BDH designed a warm and inviting space for the Pura Vida Orthodontics in St. Louis Park, Minnesota.

Pura Vida Orthodontics wanted to open a third clinic. They selected a vacant retail storefront at The Shops at West End in St. Louis Park, Minnesota for their newest location. Spanning an area of 2,250 square feet, their main objective was to establish a clinic that stands out and resonates with the young professional demographic frequenting the stores and residing in the highly sought-after area. Upon project commencement, the space contained a dirt floor, no windows, no mechanical installations, and no exterior façade. The design team started from a blank canvas.

The distinctive orthodontic clinic merges an industrial aesthetic with a spa-like ambiance that imparts a favorable impression on patients. As one approaches the clinic, the clean and modern design immediately catches the eye. Neutral tones are elegantly juxtaposed with vibrant pops of color that reflect the clinic’s branding, creating an inviting atmosphere that attracts passersby. Inside, the design team skillfully balanced the industrial feel of the high, exposed ceilings through the strategic incorporation of dropped soffits, curved baffles, and warm wood tones. These elements soften the space, imparting a sense of tranquility and comfort upon patients and staff.

The design team thoughtfully tailored the layout to accommodate the long, narrow footprint of the retail setting. Featuring an open patient bay and multiple access points to staff zones, the layout optimizes flow and productivity. With windows only available at the front of the space, the designers made tactical decisions based on the limited natural light. Patient areas are located towards the front of the clinic to maximize their connection to daylight and prioritize the patient experience. The layout was also designed with flexibility and future expansion in mind. The clinic’s back office can easily be transformed into an additional clinic bay when needed. This forward-thinking approach ensures that as patient growth demands more treatment areas, the clinic can seamlessly scale its operations by incorporating two more chairs.

BDH successfully transformed a retail shell into a standout clinic that attracts a younger clientele, enhances flow and flexibility, and leaves both patients and staff with lasting smiles.

Design: BDH
Contractor: Karkela Construction
Photography: Brandon Stengel | Farm Kid Studios