We recently caught up with Dr Emily Alfonsi, co-founder of Shade Skin Cancer Medicine, to reflect on the fitout journey for their beautiful new space.
Dr Emily shares what went into creating a warm, calming environment for patients, how the team worked together to meet both design and budget goals, and why Perth Citi Fitout continues to be her go-to fitout partner.
1. Can you tell us a bit about Shade Skin and what sparked the idea?
Shade Skin is a modern skin cancer medicine clinic born out of a clear gap in the market. Typically, the process of getting a skin check can feel too clinical or somewhat intimidating and with Shade Skin we have worked to flip the script with that experience on its head. Our aim was to create a space that was calm and inviting with practitioners who are thorough, thoughtful and highly professional.
“We always say, skin checks don’t have to be scary and the clinic shouldn’t feel that way either.”
2. How did you first get connected with Perth Citi Fitout?
My business partners Jon and Dr. Kate had already worked with Perth Citi Fitout for years with every one of the Youth Lab clinics being brought to life by their team. So when it came time for this new joint skin cancer project, there was no question who we’d use. They’ve consistently delivered incredible designs for Youth Lab with a level of workmanship that’s second to none.
What really impressed me from the start was their ability to bring our vision to life with care and precision. While we worked closely with our designer team to shape the overall concept, Perth Citi Fitout were the ones who made it all happen, translating ideas into reality while keeping everything on time and on budget. They understood that we weren’t just building a skin cancer clinic; we were creating a space that felt calm, elevated, and welcoming. Their workmanship, communication, and respect for the finer details made all the difference.
3. What was the vision you had for your fitout, and how did the team bring that to life?
We had a clear vision for the clinic. We wanted something fresh, with soft coastal influences and, most importantly, a calming atmosphere. Not sterile, not clinical in the traditional sense, and definitely not what you’d expect from a typical skin check clinic. Our design team brought that concept to life, and Perth Citi Fitout worked seamlessly with them to make it a reality.
They offered practical input, suggested clever layout tweaks, and found ways to elevate the design without compromising functionality or budget. The result is a space that feels exactly how we imagined i.e. minimal, inviting, and thoughtfully considered. Patients and staff genuinely enjoy being here.
“It feels like a clinic, but in the best way. It’s polished, but warm.”
4. What stood out most to you during the fit out process?
The fitout process was smooth and honestly, it was due to their communication. I’ve done projects before where you feel like you’re constantly chasing updates or putting out fires, but this was the opposite. The team was organised, transparent, and super responsive. If something came up, they already had three solutions ready to go and this is one area Dr Kate had said they had been exceptional with the previous Youth Lab projects.
5. Were there any unexpected challenges or surprises?
There were a few little curveballs during the process, I mean, it wouldn’t be a fit out without them, right? We had some material delays and a couple of site quirks that popped up late in the game. However, the team was brilliant and couldn’t have handled it any better. They never made it our problem and just got on with it but still keeping us in the loop.
6. How has the final result impacted your team and your patients?
The final result has made a world of difference. We’ve had so many patients say “this doesn’t feel like a clinic” and that’s a huge compliment. The energy of the space really does influence how people feel, and our team works better because the layout is so functional. It flows. There is nothing in Australia quite like it in the skin check and skin cancer medicine cancer industry.
7. Would you recommend Perth Citi Fitout to other healthcare businesses?
I would absolutely recommend the team at Perth Citi Fitout. They’re professional, responsive, and genuinely great to work with. What really stood out was how invested they were in the outcome as well as caring about the end result just as much as we did, which is rare.
They also worked closely with us to keep things within budget, offering smart cost-engineering solutions without compromising on quality, medical compliance or the overall feel of the space. That balance between budget, functionality, and finish is something not every team gets right, but they do.
“I wouldn’t hesitate to use them again. If you want peace of mind and a space you’re proud of, they’re the team.”
