Advantis Credit Union

"Kimball Office did whatever it took to get me what I needed, even if it wasn't standard. Kimball and NWOI really pulled it together to get the job done."

Recently, we wrapped a project at Advantis Credit Union where we collaborated with Kimball to design and furnish their 10,300 square foot space to be used for finance and banking purposes here in Milwaukie, OR.

Our design team utilized pieces from Priority, Itsa, Villa, Xsite, Footprint, and Bingo to create a functional space complete with open plan ideals, private offices, and conference rooms. The challenge was to work with Advantis' recent growth and need for a fresh remodel. We aimed to meet the contemporary vision of Tim Clouse, VP of IT and Facilities, who wanted to "create an interesting work place so that [their] staff knew they were valued and their work was appreciated."

Advantis employees work long hours at their desks and have little interaction with others with few open spaces available and cubicle work spaces. Our team and SUM Design Studio + Architecture knew that this needed to change and worked to create a space which encourages collaboration and positive employee relationships. The space now has a new, modern feel with tons of natural light, abundant storage, fresh colors, and contemporary furniture from Kimball.

Overall the project was a huge success and Clouse confirms “the openness increases productivity and creates transparency around work. This project was incredibly gratifying for me because people enjoy it.”

Check out the full case study here.

So You Want Something Different? Here It Is!

Speaking of fun and innovative things, we recently ordered some colorful cubes for our showroom from BuzziSpace. These short stools come in a wide variety of bright hues and may be customized by size and amount of 3D squares in the pattern (see specs below). BuzziSpace offers a family of unique products from wall-coverings to benches to chairs and couches. Their fabric of choice is a fuzzy felt which is the perfect solution for a modern addition to the office. We went with a fresh orange color to compliment the cool blues in our space and they should be in soon! Check back for photos!

In the mean time, here's a look at some other fun products offered by the European manufacturer.

BuzziWings

BuzziSpace is all about modern designs built with eco-friendliness, acoustics and flexibility in mind. They use recycled and soundproof materials to create a variety of products that effectively reduce and absorb sound. BuzziWings boost acoustics with a touch of creativity, leaving your space with a functional yet appealing solution to noise control.

BuzziShade

These lamps have an elegant base and contrasting hood, done in BuzziFelt, that seems to float above it. The BuzziShade provides an intimate space that may be used in offices, waiting rooms, restaurants or as event furniture. Sound absorbing and environmentally friendly, these pieces were designed by four young furniture designers who studied in Belgium: Len de Paepe, Bob Segers, Tim Vranken and Jonas Blondeel.

BuzziMe

"Me, myself and I: there are times when you want to spend some time on your own in peace and quiet." BuzziMe is perfect for this. Belgian designer Axel Enthoven created an "ingenious look which harmoniously combines functionality and ergonomics." The chair has a swivel base, built-in light source, privacy sidewalls, and acoustic insulation made to reduce external noise. BuzziMe is the perfect chair for lobbies, airports and offices.
 

 

 Come visit us to learn more and to order some Buzzi for your Space!

Photos and specs via BuzziSpace.

NeoCon 2013

Check back in mid June for first hand exhibit notes from our design team!

As you probably know, NeoCon is coming up once again and we can't wait to check out all of the innovative products to be showcased this year! If you're not familiar with the event, NeoCon started in 1969 and is ultimately where the contract industry kicks off its year. Thousands of products and resources for hospitality, healthcare, retail, government, institutional and residential interiors are shown in more than 700 showrooms from various exhibitors. The conference is "North America's largest design exposition for commercial interiors, providing over 40,000 architecture and design professionals with nearly 100 CEU-accredited seminars, association forums and top-notch keynote speakers."

As a part of the design community, we're sending three of our team members to the conference this June to check it all out. This way, we'll have a fresh take on the current and upcoming direction of the industry. Our design/sales team will spend the week checking out various seminars, mingling with other firms, and finding inspiration in the newest interior products. We'll expect to see just about everything from building products to files and storage to wall treatments and lighting. And, of course, a good helping of uniquely modern furniture.

Here's a short list of some vendors expected at Chicago's NeoCon 2013:

BuzziSpace
Arcadia
Chemetal
Izzy+
HON
OFS Brands
SitOnIt
Workrite
Humanscale
Maharam

Perfectly Modern

This week, we're taking a closer look at some uniquely designed furniture from companies who truly understand modern interiors. HighTower Group is a US-based furniture company made up of passionate design enthusiasts. Founded in 2003 by Scott Hartkopf, the company sources, produces, and delivers products from cafe chairs and lobby sofas, to breakout tables and magazine racks - perfect for your commercial work space. HighTower specializes in fresh, innovative designs that fit seamlessly in today's corporate environment. With a keen focus on collaboration, flexibility, and mobility, HighTower helps boost and maintain our newest generation's productivity at the office.

"Grey walls and cubicles are a thing of the past - offices should be be fun and engaging."

Hartkopf says, "It was clear that our industry was craving new designs for commercial spaces, but needed these exciting, new designs to be more readily available & easy to specify.  We all agreed and started to work on creating HighTower's product collection based out of High Point, North Carolina."

Co-founded by Scott's two daughters, HighTower is "infused with the sensibilities of Gen Y." This combination of generations provides the company with a unique perspective and makes it easy for them to design products that are desirable for how people work in today's world.

Here's a look at a few of our favorite HighTower picks:

InDuplo Sofa - Ernst & Jensen
Comfortable and sculptural sofa with modern retro styling
Lacquered aluminum legs available in white or black standard 
2 seat or 3 seat options
Lowback or Midback

Log - Naoto Fukasawa, 2006
Crafted from oak with natural clear lacquer finish
Series includes stool, bench, bench grande, and table
Removable lid for storage

Papa - Jonas Lindvall 
Beautiful bentwood lounge chair
Inspired by the Danish golden era of design and Hemingway’s grandiosity
Frame available in clear lacquered Oak or black stained Oak
Optional upholstered seat pad
Matching Table available

Images and specs via HighTower

Whiten Up

We all know about the importance of color in the workplace and what it can do for your business. But what about the impact of white in a space?

Arguably the purest "color", this clean tint adds an amount of elegance that only white or black can achieve. Its simplicity keeps things looking fresh and visually appealing with little effort. Sure, we love a good pop of color and a fun ode to a seasonal trend here and there, however, there's something so perfect about the purity of white that keeps us interested and thirsty for more.

Some of the latest in modern design utilizes the color white in conjunction with sleek materials - like glass, resin, or concrete - leaving a simple, minimalistic aesthetic that's easy on the eye.

Spring is the perfect time to update your look and using white is a great way to get a fresh new start for the season! What are your favorite colors for the office?

Check out these inspirational space designs that put white to work in a fantastically modern way:

Use interesting textures and shapes to create an eye catching display of white.

Or leave it flat and functional for a non-messy look.

And, of course, you can't go wrong with the addition of contrasting brights to give some depth to an all white design.