Dallas Doctor Takes Unique Approach to Office Design,
Bringing Nature Concepts into His Practice
Opening, May 5, 2003
5445 La Sierra Dr., Dallas, near Presbyterian Hospital
DALLAS (April 14, 2003) - A doctor's office with not a single white wall? No examination room numbers? Welcome to the new age of doctors' offices where comfort and relaxation are first nature.
Stephen S. Rodrigues, MD, a Dallas doctor specializing in family practice, took an avant garde approach to the aesthetics for his new office. Working with designer Julianna (Julie)Gaume, Gaume Designs, the new offices are designed to create an office more pleasing to the senses than most traditional doctor's office. Julie has leveraged her design talents to choose concepts matching Dr. Rodrigues' holistic approach to healthcare and medical acupuncture.
Each examination room is named around nature themes, and all of the colors, artwork and furnishings encompass the theme. For example, the "Water Room" is painted, features water-themed art work and cabinetry. A floor-to-ceiling waterfall is the artwork centerpiece in the patient's waiting area.
Dr. Rodrigues, a Board Certified Family Practice physician, has worked in a variety of medical offices and business models in his 20-year medical career. He has worked in small practices, HMOs, and hospital settings. However, one of his career goals has always been to have his own practice. After receiving additional medical training at the University of California, Berkeley, in acupuncture a few years ago, his goals became more crystallized. His acupuncture practice has grown and helped shape his thinking about treating patients more holistically. Rodrigues' current practice blends traditional family medicine and acupuncture.
When he began his quest to design his new office, he knew he wanted something different in terms of the aesthetics. Julie helped him realize his vision. Julie interviewed him about his vision ideas for the design of the office, and visited his current office and home, to get a sense of his style. Julie presented him with a comprehensive plan for the design of the office, which included everything from the magazines for the waiting area and to the music that would play that would set the tone for the area. Indeed, Gaume's design, concept, and image work resulted in the creation of a calming, tranquil treatment environment.
