No matter how practical we have to be with office space, it’s always nice to be able to incorporate visually pleasing elements.  In fact, studies have shown the working environment is a key factor in productivity.

That’s one of the factors that have motivated Inscape to adopt a very flexible approach to their architectural interior products. We’re happy to work with you to customize not only the configuration of your movable walls and office systems, but also to work with you to provide the aesthetic finishes in custom fabrics, vinyls, glass and other surfaces.

After all, if you’re innovative enough to adopt cutting edge design solutions, why not make sure that they reflect your corporate personality accurately?

There are so many different ways you can express it with Inscape’s movable walls because their structural integrity, precision engineering and simplicity make them adaptable for use in a wide variety of applications.  Some applications include:

• collaborative areas
• computer centers
• lunch rooms
• conferencing facilities
• private offices
• learning centers
• factory offices
• laboratories
• atriums
• lobbies

Overall versatility combined with sheer good looks have made them a favorite with many Fortune ‘500′ companies.  Not to mention that they are surprisingly cost-effective and impressively environmentally responsible. We’d love to tell you more… why not give me a call?  Or email me…

Michael Ackelbein
V.P. Sales (Western)
mackelbein@inscapesolutions.com
415.710.8024

We’ve mentioned before that Inscape’s movable walls offer some significant advantages for designers in that they provide the flexibility to change space configurations quickly and cost-effectively.

The trouble with many non-permanent office structures is that the flexibility comes with a price in lack of privacy.

However, this is just another indication of Inscape’s practical and forward thinking design.  Inscape’s floor to ceiling movable walls deliver superior acoustical privacy - they boast Sound Transference Coefficient (STC) ratings as high as 42.

The full height, unitized wall panels are factory assembled and glazed then installed securely into the floor and ceiling channels.  This means that although they can be installed or disassembled quickly, while they are in place, they provide  an effective level of sound dampening between offices.

This is just one of the reasons that Inscape movable walls are becoming a priority in the design community.

For further information about how to utilize Inscape movable walls to their best advantage, please contact me by phone or email.

Michael Ackelbein
V.P. Sales (Western)
mackelbein@inscapesolutions.com
415.710.8024

This particular facility is one we’re very proud of.  It typifies our environmental stewardship approach in that it  was constructed to specific movable wall manufacturing requirements on a brownfield industrial redevelopment site.

Once declared a hazardous waste site, the property was reclaimed and repurposed after it lay dormant for many years.  When we decided to establish a manufacturing facility in the area, we knew that this site could be successfully rehabilitated and a suitable facility created for the manufacturing of environmentally friendly architectural interior products.

Kent Smallwood, CFO of Inscape Corporation and General Manager of the Architectural Interiors Division, says,   “The purchase of our architectural products manufacturing facility confirms our commitment to growing this division.”

He goes on to add, “The location of the facility on a brownfield site supports Inscape’s ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility and matches well with customers who want to choose a more sustainable solution for interior wall construction.”

As you know from previous articles on this blog, Inscape’s architectural products offer a truly integrated wall solution that offers multiple benefits, such as:

• privacy
• aesthetics
• and a high degree of flexibility.

These architectural products are also easily reconfigurable and are 85% recyclable at the end of use.  These factors play a major role in the increasing popularity that Inscape walls are enjoying with architects, designers and end-users who are environmentally conscious and fiscally prudent.

For further information and assistance, please contact me:

Michael Ackelbein
V.P. Sales (Western)
mackelbein@inscapesolutions.com
415.710.8024

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During the initial installation,  the two areas required the manufacture and installation of approximately 6,500 linear feet of Smart Wall and 400 Utility Chase cabinets.

In addition to the Smart Wall we have also installed approximately 4,000 linear feet of Academic Wall and 300 door frame units. By completion of Phase I and II, an additional 1,800 linear feet of Smart Wall, 150 Utility Chases and approximately 3,000 linear feet will have been  manufactured and installed.

At the end our first 12 months of the Pentagon project we manufactured, delivered and installed approximately 15,000 linear feet of walls. This may seem like an enormous amount of material but it only comprised 1/3 of the 1st Wedge… with 3 more wedges to go!

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The Pentagon
The Pentagon is one of the world’s largest and most recognizable office buildings and can boast the following statistics;

• Total Land Area – 583 acres ? Access highways -30 miles ? Parking Area -67 acres

• Capacity 8,770 vehicles ? Gross Floor Area – 6,636,360 square feet ? Total length of corridors -

17.5 miles

The Pentagon is composed of five concentric pentagonal rings connected by ten radial corridors. Each of its outer walls is 921.6 feet long. The building covers 29 acres, the largest ground area of any office building in the world.

A five-acre pentagonal courtyard is located in the building’s center. The building and its central courtyard cover 34 acres. There are 17.5 miles of corridors in the building. The structure is three times the size of the Empire State Building. The building rests on 41,492 concrete piles, the combined length of which would stretch 200 miles.

