At first glance, it may seem more like a hip hair salon than a dental office.

High ceilings and a modern industrial look give Dr. Joel Schieck’s new dental office a unique flavor — and that’s just what he was going for.

“I think, so far, it’s everything we have hoped for,” Schieck said.

While the office is new for Schieck, his practice certainly isn’t. Twenty years ago, he began working out of a house office on the corner of Eighth Street and Oakland Avenue. Considering his business was growing and the space inside the office remained limited, Schieck began to consider moving the operation to a more visible and spacious location.

He found that location on 18th Avenue NW, in what used to be the extended parking lot of Games People Play.

When he determined that would be his new home, he began shopping for an architect that could help create his dream building, which included an earth-friendly, open design.

Schieck went with Teresa McCormick of The Urban Studio, the same architect who designed local venues such as the B and J and South Central Athlete.

The construction project also called on local contractors and equipment suppliers, as it was important to Schieck to keep things local.

The finished product includes a waiting room with high ceilings and plenty of window space which provides natural light. The spacious feeling of the room is accented by earth tones and brick, creating the relaxed environment Schieck was going for.

In the back space where Schieck and his employees work, there’s also more room for the growing number of patients.

With the added worklaod, he’s had to hire more staff. Currently, he has three full-time and 1 part-time staff members.

In November, those staff members, along with Schieck, opened their doors for business at the new location.

“It was definitely exciting,” Schieck said. “I think it was a dream, for myself and the staff, come true.”

For more information on the office, call (507) 433-9146.