Milici gleefully accepted the challenge of creating the professional yet spa–like practice the couple envisioned. (The avid gardener continues to decorate the office with fresh–cut flowers from her home garden.) Construction began in late 2012 and was completed in March 2013. In that short timeframe, Milici worked with her interior designer to select color tones and textures for the walls and floors that would complement the equipment and cabinetry selections; lighting fixtures and artwork to establish a sense of tranquility from the front of the office to the back; and several water features strategically placed so that running water can be heard from almost anywhere in the practice.

The result is an office that she describes as a “comfortable, Zen–like place for patients to receive everything we have to offer.” Milici formed a close bond with interior designer Stacey DeStasio, whom she credits for having the knowledge and ability to help pull together the doctor’s vision.

Since opening day, patients and staff have remarked upon the unique views that each room of the practice offers. Whether it’s the skyline, nearby sports stadiums or naval ships, the eye can always find something interesting and beautiful on which to rest.

“When we moved into the practice, winter was just ending and the trees were bare. Now we have a completely different view,” Matarazzo said. “That’s been good for us. When we were in the city, we were used to seeing high–rises, brick, etc., and this is definitely a totally unique experience. We’ve brought the outdoors inside!”

The doctors are also pleased with another aspect of the new practice, one that they didn’t anticipate. “The staff are so invigorated,” Milici said. “I knew it would be great working in a new facility, I just had no idea how it would affect our energy. I hear lots of laughter every day, and I can tell the new space has elevated everyone. They are feeding off each other’s positive energy.”

“That energy bounces from patients to staff and keeps moving,” Matarazzo continued. “It’s a great feeling and it’s not something we anticipated. We were more concerned with the physical aspects of the practice, but to have what I’d call a ‘spiritual revitalization’ is really a huge surprise.”

Another positive takeaway for the doctors is the closeness they feel with their Patterson team. Throughout the process, and to this day, Matarazzo and Milici know they are fully supported and only need to pick up the phone to get help resolving an issue.

“Especially right before the move into the new practice, I would call Phil [Ianoale] just to connect with him, because I knew he was looking out for us,” Milici said. “And we still feel so connected to the team that we worked so closely with. They’re always there for us and they genuinely care about Frank and me. We’re part of their dental family.”