Columbia completed an underwater themed children’s dental office expansion focused on making going to the dentist fun and easy for kids and their parents. The unique buildout included 18 self-contained dental chairs, 3 exam rooms, an employee area, a storage mezzanine, various offices, and a reception and waiting area. Additionally, exterior work increased the size of the glass storefront to its maximum capability.  

Built within an open concept space with 24 feet high ceilings, full size turtles, glass jelly fish, various sea animals, and a 25-foot-long whale float from the waiting room ceiling. The lighting scheme reflects the ocean theme, with over 60 light fixtures of various sizes that look like bubbles. A circular jelly fish tank welcomes patients at the front door, and a glass tunnel directs guests into the office. Once in the exam area, two 500-gallon saltwater fish tanks flank either side of the dental chairs.

The project was completed in under 15 weeks, despite procurement issues that required constant re-sequencing of the critical path, and included coordination between artists, and various vendors including the fish tank, the glass tunnel, and dental equipment. The project was designed by Dyer Brown and the artwork was completed by Imagination Design Studios.