Perspectives
Happy spring! While the calendar may indicate we are in spring, the weather here in Richmond sure feels like we are already into summer. At least we are being spared the horrendous weather plaguing so much of the country and for this we are thankful.
We are pleased to present an exciting contest that kicks off with this issue of Smarter Times. Because having a good office chair is so important, we are giving one of our lucky readers the chance to win a new executive office chair from one of our top manufacturers. To enter, all you have to do is click on the link (click here) and let us know, in 25 words or less, why you deserve a new chair. Good luck! Look for the winner in the next issue of Smarter Times.
Our work with the Federal Government continues on a roll. At the beginning of 2011, we started the installation of four new buildings—450,000 sq. ft. of instructional and training space—at the Army's Ordnance Center and School at Ft. Lee. Since January, we have kept 30 of our installers on site at Ft. Lee for this massive undertaking. Thanks to an enormous team effort, we continue to receive superior ratings from the Army Corps of Engineers. We would especially like to recognize one of our designers, Nancy Powell, for her hard work, expertise and attention to even the minutest detail for the Ft. Lee contract. Also, hats off to the head of our installation services, Rodney Herbert and his team for their unfailing professionalism and commitment to delivering outstanding customer service. The installation in a project of this magnitude can make or break you. In this case, Rodney and his team made the project. Watch upcoming issues of Smarter Times for ongoing government news.
The Glossary of Commercial Furniture and Space Planning Terms we introduced last year has met with so much enthusiasm that we have updated it and added several dozen new terms. Make sure you check out this handy, downloadable resource on our website.
And finally, we are pleased to announce that one of our projects, Stratford University at the Thalhimer Center, took home a top award at the Greater Richmond Association for Commercial Real Estate's Annual Awards Gala in March. This is the third year that one or more of our projects were recognized by the Greater Richmond real estate community.
To each and every one of our clients and friends, thank you again for your on-going confidence and support.
Greg Campbell & Randy Alderson
Smarter Interiors
The Smarter Spotlight
Up Close and Personal with
Greg Campbell
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| Greg Campbell with Theodora E. von Hohenstaufen Noll, VEDP, at Virginia Business' 25th Anniversary celebration at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. |
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Greg is an entrepreneur, business leader, one of the founding principals of Smarter Interiors and an experienced commercial furniture dealer with over 20 years of experience. He has spent most of his professional career specializing in new, recycled, and remanufactured furniture for corporate offices and healthcare facilities.
A Clifton Forge, Virginia native, Greg grew up in Richmond, Virginia, attended Douglas Freeman High School and graduated from Virginia Tech. He began his career as an Account Executive and Sales Manager at former Richmond furniture dealership Morton Marks & Sons, where he honed his skill at always being completely in step with his clients' needs.
In 1990, Greg left to co-found Open Plan Systems, a systems furniture re-manufacturer, where he was the Executive Vice President and served on the Board of Directors. In 1995 Greg relocated to Chicago to establish a mid-west presence for Open Plan Systems. He returned to Richmond in 2000 and founded Smarter Interiors. His longtime friend and seasoned commercial furniture veteran Randy Alderson soon joined him in the business. Along with his strong commitment to their clients needs, Greg's responsibilities include sales and account management.
"I believe strongly in a hands on, customer focused approach to every project and client," states Greg. "And as an owner, I am able to make key decisions without going through an elaborate chain of command for solutions."
Some of Greg's projects include Owens & Minor's Corporate Headquarters, Xerox Tampa, Chicago Sun Times, OfficeMax/Ohio, Dominion Virginia Power, 360 Communications/ Alltel/ Chicago, HCA Hospitals, Stratford University and a host of others. He is currently a member of IFMA and a member of the Board of Directors for the Greater Richmond Association for Commercial Real Estate where he also serves on the programs committee. To contact Greg, call 804.358.7979 or gcampbell@smarterinteriors.com.
