Honest Project Management:
The Prescription for Renovation Success

November 2020

Dermatologist and co-owner of Cosmopolitan Dermatology Angela Kyei, MD, MPh, FAAD, recognizes that while most of her patients may not have medical degrees, they do know their bodies best. In this spirit, she teaches her patients how to be part of the process by knowing what to look for.

She explains, “If patients see something worrisome, they know it’s important to call my office so we can take a look and do a biopsy, if needed.” Dr. Kyei says these strong doctor-patient relationships have helped catch serious skin conditions, such as melanoma, sooner rather than later.

And it’s this type of collaboration that led Dr. Kyei to Miller Builders for her growing practice’s needs. “The current space simply cannot accommodate a staff of 13, plus 70 patients a day and their guests,” states Dr. Kyei who co-owns the practice with her husband Mark Kyei, MD. “In addition to a larger waiting area, we need more exam rooms, as we are also looking to hire additional providers for the practice.”

To kickstart renovation of the practice’s future home, six builders were invited to quote on the new space. While all of the cost estimates fell in the same price range, Dr. Kyei and her husband ended up choosing Miller Builders for their project because “he was honest, approachable, and we just we felt a better connection with him than any of the others.”

Dr. Kyei and Miller Builders embarked on renovation of an existing building offering almost double the space of her current 2,600 square foot space. But she admits the renovation process was a foreign one — and Bill’s truthful guidance along with Miller Builders full interior design service through his wife Diane has made each step of the renovation easier.

“Bill explains things to us at our level and makes sure we understand each process along the way,” she says. “My husband and I are doctors — we’ve never been involved in a renovation project.”

As Dr. Kyei looks forward to the practice’s renovated building opening in the New Year, she appreciates Bill’s open communication as the project is moving toward completion. “He’s easy to reach, and checks in with us on anything he’s introducing to the project —and double checks to make sure we agree.

To determine interior design elements, Diane offered Dr. Kyei the ability to envision the office renovation’s end result by presenting a wide variety of resource samples, including flooring, carpeting, paint colors, and wall coverings. “Diane bringing design samples to my office allowed me to maintain my work schedule,” she says.

Perhaps most importantly, the respect the Millers have shown for the doctors’ expansion budget has really resonated with Dr. Kyei.

“I don’t recommend procedures to my patients just to make money: I do so because they are critical to their health. I feel the same way about working with Bill and Diane, that they have our best interests in mind every time they make a recommendation.”