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Understanding some simple design fundamentals can help you create an office space that tells patients they are in good hands as soon as they enter the waiting room. If youre designing a new office, or remodeling an existing one, designers who specialize in health care facilities use these techniques to help patients feel better and make their visit less stressful. You can, too.

First, the facts. Planning and designing any office requires specialized skills and knowledge to meet building, safety, health and accessibility codes. Places that serve the public must conform to strict regulations to protect the health and safety of their users and occupants. If your project involves new construction or remodeling you and/or the landlord must consult with the appropriate professionals in order to acquire the necessary building permits. And, be prepared for the additional cost of the planning for specialized equipment that are required.

That being said, of equal importance in designing your new space is creating an atmosphere that tells patients you are a professional, and that they are in good hands as soon as they enter the waiting room. Here are some design tips you can use to help your patients feel welcome and at ease.

Did you know that color can affect how patients feel? Color is well-known to have a big impact on our mood and energy levels. The effects of color on our psyche are used every day to get our attention, influence what products we buy, what we read, even where we bank. So choosing a color scheme for your office will have a big effect on the comfort of your visitors and patients. You can help adult patients feel more relaxed by using colors that calm and soothe. Or you can use bright colors to create some fun for small children who dont feel well or find waiting difficult. Color schemes that have a calming effect have a low level of contrast and use warm or yellow based colors. Think earth tones and the colors of nature. On the other end of the spectrum, brighter more intense colors are energetic and cheerful. Make your color scheme work for you by considering who your patients are and why they are there.

Consider the texture of the elements in your decorating scheme. Like color, texture evokes a variety of feelings. Materials like metal, glass and glossy ceramic tile that are hard and strong may be best used in areas that are cleaned frequently, like labs and operating rooms. Patterned fabrics and wall coverings, on the other hand, can add softness and warmth to a waiting room. Wood finishes are a familiar and comforting material for chair frames and tables. Round shapes and curves in furnishings are more inviting than squares with pointed corners, and can be safer, too.

Dont forget lighting in your plan to help raise the comfort level. You can avoid the sterile glare of typical office lighting by switching to energy efficient fluorescent table lamps, wall sconces or recessed ceiling fixtures. Function is always critical in lighting so consider the activity of each area and provide the appropriate light levels. Adding a variety of lighting levels will look better and prevent eye fatigue for employees and visitors alike.

Make a lasting impression. Select materials and finishes that are of commercial quality to ensure they will withstand frequent use and cleaning. Commercial quality fabrics, floor and wall coverings typically are more costly, but are specially made to be rugged and keep their appearance over time, saving you money over the course of your lease. Many products are available with antimicrobial and allergy resistant properties, and most manufacturers now offer products that are green and contribute to better indoor environments. For example, commercial wall coverings with antibacterial properties protect walls in busy areas more effectively than paint, and can help prevent the growth of bacteria and mildew. That, in turn, reduces maintenance and keeps wall surfaces clean and looking newer longer.

In the end, the best way to design your new medical office is to consider who will be visiting and what you want them to know about you and your practice. A little design know-how will go a long way in helping patients know they are in good hands and believe that you care.