Capabilities Statement
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From the NewsRoom:
Smarter Interiors Helps Give the Bureau of Permits and Inspections for the City of Richmond an Extreme Makeover
The Challenge: To create an innovative, collaborative environment while improving the City's Image
Built in 1971, Richmond's City Hall is a 19-floor, steel and concrete structure located in the heart of downtown Richmond, Virginia. Design by architecture firm Ballou, Justice and Upton, City Hall houses myriad departments within the city government, including the Bureau of Permits and Inspections—more euphemistically known as the Permitting Room #110. It is here that various personnel review applications and construction documents for construction, alterations and improvements to all new and existing structures in the City of Richmond. After permits are issued, the bureau inspects the work at specific stages through the completion of the job.
When former Director of Planning and Development, Rachel Flynn, AIA, came to the City of Richmond in 2006, she realized that the Bureau of Permits and Inspection, Room #110, was in sore need of a major renovation. Not only were the department's furnishings worn and outdated, but the department, which was viewed by the public as cumbersome and a maze of inefficiency, needed a public relations makeover as well.
Smarter Interiors: Bringing a 21st Century Contemporary Look That Nurtures Efficiency, Collaboration and Positive Public Image
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| Before: The dated 1970s gray and pink décor was unwelcoming and cluttered. |
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Ms. Flynn knew that she wanted a space and furnishings that were safe, durable, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing, while at the same time facilitated collaboration and conveyed the ease of doing business within the Bureau. Further, she wanted to provide the employees with a more productive, comfortable work environment. Although it took over four years to get the project funded, Ms. Flynn was able to set her vision in motion in 2010 and turned to the interior architectural talents of Kristi Lane with 3 North (now with Visible Proof) and Smarter Interiors for furnishings and space planning.
When the finished project was revealed at ribbon cutting on September 14, 2010, the public reaction was in one word: shock! The new space was contemporary and open—not a typical government office. Replacing the 1970s gray and pink color scheme were contemporary shades of apple green and purple. Some of the original Herman Miller ™ office cubicles were recovered with bright fabrics and remanufactured with laminate cherry work surfaces. Additionally, new furniture was purchased that gave the entire office a new look and feel. Where previously all business for the Bureau had to be conducted at a counter, the new space included a bright, well lite reception area as well as multiple areas for meeting.
"We were pleased to work with Kristi Lane to assist the City with this significant makeover," commented Smarter Interiors' Principal Greg Campbell.
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| After: A contemporary open look punctuated with apple green and purple accents results in improved customer service and public relations.
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"I think it [renovating Room #110] has done more to change the perception of the City than any other project," continued Kristi Lane.
Smarter Interiors provided furniture specification services, project management, installation management and coordination services to ensure a project that was completed on time for a ribbon cutting and reopening September 14, 2010. For more information, contact Greg Campbell at 804.358.7979.
Case Study:
Government GPS: Fort Lee Update
Smarter Interiors Continues on a Roll to Furnish 450,000 Square Feet of Instructional and Training Space at Central Campus
Editor's Note: In the last issue of Smarter Times, we featured the award and scope of the second phase of the U.S. Army's Ordnance Center and School Project at Fort Lee to Smarter Interiors and furniture manufacturer Allsteel. Due to the enormous scope of our work at Fort Lee and other government projects, we are introducing a new feature: Government GPS. For more detail and photographs, log on to our website, www.smarterinteriors.com.
Background and Project Overview
The new U.S. Army Ordnance Center and School at Fort Lee, Va., will house 600 military personnel and 300 civilians when complete in 2011. The work is part of a Base Realignment and Closure program that resulted in $1.2 billion in construction at the base. Design-build contractor W.M. Jordan Co. of Newport News, VA, is building the $70 million Central Campus 2 project, which consists of four multistory structures with classrooms, laboratories, administrative offices and single-story high-bay areas for equipment repair training, a rear educational support classroom, restrooms and storage areas.
In November, 2010, Smarter Interiors and furniture manufacturer Allsteel were selected to furnish 450,000 square feet of space that spans four multi-story buildings—one of the last components in the multibillion dollar transformation of Fort Lee.
