Australasian Dentist Issue 93

CATEGORY 94 AUSTRALASIAN DENTIST SURGERY DESIGN & FITOUT D entists understand the importance of trust and longevity. A patient’s trust, once earned, results in a long-term relationship and a better outcome for their health. Trust and longevity are also at the heart of Evoke Projects, an established and respected healthcare design and fit-out company. Founded by engineer Neil Kennard in 1969 on the NSW Central Coast, Evoke Projects is still family-owned and operated. From a fledgling start with security doors and flyscreens, the 1980s saw a successful expansion into building and partitioning systems. Office and healthcare design and construction firmly established Evoke Projects’ reputation in the fit-out industry. Neil’s youngest son Jerry Kennard worked closely in the business with his father. Jerry is now the CEO of Evoke Projects, the Design and Construction division which, under his careful stewardship, has grown to become a national company with offices in every major Australian city. There are now three business divisions: Design & Construction, Furniture & Joinery and Childcare Resources & Fit- outs. Jerry reflects on the growth of the business. “We have in-house design, project management and construction capabilities so clients have always trusted us to deliver a complete fit-out solution. Our project ownership and no-excuses accountability set us apart from other companies. Would there be toomany dentists’ eye rolls if I said that ‘word of mouth’ was the key to our success?” People are the beating heart of every building, and Evoke’s skilled designers inherently understand what attracts people to a physical space. Healthcare practices need to appeal to patients and staff, so people-centric design is key. Practice owners that provide an attractive physical environment are demonstrating their care for both patients and staff. This ‘care factor’ at the top sets the tone of the workplace culture. “We take a two-pronged approach to a healthcare design and fit-out project,” Trust us … and patients will trust you explains Jerry. “Improving the patient experience is the obvious first prong but supporting staff well-being is equally important. With today’s skill shortages, staff have more choice than ever before about where to work.” A positive workplace culture inspires and motivates staff while supporting their well-being. If the work team is healthy and motivated, the quality of patient care will improve so there is a flow- on effect too. Reduced absenteeism also leads to a more productive and efficient dental service. Sustainability, biophilic design elements, WELL Building Standard TM principles and Lean methodologies are often incorporated into Evoke’s healthcare designs. The Directors are personally involved in every fit-out project so there is hands-on expertise from the top down.