There’s no doubt that an IDS-themed office makes appointments more fun for your young patients, creates an environment in which your team will enjoy working, and fast-tracks the growth of your practice… so, what’s holding you back?
We get it – you likely have some questions about what to expect and how it all works. Fear not – here are answers to the ten most common questions and reservations we hear from new clients.
1. How much will it cost?
All of our themed elements are custom-built, therefore prices vary depending on design, scope, and complexity. The size and position a 3D character is sculpted in will change the price, so if you see an example of two hippo characters in two different offices in our portfolio, they could differ slightly in price. It is much more effective for us to work with you and find out your specific needs in order to give you your custom pricing. We have created themed spaces at all levels from $5,000 to over $800,000. At Imagination Design Studios, there is something for everyone, and we happily work within your budget.
When considering the cost remember that the price of the theming is an investment into your business that will pay off with happier patients that will keep coming back. These dentists and office staff have experienced it firsthand:
“We were a brand new office – when we opened and had a full schedule within 6 months.”
– Amy, Office Manager
“When we first moved in, I had a goal of achieving $1.2m in revenue and we met that. This year, we are on target to achieve $2m in revenue and I credit the theming with bringing in that additional $800,000.”
– Dr. Jenni Burkitt, Owner
“In one year we’ve gone from a startup, to full-on busy. I’m sure we’ll have too many patients within 2 to 3 years.”
– Dr. Jed Snatic, Owner
2. How long does the build process take and will theming with IDS extend my build schedule?
Each office is unique and depending on the design, scope, and complexity of a project, the timeline can vary. That said, a typical office theming project with IDS takes 6 to 9 months from beginning to end – concept drawings to installation. (Much shorter if you are selecting pre-designed items from our catalog as we can bypass the design process and go straight into production.)
If you are building from the ground up, we will be one of the last teams to enter your space, after all the walls are up and painted, flooring is down, cabinets are in and finishes are complete.
In your build schedule, our installation typically accounts for less than a week.
3. Will I be kept in the loop on progress of my project?
We call the process The Five Steps from Mundane to Magical, and it includes regular updates from our team. Often, these will include photos of your custom theming props being produced on our shop floor, allowing you to follow along as your project comes to life.
“I felt like I really had a sense of what I was doing in my office. From the online meetings and the markups that explained everything from colors and foliage, to the 3D models of my characters, IDS really created a complete picture. I didn’t realize I was going to see my whole office before it was built. I was so excited to see every new email you sent.”
– Dr. Tim Verwest, Pediatric Dentistry of Fort Myers
4. Will the product hold up over time?
We love this question. IDS products are handmade by our experienced craftspeople and made with the care and materials required to meet our “kid-proof” standards.
Everything we create is built to the highest standards for quality and durability – something that is truly unmatched in the industry. In fact, we build our indoor props to the exact same standards as our exterior pieces which have – literally – endured tornados and hurricanes, and survived looking just as good as ever!
5. Can you work with my architect and interior designer?
The roles of your architect and interior designer remain unchanged – theming is more like the icing on the cake. Our job is to collaborate with your team to ensure that what we produce compliments and enhance the layout, finishes, colors, and other design decisions that have been made. Members of our staff – from sales, to CAD, to production – have backgrounds in interior design and can understand and communicate with your existing team.
“I have had the pleasure of working with Elizabeth in the design of multiple dental facilities over a number of years. She represents IDS in both a comfortable and professional manner – and most importantly, we’ve had successful projects together! I highly recommend working with Elizabeth and the entire team at IDS (and look forward to doing so again.)”
– Tim Kuhlman, Architect at TkDesign Architecture
6. Do you have a sales rep come to visit my office?
Technology has enabled us to be very effective at working with our clients remotely, so a site visit is not necessary. We make sure to stay connected through online meetings, phone calls, e-mails, and plenty of in-progress photos and videos.
7. How do we know the murals and sculptures will fit in my space?
To make sure our pieces will fit in your space, one of our first orders of business is to convert your permitted plans into a digital 3D model of your office (we’ll be asking for the ‘reflected ceiling plans’ for this reason). From there, everything we design is done so in that 3D environment. This process not only ensures everything will fit perfectly but also gives you a great preview for how your theming elements will come together in your space.
If necessary, we will send a member of our team to measure your walls and get precise dimensions of your space. We call this a “dim check”. We may also ask that a member of your team confirm measurements for us.
8. Who does the installation?
For custom themed offices, our team arrives on-site the same day the product does. They manage everything from off-loading your props from the truck through to the final details of installation. You and your contractor don’t need to lift a finger.
If you are selecting pre-designed decor from our catalog instead of a custom office, these items are all designed to be easily installed by your general contractor or facilities manager.
9. How much extra space do I need for theming?
Ultimately, none. Theming with murals uses existing wall surfaces and requires no footprint at all. From there, many of our products, such as themed benches, bay dividers and kid-friendly brushing mirrors simply take the place of other essential furniture and decor items.
If you have space set aside for some extra fun, we can get even more creative. With as little as 25 dedicated square feet, we can add gaming, education stations, or a hand-sculpted character to your office that makes the perfect photo op for social media!
10. How much input do I have into the design?
Custom themed offices are exactly that – custom! We work closely with you to understand what you’d like the finished product to look like and how you want it to function. From there, our talented artists will begin by sketching concepts, allowing you to see your unique vision come life.
“I was pleased that IDS helped me right from day one and that the designers could take my ideas and run with them. They built a theme based on my own storybook and really brought my characters to life! The transformation of my practice has been wonderful. The kids love it, my staff loves it, and I absolutely love it! Thank you so much IDS!”
– Dr. Leslie Jacobs, DDS
IDS theming is not an expense; it is an investment in your business.
Invest in Your Patients
Valuing your patients and their families sets them up for a lifetime of positive health outcomes. And the environment you create can help you achieve a better patient experience.
- Reduce patient anxiety and enhance their relaxation
- Prime patients and families for their appointments
- Create positive dental care experiences
Invest in Your Business
Maintain your edge in the crowded dental service space. Attention to details in your niche can transform your environment and overall patient satisfaction…whatever your dental niche.
- Create “buzz” in the community you serve
- Accelerate patient referrals
- Generate positive online reviews
Contact Imagination Design Studios (IDS) to get started transforming your office from a mundane to magical patient experience.
