For the West Coast flagship of Parsley Health, Brooklyn, New York-based Alda Ly Architecture & Design (which also crafted the inaugural New York location) sought to bring the outside in. “This location was all about being inspired by the beautiful outdoor surroundings, from the ocean beaches to the sprawling deserts,” says principal Alda Ly. “There’s color, light, and a more relaxed vibe.”

The design of the healthcare startup breaks free from the traditional doctor’s office aesthetic, fostering a modern, comfortable atmosphere with a palette of dusty desert hues and rich shades of Pacific Ocean blue, most notably in the vibrant pantry. In the reception area, floor-to-ceiling windows, plants, and natural materials like rattan fill the space. “It’s sundrenched yet cozy; it feels so invigorating,” she says.

The design of Parsley Health breaks free from the traditional doctor’s office aesthetic

Beyond the waiting area and reception are exam and consultation rooms, a phlebotomy lab, and a staff lounge and office. Hardwood floors appear alongside organically patterned textures, and biophilic elements abound in spaces like a windowless central hallway that evokes natural light and culminates with a sprawling cactus. Exam rooms feature textured glass walls to offer a sense of privacy without feeling claustrophobic. “If we want to encourage people to be proactive about their health, we can’t build spaces they’ve been conditioned to avoid,” Ly says. “Anything we can do to make that experience easier is our duty.”

The pantry is awash in a vibrant ocean hue; the central corridor at mimics the feel of natural light

This article originally appeared in HD’s March/April 2020 issue.