vinyl flooring that resembles concrete floors. The space is warm, inviting, and offers a fresh take on an industrial loft. Some fun elements are the modular carpet tiles with metallic backings, hand stained cement blocks in the staff break area island face, herringbone wood planks in the exam rooms, and black conduit on the ceilings to connect the lighting.
r.o.i. Design provided lobby furniture that supported the industrial loft feel and worked with Kentwood Office Furniture, who provided the office furniture.
We have been busy and are looking forward to projects opening their doors this spring. We are showcasing just a couple of them:
With First Companies:
CBD Consulting
CBD Consulting – Progress Photo of Break Room
We are partnering with Dixon Architecture to create a stunning building that will house CBD Consulting and their tenants. CBD Consulting enhances educational facilities through the power of technology, training educators and planning school technology systems. The new building reflects their cutting-edge approach and houses their offices and learning labs. Dixon is particularly pleased with the cantilevered second floor offices and r.o.i. Design is very happy with the stairwell lighting, the corridor birch columns, the ceiling bulkheads and pops of green and orange color throughout.
Complete Health Dentistry, Dr. Nick Ritzema DDS
Complete Health Dentistry – Progress Photo
We are partnering with architect James Brodi of Create 3 PLLC to create an industrial space that includes new interior brick, exposed ceilings and electrical conduit, polished concrete, reclaimed Grand Rapids ash reception desk, shelves, and beams. The use of interior glass, framed in black, is a simple and striking look. The lower breakroom island is built from faux-painted concrete block, giving the staff space its own urban look.
With Dykhouse Construction:
Mill Steel
Mill Steel – Progress Photo of New Break Room Cabinets
This third-generation business is moving to an existing 36,000 square foot building in southeast Grand Rapids, but not before an entire remodel. We are partnering with Dixon Architecture to create new exterior dormers, canopies, decks, and landscaping, as well as a complete demolition and reconstruction of the interior spaces. Looking to house a growing and young workforce, the new space is driven by expandable space, collaborative space, break room and café, and a generous training room. The bold blue of the Mill Steel logo is represented in the interior, along with some interesting details that include live plants in the break room, pivot doors that open up the break room to the training room, Dri-Design metal panels inside and out, bold carpet patterns, outdoor patio, and a fire pit.
Look for more stories about our designs for dermatologists, professional cleaners, furniture manufacturers, pediatric dentists, multi-family developments, automobile mirror manufacturers, and jewelry stores coming soon!
There are many interior spaces that are designed specifically for kids. Schools, pediatric dental and medical offices, daycare facilities, and indoor play areas are just a few examples. These places want to feel welcoming to a child and engage their senses. Spaces should be entertaining while also sparking imagination and interest.
So what makes a successful interior design for kids? It is certainly more than just using primary colors or a lot of cartoon characters. Typically, it is important to create a lot of interest. Interesting flooring patterns and interesting ceilings draw a child’s eyes throughout the space. Instead of large, child-themed murals, blocks of color and graphics help the interiors feel fun, without exhausting the parents or staff.
It is important for some places to also feel professional, especially when it comes to pediatric dental and medical offices. Kids need to feel safe and welcome here, but parents want to be assured that these are serious practices as well. These places also need to function efficiently, and be easily maintainable.
r.o.i. Design has created numerous interiors for children. We have some clues on how this audience reacts to spaces. We know they see color differently than adults and appreciate any tactile detail.
More info on some of our recent work for children:
It’s no secret that most people do not look forward to going to the dentist – an important thing to keep in mind when designing dental offices. A pleasant, warm and soothing environment is key when selecting interior finishes for lobbies and patient areas. “The goal is to make the patient feel comfortable and welcome”, says r.o.i. Design’s Stacey Udell.
With more and more dentists retiring and new graduates taking over practices, r.o.i. has been busy working with local docs to update and refresh their spaces. Functional work areas allowing for ease of patient flow are top on the list, along with coffee bars and cozy and low-maintenance furnishings in lobbies. Creative and fun areas where kids feel safe are also a high priority. To help reduce sounds, some offices have “clouds” of acoustical panels, lighting or architectural elements that are hung from high ceilings to alleviate unwanted noise and are also visually appealing.
r.o.i. Design collaborates with dental equipment and supply companies to give dentists a wide range of options. We also offer lobby furniture, décor and wall art to “dress up” the space, and window covering options (along with installation) with practical solutions for dealing with sunlight while allowing for patient comfort.
Whether it’s remodeling an existing practice or a new build, our methods and problem-solving skills produce outcomes that are based on budget, brand, and beauty.
“Your Home for Compassionate Service and Exceptional Care” is the phrase used by the team at West Michigan Dermatology to describe their practice. It is with that in mind that First Companies set out to fulfill their needs for two new locations. Craig Baker from First Companies reached out to r.o.i. Design for interiors and to r2Design for architecture to create the designs for their new Holland and Grandville locations.
The new Holland location was just a move “across the street”, but the new space feels much refreshed. The desire for a residential “cottage feel” resulted in an interior that includes painted millwork, decorative light fixtures, as well as a feature stone veneer wall. Furnishings also reflected a feeling of hospitality. All clinic and exam areas were designed for comfort and medical excellence.
The layout gave West Michigan Dermatology the convenience of exam rooms with two doors. One allows patients to enter from the lobby side, and the other for staff to enter from the clinical side. With a variety of procedures from skin care to surgery, this layout fosters privacy and a professional separation for the maximum comfort of patients.
While r.o.i. Design was fond of many aspects of the interior, the color scheme of black, white, grey, and blue was one of the most satisfying elements.
Kudos to First Companies project manager, Jason Beekes, and to architect, Jon Blair, for their expertise and focus. We wish West Michigan Dermatology in Holland great success in their new home.
Dr. Brent Medema’s attention to detail isn’t only focused on his patients’ teeth. He appreciates design, and as an owner of a downtown condo, wanted his new dental office to reflect his urban modern style.
r.o.i. Design was introduced to Medema Endodontics through First Companies. They engaged us to design the interior of this space, which they then built-out and delivered in 2018. From that introduction we found a client who was interested in every aspect of the design, scrutinizing finishes and decisions, resulting in a wonderful product. We’d like to recognize Jordan Irish, First Companies Project Manager who was attentive to design details and customer requests.
The clean look supports the surgical nature of the practice but isn’t so clinical that it ignores patient comforts. Dr. Brent made sure there were wall art and furnishings that appealed to his patients and helped create a welcoming feeling.
Our favorite details of the design include the lobby and reception ceiling and lighting details, the exam room corridor wall, ceiling accent insets, as well as the overall color scheme.
We provided the lobby furnishings whose style hinted at a mid-century modern feel while using contemporary fabrics and finishes.
We provided wall art based on Medema’s criteria and managed the professional installation based on project needs and timelines.
Medema Endodontics is an expert practice with a focus on patient care, medical technology and continuous learning and practice improvements. For more about Medema Endodontics, medemaendo.com.
Dr. Brent Medema’s attention to detail isn’t only focused on his patients’ teeth. He appreciates design, and as an owner of a downtown condo, wanted his new dental office to reflect his urban modern style.
