Dr Stephen Kwang has recently opened his new endodontic practice in Yokine, a leafy suburb just 5.9k north of the Perth CBD.
Yokine is one of Perth’s older suburbs and has been subject to significant redevelopment in the past 20 years with many of the larger properties being subdivided and developed as townhouses and units. The increase in the number of dwellings available and the proximity to the nearby nightlife in Mount Lawley and Mount Hawthorn has seen a growth in the local population and a large influx of professionals into the area. This demographic presented a great opportunity for a specialist endodontic practice.
After completing his Dentistry studies at UWA, Stephen practiced as a general dentist in Perth for 5 years before specialising in endodontics. “I have always been a very inquisitive and analytical person, wanting to find out how things work and function, and dentistry seemed the natural choice to me. In the course of my general dental studies, I also developed an interest in healing and preservation of teeth, and hence was drawn to study endodontics, which aims to remove disease from teeth and preserve them, thus preventing the need for extraction.”
In late 2013, Stephen started exploring his options in regards to setting up his own practice and approached a number of companies in the practice design space. “After working for others for over 10 years, I had developed my own philosophy of practice and I was very keen to implement this. Medifit seemed the obvious choice as I like to work in a minimalistic, uncluttered practice. My philosophy is to keep things efficient and simple and I believe Medifit’s design elements incorporate my philosophy very well.”
Stephen’s brief to the Medifit design team was for a relaxed, calm environment for patients and staff. In alignment with his philosophy for practice, he wanted the space to have a restrained, simple aesthetic creating a sense of efficiency and communicating a feeling of confidence and assuredness. Textures and colours should be light and modern, reflecting a high standard of finish and detail.
With a nett floor area of 78m2, the design solution proposed by Medifit maximised the available space providing a comfortable waiting and reception area, a generous surgery, steri, staff room and practice office. In addition, a disability access compliant toilet was located at the rear of the tenancy. The layout was designed for optimum efficiency in the day to day operation of the practice.
Completed in early 2015, Dr Kwang is very pleased with his new practice and the way that Medifit has bought his vision to life.
“Although only 78sqm, the practice feels spacious, due to the high ceilings and Medifit was able to make the space appear larger than it is.”
Medifit’s experience in the dental fitout space meant that they were able to liaise directly with the developer and suppliers for the best outcomes for Dr Kwang in terms of the tenancy arrangements and equipment supply. Their proven processes and construction methodologies ensured that the complete fitout took just nine weeks and was delivered on schedule, allowing Dr Kwang to open for business as planned.
“Medifit got on to the site very quickly and were able to complete the project on time as promised. They were very efficient.”
The colour scheme is deliberately natural, with a range of timber textures, earthy browns and warm greys harmonising with the warm, light walls. Negative detail features throughout the wall panelling and reception provide visual interest and subtly reinforce the understated efficiency of the design. The large surgery gives Dr Kwang plenty of room for procedures and a comfortable consultation area for pre and post treatment discussions while the steri, office and staff rooms are simple and elegant.
The result is a modern, contemporary practice with a carefully restrained aesthetic and extraordinary attention to detail. A perfect reflection of Dr Kwang’s personal philosophy and a beautiful working environment.
Medifit’s Sam Koranis adds
“The entire Medifit team would like to thank Stephen for trusting us with his vision. We wish him and the team at Yokine Endodontics every success and a happy and prosperous future”