Smarter Interiors: Delivering Value and Service Means Superior Ratings
In January, Smarter Interiors began installation, keeping a team of 30 installers and a total of 50 tractor trailers of furniture on site through the project completion, which is scheduled for June, 2011. According to Smarter Interiors' Principal and Project Lead, Randy Alderson, even after submitting a 1000 page response (RFP) package and being awarded the project, there are numerous challenges to overcome.
"The real challenge in being awarded projects of this magnitude, even beyond finding products that satisfy the grueling Army Corps of Engineers' (ACOE) specifications is ridged time frames," states Alderson. "Once we were awarded the project, we had to sit down with the ACOE folks and review any modifications they may want to make in the original submittals, all the while knowing that the stipulated deadlines were etched in stone. Missing deadlines and milestones could negatively impact any future awards."
Utilizing a primarily gray with red accents color scheme, the furnishings for the Ordnance Center and School Phase Two primarily include products from Allsteel and Gunlocke. The Allsteel products include Inspire®, Relate®, and Seek® seating; Get-Set® Tables; and Terrace DNA® cubicles. The Gunlocke products include the flexible, clean-lined Medley Collection® of conference tables, conferencing support products and occasional tables.
Smarter Interiors is also providing green manufactured, heavy-duty work benches with two inch butcher block tops that will be used in the training and teaching labs.
To date, Smarter Interiors has consistently received superior ratings for their work at Fort Lee. With the conclusion of the installation at Central Campus 2, Smarter Interiors will have completed the installation of a total of eight (8) buildings.
"I am personally proud to be part of this tremendous project at Fort Lee," continues Alderson. "I grew up in Colonial Heights and my father retired at Fort Lee. If he were alive today, he would be very proud of me and this project."
Smarter Interiors is scheduled to finish installation in June. For more information or to learn more about their specialty in working with the Federal government, contact Randy Alderson at 804.358.7979 or email ralderson@smarterinteriors.com.
Product Feature:
80 % Off Custom, Hand Made Desk, Credenza and Hutch By CCN International
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Tocotta Credenza and Hutch with Tocotta
Original Cost: $21,016.00.
Sale Price: $4,203.00.
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Our Smarter Interiors' Show Room is bursting at the seams and we desperately need to make room for new inventory. Therefore, we are offering an outstanding, one of a kind, handmade, custom- designed desk, credenza and hutch from award winning furniture manufacturer CCN International at 80% off the list cost! All of the pieces are fashioned from rich cherry and sycamore veneer with cherry inlays.
The Tocotta medium profile desk, with 2-box drawers measures 36" x 78" x 29.5" tall and is rich cherry and Sycamore with Cherry inlays. Original cost: $9,101.00. Sale Price: $1,821.00.
Tocotta Credenza, with 36" lateral file, measures 25" x 129" x 29.25 tall. Maple top, satin chrome hardware and Sycamore top. Tocotta Hutch has Sycamore full height doors/3 adjustable shelves. 15" x 36" x 45.50" tall. Tocotta Upper organizer with 2-small drawers, center bays with 3/8" vertical dividers. 10" x 54" x 25" tall. The sale price also includes set up and delivery in the metro Richmond area. For more details, contact Smarter Interiors at 804.358.7979 or email ralderson@smarterinteriors.com.
GAME CHANGER: Humanscale Introduces Pony Saddle Seat
A Comfortable and Space-Efficient Stool for Healthcare Providers
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The Saddle and Pony Saddle seats, part of Humanscale's award-winning Freedom® seating line, are the most comfortable and versatile stools ever made. Ideal for healthcare environments, the Pony Saddle provides effortless ergonomic comfort and valuable space savings in fast-paced, compact work spaces.
The original Saddle and the more compact Pony Saddle accommodate comfortable seating in countless applications. Created by the legendary industrial designer Niels Diffrient, the Pony Saddle is part of Humanscale's award-winning Freedom seating line. Featuring a triangular cushion that encourages users to sit in a "saddle" posture, which puts the spine into a healthy lordotic curve and reduces pressure points for long-term comfort, the Pony Saddle offers a compact 16-inch seat width—perfect for tight spaces found in healthcare work spaces. Its small size allows it to be stored out of the way, be easily accessible, and offer caregivers the ability to move in close proximity to their patients or to any task at hand.
