For clinic owners, first impressions matter. Patients notice how a space makes them feel – safe, cared for and confident in the service they’re about to receive. At ProDerm UK’s new clinic in Cheltenham, we explored how commercial design can create that experience, creating a high-end reception area and consulting rooms that are functional, comfortable and professional.
The Brief
When ProDerm UK decided to open their new clinic in Cheltenham, they were excited to set the tone for their brand in a new location and translate the quality of their services into a physical space. From the outset, the focus was patient experience. They wanted their customers to walk in and feel reassured – confident they were in capable, professional hands – without the space feeling cold or overly clinical. The clinic needed to reflect the premium services, while still feeling approachable and human.
At the same time, it had to work hard behind the scenes. The consulting rooms needed to be practical and designed for the clinicians to operate comfortably day in, day out. The brief was to strike a balance: a front-of-house experience that builds trust instantly and back-of-house spaces that quietly support the team.
The space itself sat within a Clockwise coworking environment. The clinic needed to feel permanent while still having that flexibility to adapt. Design decisions had to offer longevity, work within shared building constraints and ensure ProDerm’s identity was clearly defined within a multi-tenant setting.
We want our patients to feel welcome and have confidence that we’ll find solutions.
Dr Adam Friedmann, Founder at ProDerm UK
Gravity Office Interiors were instrumental in bringing our vision to life, and we were impressed with how quickly and professionally they turned an empty, leased space into a fully operational clinic. They were responsive to every request, attentive to the details that matter to us and ensured the project was delivered to an exceptional standard.
The Solution
Starting with a blank shell in a co-working space, the project was a clinic built from scratch. We took a large, open-plan space and carved out a flooring plan that featured consulting spaces, staff areas, bathrooms, a kitchen and the patient-facing reception. As the first impression customers visit, this reception was pivotal to set the tone for every interaction.
The Reception: First Impressions
Simple, small office fit outs can make a huge difference. A big focus of the project went into the reception – the area that decides the first impression for every patient visit. We positioned the floor plan so patients are subconsciously guided through the clinic without confusion. A resimmercial interior scheme – warm woods, soft fabrics and borrowed features we often find in our homes – helps to balance luxury with comfort, so the patient feels cared for the moment they walk in.
The reception is really important. Rather than the traditionally cold environment expected in clinics, we’ve used warm woods, soft fabrics and homely touches to make patients feel comfortable when they arrive. We wanted the space to look high-end to reflect the great quality of service ProDerm offers. Delivering the project on time was critical too, ensuring the team could open as planned and welcome their first patients.
Mary Abbott, Commercial Interior Designer
Layered Lighting and Textures
Lighting was used to highlight textures and create natural focus points in the clinic. For this, we used a layered approach; a feature pendant over the reception desk anchors the space and helps to mark the check-in. We used wall lights to add warmth and personality. A subtle perimeter trim lighting helps to add that premium touch, but also reflects the textured wallpaper to bring depth and a considered design that never feels cold or clinical.
Consulting Rooms: For Functionality
While the reception certainly takes the spotlight, the consulting rooms work quietly behind the scenes – but their role is just as important. Each space was designed to be practical, budget-conscious and fully equipped for patient appointments, supporting staff efficiency and patient wellbeing. Optimised layouts, appropriate healthcare finishes and storage solutions all ensure smooth daily operations, proving that functionality and premium design can absolutely co-exist.
The finished Cheltenham clinic fit out balances luxury and practicality. Patients feel reassured, staff can work efficiently and every corner supports ProDerm’s brand and service standards. Our operations team worked closely with the client to minimise disruption around opening days, ensuring the clinic was ready to welcome its first patients on schedule.
Even a relatively small fit out, when done with intention, can transform how a space is perceived and how people feel in it – whether that’s your customers or your employees – delivering value far beyond the square footage.
Wondering how your customers perceive your workplace? Let’s talk about how you can make a great first impression.
Meet the Designer: Mary
As our Commercial Interior Designer, Mary’s creative approach to office design transforms your workplace into one that boosts productivity, enhances wellbeing and creates a positive company culture.