The five concentric pentagonal rings are separated by interior courts which serve as light wells. This design feature increases the number of windows allowing natural light. Each ring has five stories. The Mall and River sides of the building have a Basement area which includes a partial Mezzanine.

The History
The Pentagon was built during World War II. The original construction took only 16 months.    At the peak of construction 15,000 men worked in three, 5,000 man shifts work around the clock. Since its construction some 50 years ago, the building has never undergone a major renovation. Obviously all of the building systems are in need of modernization and thus the Pentagon Renovation (PenRen) was born.

The Renovation
The renovation of Wedges 2-5 was a phased design/build project involving 4 million square feet of occupied space in the Pentagon. The project brought all remaining un-renovated areas of the building into compliance with modern building, safety,    ADA and fire codes.

Work included removal of all hazardous materials, replacement of all building systems, addition of new elevators and escalators to improve vertical circulation, and installation of new security and telecommunications systems. Renovated spaces will be modern, efficient, and flexible. The design-build project, which began September 2001, was  on an accelerated schedule with a completion goals of December 2010, four years sooner than originally plan

What is “design-build?”
Design-build is a construction contracting approach adopted by the Pentagon Renovation Program that allows design and construction to operate as a single entity under one contract. This is in contrast to the standard government contracting approach of design- bid-build which often results in conflict between the design, construction contractor and the owner.

Installation of Smart Wall

What is Smart Wall?
Smart Wall is the back bone of the Pentagon’s “Universal Space Plan” USP system. The concept of the USP is to build a framework of building features and systems which will accommodate internal configuration and future reconfiguration. Division of space can be reconfigured with minimal downtime and virtually no reconfiguration of building systems, such as data, electrical and communication wiring.

Authored by Karen Sanders Project Manager.
Smart Wall creating a conference room

IIDA-NC includes Hawaii & the Pacific Rim, Northern California, and Northern Nevada.

In addition to the current Board leadership, two Fellows of IIDA, Eric Engstrom (Past President of IIDA 2005-2006), and Jean Hanson (Past Chapter President, IIDA-NC), along with Past Chapter Presidents Gary Nichols, David Meckley, Terry De LaCuesta, and Susan Jue were there to share their expertise.

Current President Collin Burry and President elect Robi Kaseman led day one of the retreat, and Michael Skaar, VP of City Centers, led the second day.

On Saturday February 6th, IIDA’s five City Centers took center stage; these groups represent the heart of the Chapter and operate in each of the major markets served. The Chapter’s directive, Secure in Change, was evident in the progressive initiatives and programs that have been devel- oped in the past year.

A competition for programs among the five City Centers was held, and resulted in multiple awards, including:

• Most Original Effort: “going beyond the boundaries” award – Honolulu City Center for its collaborative work with Japan and Pacific Rim, and san francisco for its extraordinary resurgence and innovative program development.
• Most Educational Event: Fresno City Center for its NCIDQ study initiatives + sacramento City Center for Ceu Saturday
• Beyond-Left-coast – Off the wall Event: Honolulu City Center for its Rock ‘N Bowl, an annual fundraiser
• Most effective/providing Community Service: Silicon Valley Festivus and Silicon Valley Culinary Challenge
• Most effective/creating membership growth: Sacra- mento City Center for Student Mixer and Student Design Awards
• Most Creative -Best Graphics: San Francisco Passport Series
• Most effective/enhancing membership experience: San Francisco – DimSum Networking San Francisco + Silicon Valley Culinary Challenge
• Most effective/supporting student experience: Fresno Boo ‘n Bowl for student sponsorship, sacramento golf tournament to benefit student grants
• Best overall program leadership in a City Center: San Francisco for their Passport series, Philanthropy By Design Collaboration, and NCIDQ prep.

Judges Eric Engstrom, FIIDA, Susan Jue IIDA, and Jean Hansen, FIIDA complemented the extraordinary program development within the five City Centers.
Chapter President Collin Burry commented ”I’m in awe and ever so proud of the creativity, passion and profession- alism of the events In our chapter.”

IIDA-NC can be reached at www.iida-nc.org.

Mike Skaar
VP City Centers IIDA-NC
IIDA-Industry
Skaar Furniture Associates Inc.
The San Francisco Design Center
Two Henry Adams Street, Suites 350 & 353
San Francisco CA
T. 415.487.9900

The Small Business Commerce Association (SBCA) is pleased to announce that Workspace Innovations, Inc has been selected for the 2009 Best of Business Award in the Office furniture category.

The SBCA Best of Business Award Program recognizes the best of small businesses throughout the country. Using consumer feedback and other research, the SBCA identifies companies that we believe have demonstrated what makes small businesses a vital part of the American economy. The selection committee chooses the award winners from nominees based off information taken from monthly surveys administered by the SBCA, a review of consumer rankings, and other consumer reports . Award winners are a valuable asset to their community and exemplify what makes small businesses great.

Once again, congratulations on your selection and we wish you the best of luck in the future.

