Project Report: An Amazing Skateboard Orb Crafted for an Epic Orthotontist Office

In March of 2024 Dr. Dobie of Dobie Revolution Orthodontics in Guilford, CT contacted SkateOrDesign and described the new mega orthodontist office he had under construction. He described the plans which included many amenities you would not find at your run of the mill Orthodontist Office such as, an arcade, an exclusive sneaker collection on display, graffiti murals, and no kidding, a fulltime DJ spinning music with a laser display. Dr. Dobie also shared that there was an empty recess at the top of the main stairway that he wanted to fill with something spectacular and possibly skateboard related, he asked if I would be interested in developing some ideas for the space and I was immediately on board, pun absolutely intended.

“the Void” in dr. dobie’s new office and some initial concept sketches for the sculpture design.

We discussed the idea of a hanging skateboard chandelier or sculpture. The space was already well lit, so to simplify the build and install we decided on a piece without integrated lighting and decided to use the existing fixtures to light the space and sculpture. Dr. Dobie and I collaborated primarily via text message. We narrowed the focus using quick hand sketches and then agreed the best way to visualize the final design was to create 3-D computer models. We looked at many options, from orderly geometric shapes to a random amorphous orb. In the end the more random Orb design was selected for further development. The geometric designs were cool, but had a “medieval vibe” that we both felt wasn’t working with the rest of the office.

An image of a 3d model of the "random orb” concept on my dusty computer screen sent during informal design development communications.

The project timeframe was tight because we wanted the piece to be complete and installed for the scheduled opening three months away. We continued to communicate via text with images and videos of the 3-D models and refined the final design. Materials were ordered, time was scheduled with our welder, and Dr.Dobie curated the selection of boards to be mounted on the welded steel frame. The urchin-like steel frame was both a design and technical challenge when it came to fabrication, but our welding partner’s at Angelos Iron in Havertown, PA handled with expertise. We then did assembly and packing at the SkateOrDesign workshop and delivered on time to be installed at the new office by Dr. Dobie’s crew. I love a happy ending!

A brief video documenting the design and build process for this piece is featured on our Instagram page here: https://www.instagram.com/p/C7y8zk_x-pu/ and Dr. Dobie talks about the design process and you can see the office more here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DAWHVzfva9h/.