Smarter Interiors is proud to represent the award-winning Humanscale line. For more information, contact Smarter Interiors at 804.358.7979 or log on to www.smarterinteriors.com.
Smarter Interiors' Project Takes Home Gold At The Greater Richmond Commercial Real Estate 2011 Awards
Stratford University at Thalhimer Center Named Best in Class
One of Smarter Interiors projects, Stratford University at the Thalhimer Center, took the top honor as the Best Renovation or Reuse Project at the 10 Annual Real Estate Awards Gala sponsored by Greater Richmond Association for Commercial Real Estate (GRACRE). Designed by Powers Brown Architects, Stratford University is a 55,000 sq. ft. facility located in the Thalhimer Center, the former home of S & K Famous Brands. Smarter Interiors provided the furnishings.
The Annual Real Estate Stars Awards, which honor the best real estate projects of the previous year, have become one of the Richmond area's preeminent events. The gala was held March 30th at the Richmond Marriott Hotel, with almost 200 people in attendance. Over 50 real estate projects in the Greater Richmond Region were nominated for 11 industry categories.
"We are honored to be part of this award-winning project," states Greg Campbell, principal with Smarter Interiors.
Another one of Smarter Interiors' projects, the Bureau of Permits and Inspections for the City of Richmond was a finalist for this year's awards in the Best Institutional or Public Building Project category.
For more information about Smarter Interiors and their award winning projects, go to www.smarterinteriors.com or call 804.358.7979.
Acoustical Panel
(a• cous• ti• cal): A systems furniture panel with acoustical properties to absorb sound within the panel structure providing a higher STC rating for the overall workspace.
Smarter Interiors has just published a new, updated glossary of over 120 commercial furniture and space planning terms—from Acoustical Panel to X Post. Available as a download on our website (www.smarterinteriors.com) or upon request from our Customer Service Department, this handy reference guide is great for architects, commercial real estate agents, property managers, real estate developers and more. To request a copy, call 804.358.7979 or email info@smarterinteriors.com.
Innovations:
Color Me Successful -
A Guide to Commercial Color Schemes
It's no surprise that we frequently associate colors with emotions. We describe ourselves as 'feeling blue' or 'green with envy' or 'seeing red' because there is something about certain colors and color combinations that can evoke powerful emotions in us. The ancient Chinese art of Feng Shui dictates that different colors be used depending on what a person wants to attract into their lives, and regardless of whether you buy into that particular school of thought there is no denying that the color scheme of a building or interior certainly creates an impression. One particular area in which color is used to great effect is flooring.
The Principles of Color
In terms of commercial spaces, the colors you use are not simply a matter of taste, but an exercise in consumer psychology and marketing. The correct combination of color and texture can have a serious effect on the feelings and behavior of consumers or clients, so far more than being an offhand decision, your color scheme deserves a lot of thought--after all, it can translate into cold hard cash for your business!
As a rough guide, here are some of the basic principles of color use in commercial spaces:
Vibrant Primary Colors--Reds, Blues and Yellows are often used in large fast food chains or banks. It is thought that combinations of primary colors stimulate the senses therefore making it easier to make decisions, making you more alert, and of course, stimulating your appetite. Ever wondered why McDonald's uses red and yellow inside all of its stores?
Muted, Pastel and Calming Tones such as pale greens, beige and cream are frequently utilized in office buildings, dentists and medical practices. These colors instill calm and serenity, which is definitely the feeling you should aim to create in a dental surgery!
Complex Color Patterns with visually busy and stimulating designs are often found in RSLs, hotels and casinos. The vibe is one of fast-paced entertainment and hustle and bustle, giving a cheery and inviting feel.
Tips for Choosing a Color Scheme
If you've been put in charge of deciding upon a color-scheme for a commercial space, you need to find something that not only fits with the brand personality the space is trying to promote but also something that goes with the overall design of the building, both inside and out. Whether it's carpet, tiles or hardwood you're looking at, you need to make sure the elements of the building all fit together well, and that the overall impression is the right one for your business.
--February 8, 2011 by Rob Travis, ezine
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