When things get a bit hectic I find it a bit difficult to write a well thought out blog. However, I still find the time to get onto Facebook – I guess it’s more casual (even a little mundane), but I love the immediacy and the interaction.

So, for an up to the minute look at what Ego Squared are up to, swing over to our Surgery Interior Design page.

Last week I enjoyed celebrating with Dr Tim Crofts, his wife, Kerry and a host of their friends, family and colleagues at the opening of their new practice.

I really enjoyed working on this practice. Not only were Tim and Kerry lovely to work with, I was given the opportunity to leave the city and take in some of that fresh country air.

Together, we were able to create a fabulous, spacious practice that will work for Dr Crofts for years to come, especially with the ‘future plan’ in place for when the time is right.

Thanks to the team at Changing Spaces – they did a fantastic job on the construction. They really took the time to liase with myself and Tim and Kerry to achieve the vision we worked hard to create.

Check out some photos in our Gallery

Central Periodontics is complete and open for business!

We really enjoyed working with Dr Fleur Creeper and wish her and her team all the best in their new practice!

Check out some photos in our Gallery

We are now on Facebook! Check out Surgery Interior Design for more personal, every day (and possibly mundane) info on what’s what in our surgery interior design world.

Feel free to let us know what you’d like to see on our Facebook page.

Well, it’s been a while since I’ve done an update on the projects that we are working on – now is the time!

Recently, I mentioned that Australind Dental was complete and open for patients – all the best to Dr Tim Crofts and his team! We are looking forward to the opening party!

This week the final touches are going onto Central Periodontics – Dr Fleur Creeper will be seeing patients next week! We will be catching up with her later in the week for another tour!

We are working on a brand new practice in Perth’s northern suburbs and a specialist practice south of the river.

We are also working in conjunction with Dentpro on a practice north of the river, another one closer to the city and one in regional WA.

All of these are brand new practices (except the one in regional WA). Empty shell buildings are great to work on – a clean slate is always a challenge.

However, I also enjoy working on converting houses to surgeries – I always go into designing these practices by trying to keep as many of the existing walls as possible (particularly if it’s a period house). It’s a definite skill to know when to demolish and when to let it be!

We are also keen to continue our work in other states. I’d particularly like to put out a call to all the dentists in Tasmania that are thinking about fitting out – Anthony and I are obsessed with the gorgeous federation and Victorian houses in Hobart at the moment and are looking for an excuse to get over there! We might also have to have a shopping trip in Melbourne on the way through

It may be a bit melodramatic, but this drama queen has something to say! And it is this:

Beware the builder who says ‘You don’t need a designer’.

I know, I know, of course I’m going to say that a designer is essential to a project, but I also say this:

Beware the designer that does not offer assistance during the construction phase. Your designer should be only to eager to answer any questions that any of the trades might have.

There always was and probably always will be a love/hate relationship between designers and builders. For good reason: each has a different perspective on the project.

The designer will look at the project as the sum of all its parts. Each part plays a role in the overall effect – altering one aspect may affect the entire ‘feel’ of the project. It’s this ‘feel’, this esoteric element that eludes some builders.

Builders are more pragmatic, approaching the project with a practicality that, if they don’t appreciate the design intent, could kill a project.

Both parties are so important and need to value each others role for the project to be successful. They might not understand where each other is coming from, but without one, the other is inadequate.

Unfortunately, the construction industry is not an exact science and there is the occassional ‘unforeseen’ especially in regards to demolition, product availability etc. Also, your designer should be front and centre if a cost cutting exercise is required.

Constant communication between designer, client and builder is the key. The goal is to create an equally functional and aesthetically pleasing space (keeping as close to the budget as possible!).

I would love to hear your view on the builder/designer relationship! Have you seen dramas unfold infront of your eyes? Have you followed ones advice over the other? (as ever, please alter any names/places – confidentiality is vital).

Have you checked out our latest offer….? This one is particularly good if you are just considering starting a project and are overwelmed by your options.

Our offers are for a ‘Limited Time Only’  so be quick!

With working on our new website I’ve been paying closer attention to other businesses websites and how they convey their services.

I’m developing more confidence in myself when choosing who to work with just by looking through their website.

We are currently looking at extending our house, so I jumped online – there was one particular company that I had an uncomfortable feeling about, but they ticked all the boxes when it came to our requirements. So, I sent through an enquiry.

I then mentioned to Anthony my feeling and he admitted he felt the same! Sure enough a couple of hours later we received a curt response saying ‘We don’t work with weatherboard houses.’ I really don’t know how they could be so dismissive from a 10 word request…? They fulfilled my negative expectations.

We are also looking for a new bookkeeper, so I jumped online again. I found one that I liked and contacted them. They called me later that day and I felt good about their offer so made a time to catch up with them. We had a good meeting with them and now have a new bookkeeper!

So I feel really good about my instincts when it comes to buying (particularly services) online – do you? Tell us about your online buying experiences!

I’ve just started reading a book on sales and marketing (an necessary evil in business – one which I’m still to master!). It simplifies the sales into the ability to answer four questions that your client will be asking (but not necessarily out loud!). 

 I thought ‘Can’t hurt – let me see if I can answer these questions for all the world to hear!’ I will try to answer all four questions honestly and openly.

So here goes:

Question 1: What are you trying to sell me?

We are selling good design. Our definition of ‘good design’ is that the practice functions properly for our client’s needs, now and in the future. Secondly, it looks fantastic and appeals to a wide range of people. I think a lot of our competitors get these the wrong way around.

Question 2: How much?

For a full design service, we estimate the cost of the construction and charge a percentage of this estimate. Our design fee is fixed to an agreed scope of works.

Question 3: Why should I believe you?

Don’t believe us – of course we are going to say we are wonderful and can solve all your design problems! Speak to previous clients, check out other practices we’ve designed, read our blog and other  information on our website. Follow your instincts – I’m a big believer in following your ‘gut feeling’.

Question 4: What’s in it for me?

This is the question, isn’t it? As I’m still perfecting my elevator pitch I will let one of our client’s answer it for me:

‘Their approach was professional, available, accurate and thorough – their design brought my vision to life. They made a very challenging process bearable and the end result has been fabulous.’

Dr Patrick O’Rourke

Well, on that note, I should really go and read the rest of the book! Drop me a line if you have any questions or comments on any of the above.