Interactive Office Mural for Dr.Melanie Orthodontics
Here is the completed mural located at Dr. Melanie’s new location - 17210 Bernardo Center Dr, San Diego, CA 92128.
One of my favorite parts of being a mural artist is getting to collaborate with other passionate business owners to create spaces that feel completely unique to their brand. That’s exactly what happened with my latest office mural project for Dr. Melanie Orthodontics in San Diego.
This project was over a year in the making and was finally completed in May 2026 as part of Dr. Melanie's beautiful new orthodontic office. As a fellow woman-owned business, it was especially meaningful to work alongside Dr. Melanie and her team throughout the entire design and installation process.
Designing a Custom Orthodontic Office Mural
From the very beginning, Dr. Melanie was involved in the creative process. Rather than simply handing off a concept, she collaborated with me every step of the way, helping shape a mural that reflected the energy, personality, and bold branding found throughout the office.
The final design incorporates vibrant colors that carry through the entire space, creating a cohesive patient experience from the moment visitors walk through the door. The mural acts as both a large-scale piece of artwork and an extension of the office's overall design aesthetic.
While colorful feature walls are common in commercial interiors, we wanted to push this project a step further.
Taking the Mural Into the Third Dimension
One of Dr. Melanie's goals was to incorporate a tangible, interactive element into the mural rather than relying solely on painted graphics.
Early in the design process, I pitched the idea of incorporating classic tooth-shaped dental mirrors directly into the artwork. The concept immediately clicked.
By combining multiple tooth-shaped mirrors with a large circular mirror positioned in the center of the mural, we were able to create a fun, interactive installation that encourages patients to engage with the space, snap photos, and celebrate their new smiles.
The result is part mural, part art installation, and part selfie station.
In an age where people love sharing experiences online, creating moments that patients naturally want to photograph can help transform an office environment into something memorable. And who doesn’t love a post-braces celebratory pic!?
Engineering a Spinning Mirror Feature
While the finished installation looks effortless, creating the spinning mirror feature involved a surprising amount of problem-solving behind the scenes.
I couldn't have completed this portion of the project without the help of my longtime assistant and collaborator, Melissa Nalbach, who assists on many Pandr Design Co. projects.
Together, we researched different mechanisms and ultimately landed on a heavy-duty rotating platform similar to the type commonly used beneath swivel stools. This "lazy Susan" style hardware provided the strength and stability needed to safely support the large mirror while allowing it to spin smoothly.
The installation itself became a multi-step construction project.
First, we had to locate the wall studs and determine the safest attachment points. We then mounted two French cleats to distribute the weight properly and provide a secure connection to the wall. The mirrors were adhered to a custom plywood circle that I cut with a jigsaw, painted to match the mural, and assembled using construction adhesive.
There was plenty of measuring, drilling, testing, adjusting, and problem-solving along the way, but that's often where the most exciting creative breakthroughs happen. Go Melissa!
Why Interactive Murals Matter
As mural artists, we often think about how artwork transforms a space visually. This project challenged me to think about how a mural could physically interact with the people experiencing it.
The addition of the spinning mirror transformed the mural from a backdrop into an experience.
Patients can step up to the mural, interact with the mirrors, take photos, and celebrate milestones throughout their orthodontic journey. It creates a memorable moment while helping reinforce the welcoming and playful atmosphere that Dr. Melanie and her team have built.
It's a great example of how custom murals can go beyond paint and become functional design features within a commercial environment.
Supporting Local San Diego Businesses Through Art
One of the most rewarding aspects of this project was collaborating with another San Diego-based business owner who is deeply invested in her community.
Working with local businesses allows me to create artwork that feels personal and specific to the people who use the space every day. Dr. Melanie's new office is a beautiful example of how thoughtful interior design, branding, and custom artwork can come together to create an unforgettable experience for patients.
This project also opened the door to new possibilities for future installations. Exploring dimensional elements, interactive features, and custom-built components has me excited about incorporating even more depth and engagement into future mural projects.
Thank you to Dr. Melanie and her incredible team for trusting me with this special space anddddd a huge thank you to Melissa Nalbach and Allison Hunsley for assisting. Melissa was quite the engineer and helped bring one of the most technically challenging elements I've ever installed to life!
If you're looking for a custom office mural, interactive mural installation, or commercial mural artist in San Diego, I'd love to help bring your vision to life. Drop us a line!
