The design of a physician's office can affect whether patients return, follow advice, or recommend the physician to other people. Color is an important element in design. It can make people relaxed or excited; it can help or hinder vision. Decreased color perception and differentiation occurs with increased age. In addition, color reflects the personality of the person who chooses or uses it. Furniture also reflects personality. Arrangement is important in making people feel comfortable and easy and safe to move between pieces. Most people prefer to sit alone when waiting to see physicians. Firm-cushioned furniture with arm rests allows people to sit and rise more easily. Color, mirrors, glass, and other decorating items can help make a small space look larger, a narrow space wider, or a low space higher. Mixing textures creates interesting effects. Patterns in wall coverings and upholstery also increase visual interest and alter perception of size and shape. Personal mementos can make patients feel a physician is a more humane person, although they also can make a female physician appear less professional and capable, depending on the patients' perceptions. Even lighting levels increase visual acuity. People usually prefer some closeness in architecture as a defensive position. Institutionalized approaches to building increase patients' anxiety. The reception area makes the first impression. It should be welcoming, restful and divided into smaller waiting areas. Incandescent lighting is more relaxing than fluorescent.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)