Sincerely,

SBCA Selection Committee

On February 11th, IIDA members enjoyed a fun event hosted at Interface.  As part of the Passport Series, this event featured an Olympic theme in support of the winter Olympics held just north of the border in Vancouver B.C.

Here are a few ‘candid camera’ snapshots taken at the Designer Biathlon:

Here are a few ‘candid camera’ snapshots taken at the Designer Biathlon:

Here are a few ‘candid camera’ snapshots taken at the Designer Biathlon:

He will be focusing on the State & Local Government and Higher Education vertical markets – with a bit of Healthcare and GSA for good measure. He will be putting together our CMAS contract and jumping right into the market. In 2006, his first year in San Diego, Ross generated more than $3MM in total sales to schools and municipalities. We are excited to have him with us and ask everyone to join us in welcoming Ross to OfficePlanIt, Inscape’s finest Premier Dealership.

Ross cut his furniture teeth in the fast paced world of New York City. Learning the intricate processes involved in executing large scale multi-year furniture projects has made Ross aptly suited to guide clients through the process and selection of furniture in any situation. A 23-year veteran of the industry, he has served clients as varied as the New York City Transit Authority, NY Football Giants, and Sony Records to the San Diego Unified School District, University of California, and City of Carlsbad. His attention to detail and knowledge of all aspects of the furniture process allow him to offer unique solutions to the complex needs of today’s changing environments.”

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Theron Williams
President

111 14th Street
San Diego, CA 92101
www.officeplanit.com

619.508.7800 (c)
619.961.1800 (o)
619.961.1850 (f)
theron@officeplanit.com

Probably the best way to understand what it really means is to look at how the award came to be in the first place.

This particular award was founded in Chicago in 1950 by architects Eero Saarinen, Charles and Ray Eames, and Edgar Kaufmann, Jr., GOOD DESIGN bestows international recognition upon the world’s most prominent designers and manufacturers for advancing new, visionary and innovative product concepts, invention and originality, and for stretching the envelope beyond what is considered ordinary product and consumer design.

This coveted award is conferred annually by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design together with The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies. www.chi-athenaeum.org

So, when you really examine whether winning the Good Design award is simply a feather in the cap or something more, it becomes fairly obvious that it’s not something awarded lightly.

That makes us proud.  Not that we’ve won an award, but that we’ve brought a furniture system to the market that’s gone beyond basic functionality and superficial aesthetics.  Tisch is really quite remarkable in that it is so flexible that it suits a variety of applications, handling each one effortlessly as if that application were it’s only purpose.

European designed Tisch combines elegant simplicity and exceptional flexibility for desking, benching and conferencing applications. Designed with modular components and an intelligent rail system, Tisch can be easily reconfigured as workplace needs change and evolve.

Tisch  is ideal for collaborative and project-focused applications, but can also adapt for hotelling and more traditional applications. A comprehensive cable management system provides fast and easy access to power and data. Accessory rails, organizer units, screens, filing trays and shelves help users to work more efficiently.
Since its launch at the 2009 NeoCon World’s Trade Fair in Chicago, Tisch has won a Gold Innovation award at IIDEX/NeoCon Canada, Interior Design Magazine’s Best of Year Merit award and the GOOD DESIGN award.

Obviously, the judges were impressed by the thoughtfulness and innovativeness of Tisch’s design.  We think you will be too.

To find out more, please call or email me and I’d be happy to assist you.

Michael Ackelbein
V.P. Sales (Western)
mackelbein@inscapesolutions.com
415.710.8024

Old models no longer work. Changes are fast paced and fluid.  One day there may be a need for a private office space – the next, a collaborative team area.  With increasing mobility within the workforce, it doesn’t make sense to have static, individual office space for employees who may spend much of their time on the road or operating from a home office.

Inscape’s solution is to enable the flexibility you need. Movable walls provide both the aesthetics and practical functionality that allow your organization to meet the challenges you face day by day.

With fast, easy installation, disassembly and reassembly, your space can morph from boardroom to private office in just a few hours.

You’d expect such mobility to be accompanied by a makeshift appearance, but with Inscape’s movable walls, you’ll find only seamless sophistication. You have total control over panel and door styles, color schemes and other design variables, you’ll be able to create a look that will enhance your corporate image without putting a dent into your budget.

Create your own spaces with choices from architectural enamel finishes, designer fabrics and multiple glass styles. Place your work surfaces, shelves or overheads wherever works best for you- quickly.  Handle your data cabling easily and unobtrusively.

With great acoustical and visual privacy built in and the ability to integrate with either free-standing or system furniture, you’ll never need be concerned about whether your movable walls will multi0task as efficiently as you’ve hoped.

Perhaps the best thing about movable walls is that your investment will pay off and you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing that you’ve chosen a far superior alternative to traditional drywall that’s better for business and better for the environment too!

Sound interesting?  We’d love to tell you more.  Give me a call, or email me for further information about Inscape’s architectural interior products.

Michael Ackelbein
V.P. Sales (Western)
mackelbein@inscapesolutions.com
415.710.8024

The old