When It Comes to Clinic Design, Assumptions Cost You
At Decca Design, one of our golden rules is simple: never trust the drawings alone. We’ve been designing clinics across Alberta for over 25 years, and we’ve seen it time and again—what’s on paper doesn’t always match what’s on site.
One of the most common (and costly) mistakes we see is skipping the site survey. It may seem like a small thing, especially when you’re eager to get started, but the reality is: site discrepancies can derail your project.
Real Story: The 6-Foot Lesson
A doctor came to us after a frustrating start with another design firm. They had completed the entire clinic layout—only to discover during construction that the space was six feet smaller than shown on the lease drawings.
Six feet.
That’s the size of a treatment room.
Walls had to be moved. The flow was compromised. Construction stalled. And the budget? It took a serious hit.
This kind of setback isn’t rare. It’s exactly why we insist on sending our design team to physically walk and measure every site we can—before we begin designing.
Why Site Surveys Are Non-Negotiable
At Decca, we don’t design in a vacuum. Here’s what our site survey process includes:
- Verifying square footage and lease dimensions
- Confirming door, window, and ceiling locations
- Identifying mechanical systems, sprinklers, and electrical panels
- Noting any barriers to accessibility or unusual conditions
This detailed data helps us design smarter—from equipment placement to lighting to code compliance. It also gives us leverage when communicating with landlords or coordinating with trades.
What’s at Risk If You Skip It?
Without a site survey, you risk:
- Costly redesigns mid-project
- Change orders that blow your budget
- Delays in construction schedules
- Layouts that don’t meet Alberta building codes or health authority standards
And most of all, you risk a clinic that doesn’t function the way you need it to.
Decca’s On-Site Expertise in Action
At Asante Dental Centre, our team discovered that the HVAC system had been rerouted since the last drawings. Without that site check, a critical exam room would have had a bulkhead cutting across the ceiling—making it not as functional and leading to not optimal equipment placement.
Because we caught it early, we adjusted the design and avoided both expense and headache.
Trust, But Verify
Lease drawings are a starting point—not a guarantee. That’s why every Decca clinic design begins with a site validation step. We believe in building on facts, not assumptions.
It’s a small investment of time that protects your vision, your budget, and your peace of mind.
Planning a new clinic or renovation in Alberta? Work with a Calgary interior design firm that puts accuracy—and your success—first. Book your complimentary consultation today.