Case study
Safari Pediatric Dental Clinic
Dr. Julie Russo · Clermont, Florida
THE CLIENT
Dr. Julie Russo and husband James Russo own and run a pediatric dental office in their home state of Florida. Dr. Russo also has a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology, so her love of animals is reflected in her choice of amazing office safari decor.
THE GOAL
Dr. Russo wanted to have the office of her dreams, sparing no expense. Her goal was to have an office that she was excited to go to every day – a place where she would spend most of her life. And of course, she wanted to share that feeling of excitement with her patients. She is dedicated to making sure that kids aren’t afraid of going to the dentist, with the hope they will grow up to be lifelong dental patients.
SCOPE OF WORK
Because this was a new build, the IDS theming budget was included in the overall construction plan from the start, allowing seamless coordination with the architect and builder. Our concept artists created mood boards and sketches blending safari realism with bright, child-friendly colors. The interior decorator added finishing touches—such as tiled accents on the front desk—to complete the cohesive safari look. The result is a welcoming, unified environment that feels like an adventure from the moment patients walk in.
Exterior:
- Vehicle Wrap – mural wrap and 3D rhino horn
Interior:
- Reception Desk – giraffe, lemurs, and a tree welcome sign
- Kids Area and Theater – safari tent wall murals, window “tent” details, crate benches, gaming tablet in crate tower, 3D lemur “bust out” character, 3D tarzir, 3D elephant and meerkat character photo op
- Treatment Waiting Area – wall mural with caricatures, 2 game tablets housed in sculpted crate towers
- Treatment “On Deck” Area – jeep safari wall mural, 2 gaming tablets in sculpted backpacks, 3D baobab tree
- Post-op and Consultation Area – safari landscape murals and a sculpted tree with a monkey “bust out” through consultation room glass
- Check-out Desk – grass mural wrap
THE DESIGN & BUILD PROCESS
THE OUTCOME
As a pediatric dental specialist, Dr. Russo was able to create an amazing environment throughout her entire practice with Imagination Design Studios (IDS). Her fun safari theme is carried through the entire office, from the reception desk to the waiting area, to the treatment bay and post-op room, creating a fun and immersive experience for patients, parents, and staff alike.
By having a fully themed office, Dr. Russo is ensuring that her young patients have a positive relationship with the dentist and will continue to come back every six months for regular check-ups.
“It has provided great value, experience, and ambiance for the kids and their parents. Parents say that their kids ask to go to the ‘animal office’ again so kids definitely have a positive experience with us.”
THE FINAL PROJECT
Everyone comments on it and takes pictures of it. The theming proves that we’re committed to providing a good experience and are detail-oriented. It makes the experience memorable for our patients.
