Patient sinks her teeth into revamping surgery

Jan 8 2008 by Sarah Judd, Evening Gazette

INTERIOR designer Caroline Atkinson got more than she bargained for during a visit to Cleveland Orthodontics.

She left the surgery with a smile - and a contract to revamp the firm’s new Middlesbrough surgery, located next door to its Baker Street practice.

Practice owners David Wyness and Nick Huntley commissioned her to transform the premises into an upmarket surgery for their increasing number of clients from all over the North-east.

“We had just started to look for an architect and were thinking it also would be useful to bring an interior designer on board,” said David.

“When Caroline told us she was a designer working within an architects practice, she seemed the ideal person for the job - and the fact that she can add a patient’s perspective to the design is even better.”

Caroline has worked at Stokesley-based DKS Architects for over two years.

The firm has a history of working in the healthcare industry, and as a qualified interior designer and architectural technician, Caroline has provided Cleveland Orthodontics with everything from ideas on space planning through to choice of materials, colours and lighting.

“Even when I am not working, I often go into buildings and think of the potential that they have,” said Caroline.

“It’s great that David and Nick have provided an opportunity for me to put some ideas together and show how improvements can be made within the constraints of an existing building.”

Caroline is keen to produce plans which are practical without being too clinical, while also reflecting Nick and David’s personalities and creating a stylish and luxurious interior for their private clients.

“It’s all about design and how you approach it,” said Caroline.

“A key part is the careful selection of fixtures and fittings - well-designed chairs for example - and the type of materials and colours used.”

The new private practice is due to be open before Caroline’s treatment is complete.

“That’s an added incentive to get it right - I will still be going there as a patient and so want to create the right surroundings and atmosphere for myself as well as everyone else,” she said.

The original Baker Street premises will operate as normal until the new surgery opens, and will then be redecorated and improved for use by NHS and private child and teen clients from spring.