Designing healthcare buildings is a complex process that demands technical skill, a deep understanding of how medical spaces function, and a commitment to delivering value for both patients and providers. At Think Architecture, our partnership with Interior Development, Inc. (IDI) has allowed us to meet this challenge head-on. Together, we’ve combined architectural expertise with specialized medical equipment knowledge to create healthcare facilities that are as functional as they are beautiful.
A Partnership Rooted in Experience
IDI, co-founded nearly 30 years ago by Kurt DeHart, has built its reputation on serving the medical industry. From dental practices and surgical centers to imaging facilities and even veterinary care, IDI has completed more than 900 dental offices and 300 medical offices across Utah. Their team is uniquely qualified to handle the installation of specialized equipment, working directly with certified technicians and equipment vendors to ensure every detail is handled correctly.
Think Architecture’s collaboration with IDI has been both natural and effective. Kurt’s longstanding relationship with Think architect NH Rather spans decades, first with NH’s father, John Rather, and now with NH and the Think team. Over the past two years, we’ve worked together on 8–10 projects under the Think banner, continuing a collaboration that has already produced more than 180 projects.
The Dream Team: Draper Smiles Dental Building
One of the most successful examples of our collaboration is the Draper Smiles Dental Building, completed just two years ago. The project was a true “ground-up” effort, with Think and IDI working together from design through construction.
The client, a private dental practice owner, had a very specific vision. He wanted a building that struck a balance: not a stark, no-character, overly modern or cold structure, but a goal for a warm, welcoming design that still carried the professionalism and strength of a commercial building. Together, Think and IDI delivered exactly that.
The result was so successful that tenants occupying other parts of the building embraced the same design language, reinforcing the project’s sense of cohesion. The owner called the Think-IDI collaboration “the dream team,” a testament to the seamless integration of architecture, construction, and specialized medical design expertise.
The Value of Collaboration in Healthcare Design
Healthcare construction is uniquely demanding. Beyond aesthetics, every detail matters: treatment room dimensions, specialized piping, medical vacuum systems, and countless other technical requirements. With Think and IDI working in sync, there’s no learning curve. From the very first drawings, our designs anticipate these needs, saving time and avoiding costly revisions.
This collaborative, team-first approach is what makes the partnership so powerful. There are no competing agendas, and everyone works toward the same goal: creating healthcare buildings that are efficient, cost-effective, and tailored to the client’s needs.
Meeting Tomorrow’s Challenges Together
Looking ahead, as Kurt notes, one of the biggest challenges facing private medical practices and the construction industry as a whole is cost. Rising material prices and higher interest rates make it harder for doctors to justify new building projects. “The solution lies in value-driven design: architecture that looks professional and modern without being cost-prohibitive. This is where partnerships like ours truly shine. By balancing design aspirations with budget realities, Think and IDI help medical providers achieve spaces that support their practice and patients, without breaking the bank,” DeHart said.
Proven Trust, Proven Results
Clients notice the difference. One dental practice currently expanding to multiple locations said they wouldn’t consider working with anyone else. That trust is built on consistency, project after project. Think and IDI have delivered results that exceed expectations. As we continue to collaborate, we’re proud to know our partnership is shaping healthcare environments across Utah. Creating spaces that support healing, inspire confidence, and stand the test of time.
Ready to build? Explore our services, then let’s design your dental office or healthcare space together. Contact us today to get started.
