INTERIORS

MEDICAL BY DESIGN

“Calm. Sophisticated. Timeless.” We visited Dr Ahmed El Muntasar’s London space, to see the design behind one of London’s premium aesthetic clinics

Dr Ahmed El Muntasar’s London clinic, The Aesthetic Doctor, sits in the heart of Mayfair on Duke Street, offering a vast array of aesthetic treatments focusing on subtle enhancement.

The flagship clinic opened in 2023, after relocating from a single room in a shared complex on South Molton Street.

“It was small and cosy. It suited its purpose at the time, but it was tiny, and as your business grows, the environment has to grow with it.”

“Mayfair has always felt like the natural home for our brand. Many of our patients already live, work or spend time in the area, so remaining in Mayfair was important.

“Duke Street has a slightly quieter, more refined feel compared with some of the surrounding streets. Patients appreciate the discretion and privacy, while still being in one of London’s most recognised destinations for luxury healthcare, hospitality and retail. It attracts a diverse patient base, from busy professionals and international visitors to patients looking for a premium experience that doesn’t feel intimidating.”

Dr El Muntasar has two other clinics in Manchester and Leeds. “Each clinic has its own personality and every space serves a different purpose,” explained Dr El Muntasar “Our Mayfair clinic was designed as our flagship, so it has a much stronger emphasis on experience, architecture and technology. It is somewhere patients can spend time, whether they’re having a consultation, an injectable treatment, laser procedures or seeing me as a GP.

“Our other locations are intentionally simpler. We wanted the flagship to represent where modern aesthetic medicine is heading, while the other clinics prioritise accessibility and convenience for patients in those regions.”

PATIENTS FIRST

With a prime central location, tucked away from the bustle of Oxford Street and surrounded by boutique shops and chic cafes, the clinic is the perfect spot for busy

London locals to pop in for their tweakments.

The Aesthetics Doctor London reception combines clinical cleanliness with deluxe design touches.

“I wanted the clinic to feel luxurious, but as a GP, medicine is at the centre of the design. I always say to my patients that my ethos in the clinic is medicine wrapped in humanity.

“I want them to feel good, comfortable, and safe. But at the same time, I want them to walk in and know, ‘this is a medical clinic.”

Drawing inspiration from high-end hotels, private members’ clubs and boutique galleries, the clinic sits comfortably between luxury hospitality and modern healthcare.

“Every detail has been considered, but nothing feels excessive. We wanted patients to walk in and immediately feel calm rather than overwhelmed. The use of natural stone, soft lighting, warm textures and carefully selected artwork all help create that atmosphere.”

For Dr El Muntasar, it was also vital that the environment still felt like a medical facility. “I wanted the interior design to have a continuous theme. I wanted to maintain white walls similar to those in NHS GP surgeries, but rather than pure white, they’re Ammonite - an off-white with grey undertones. It feels elevated and more premium.

“The finishes are similar too. We wanted everything to be clean and easily wipeable while having a luxury feel, so we had everything made with purpose and custom-made for the clinic.”

“Sometimes people try to reinvent the wheel, but the wheel is doing just fine.”

“Patients want to go to a medical facility that’s designed for a medical purpose. Ultimately, as long as the core allows you to deliver the medical side of the treatments, the aesthetic is almost a second thought.”

“Patients tell us their deepest, darkest secrets. So I want it to be an environment where they feel comfortable enough to do that, while at the same time finding comfort in being in a trusted medical facility.” The patients are at the centre of every decision Dr El Muntasar makes when designing the clinic. “Everything here has been created to help them feel good, look good, and ultimately leave the clinic feeling like the best version of themselves”

FIT FOR PURPOSE

The small details play a huge role in the overall clinic atmosphere. “Lighting is so important. We have underfloor lighting all the way around, and that really helps people feel comfortable and makes the space feel much more considered.

“However, treatment rooms are different. The priority is making sure practitioners can see properly. We have overhead lighting to ensure everything can be carried out safely, and practitioners are able to do their job to the highest possible standard. “Functionality first, then aesthetics.” “Every room here is CQC registered, so we wanted to make sure patients felt familiar with what they saw when they walked in. They understand the layout, and the familiarity is comforting.

Walking through the clinic, it was clear that each treatment room was designed with intention.

“My treatment room is longer, so we’re able to lie the patient almost completely flat if we’re doing body treatments. The sink is accessible from the head of the bed, and I’m able to reach everything easily.”

“The laser treatment rooms have no reflective surfaces, and everything is made specifically for that room, so it’s fit for purpose.”

“In the GP room, the flooring is classic linoleum, and the edges are coved, so no bacteria can sit in the corners.”

“Outside the treatment rooms, that’s where we can be a bit more creative. We have beautiful crystal mirrors downstairs, wool carpets in certain areas, black and white stripes, and lovely framed artwork on the walls.”

“You don’t need to spend a lot of money to make things look good. For example, the mirrors in my office were inspired by a mirror I saw for £40,000, but with one quick reverse image search, I found the same look for less than £400. I always say, “champagne taste, lemonade budget.”

Dr Ahmed’s office is where his personal style really shines.

I always say, champagne taste, lemonade budget.

Dr Ahmed’s desk is a highlight of the room, inspired by the Aviator Blackhawk Valkyrie Desk, featuring aluminium panels that replicate the aircraft’s distinctive exterior.

“Rather than creating a barrier between myself and the patient, I wanted something clean, minimal and approachable. Good consultations are built on conversation, and the room should help facilitate that rather than reminding people they’re sitting across from a doctor in a traditional clinical setting. Every piece of furniture was chosen to support that feeling.”

FUTURE OF AESTHETIC INTERIORS

Looking at the future of aesthetic clinics, Dr El Muntasar sees clinics refining their specialisms, “We’ll start seeing clinics become known purely as the injectables clinic, the laser clinic, or another highly specialised service.”

“I also think we’ll see the opposite happening, where some clinics diversify massively and almost become mini hospitals, offering a huge range of treatments under one roof.”

“I think those are the two directions we’re heading in, either becoming incredibly niche or expanding into comprehensive medical centres that can deliver many different treatments in one place.”

“Personally, I see our clinic moving towards the multidisciplinary model. We’re already combining medical consultations, advanced skin treatments, regenerative medicine, injectables and laser technology under one roof. Over time, I’d like to continue expanding that with additional medical specialists, diagnostic services and technologies that allow us to focus even more on preventative medicine, longevity and evidence-based aesthetic care.

“The future isn’t just about making people look younger. It’s about helping people age better, feel healthier and maintain confidence throughout every stage of life.”