FUSING FORM & FUNCTION | A DESIGN-BUILD CASE STUDY

Dr. Ashley Humlicek, a forward-thinking Wichita dentist, believed her new dental office and spa could be both functional and comfortable — a space that emphasizes relaxation for patients without sacrificing efficiency.

After meeting with multiple architects in the region, she chose Hutton Design+Build, who not only understood her dream, but their integrated design-build method offered the best approach to carry out that dream.

“Until I found Hutton, no one really got my vision. It was in our very first meeting, it was the first time I had that ‘a-ha’ moment where I knew I was picking the right team,” said Humlicek.

What followed was a collaborative design that emphasized aesthetics without rejecting functionality, demonstrating how the design-build process can streamline and simplify any healthcare project from medical offices to complex hospital buildings.

Collaborative Design-Build in Action

The seamless collaboration between design and construction ensured that the project stayed on track and within budget.

Designers and builders working simultaneously under one roof is a more efficient way to build, and it allows for creative problem solving to happen with ease. One such opportunity came with the casework, designed specifically for dental equipment.

By working directly with Humlicek — who purchased the dental equipment separately — Hutton Design+Build’s designers and craftsmen built custom, complex cabinetry for each exam room, reducing the final cost.

The design-build approach allows for this kind of flexibility — especially on healthcare projects that require specific, specialized equipment. Hutton Design+Build was able to adjust on the fly, creating tailored solutions to fit Dr. Humlicek’s budget, schedule and vision.

Seamless Coordination On-Site

The seamless coordination between design and construction teams was particularly evident during the installation of dental equipment, where precision was essential.

At Humlicek Dental, the decision was made for each dental chair to be individually connected to underground utilities like power and water. This meant the placement of each chair in every room needed to be determined before concrete was put in place.

After the placement of the chairs was finalized between the design team and the Humlicek team, they later coordinated with the builders who placed the concrete, leaving openings for each chair to connect to utilities.

Missteps could have resulted in costly delays and re-dos. Hutton Design+Build, subcontractors and equipment suppliers were in constant communication to ensure everything was in place, double-checking the layout before the concrete work even began.

Efficiency Through Design: An Evidence-Based Approach

A major function of healthcare design is maximized efficiency. From floor plans that reduce staff movement to equipment placement that allows for easy access, functionality is a top priority from the start.

The Humlicek office was designed with a centralized hub of staff-centric spaces. By centering these spaces, dentists and hygienists flow easily from the exterior patient loop into the staff zone with minimal steps and increased efficiency. Patients experience the clinic in a loop around the staff zone, with changes in flooring finishes guiding them visually. Dr. Humlicek’s vision was an efficient space for staff and a relaxing environment for patients. Hutton Design+Build successfully married the two.

“In dental design, flow is the highest priority of the design. Dr. Humlicek challenged us to create a comfortable environment for her patients and staff,” said Hutton Design+Build lead designer, Catie Shaffer. “We broke down the floor plan into three zones: staff, patient and team, which really helped to formalize the space planning. And each of those spaces were given an intentional aesthetic through color, artwork and other finishes.”

Creating the Dental Spa Experience

While the layout ensured that essential areas — such as sterilization, lab and storage — were centrally located, the design also included an intentional color scheme of light tans, clean whites and soothing blue greens. Reminiscent of sandy beaches and ocean water, the interior design turns a routine dentist visit into a relaxing vacation. From striking, local art, to pops of color and hidden details, Dr. Humlicek and the Hutton Design+Build team created a five-star spa experience, punctuated by lush greenery in every room that provides a fresh space with maximal breathability and minimal anxiety.

“When people come to the dentist, it’s typically very sterile. It’s white, it’s clean. Which isn’t a bad thing, but sometimes that can raise their anxiety,” said Dr. Humlicek. “And in a profession where people already don’t want to come to us, it was really important for me to create a calming environment for people to enjoy.”
From private rooms for cosmetic dentistry services like veneers and implants, to group spaces for Botox and teeth whitening, every detail creates a welcoming, luxurious atmosphere.

The Power of Integrated Design-Build

Dr. Humlicek’s dental practice is a testament to how form and function can coexist in healthcare design – and how the design-build process can make it happen.

Hutton Design+Build created a space that met the practical demands of a busy healthcare office without sacrificing comfort or aesthetics. The bold color scheme and many small design details make this dentist office stand out.

For Dr. Humlicek, the result was a dental practice that not only operates efficiently but offers patients a unique, spa-like experience — proving that when form and function work together, everyone benefits.