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For the Love of Learning Pop Up Event
From September 30th – October 18th (3 weeks) Create Spaces will be hosting an education pop up in its Boise showroom. At this pop up
How Can Create Spaces Help My Business Environment?
Welcome to Create Spaces, where we excel in office furniture design and implementation for your office environment. As one of the leading commercial office furniture
What is Video Conferencing?
Video conferencing is a technology that allows individuals or groups to communicate and interact in real-time using audio and video transmission over the Internet. It
How Distractions at Work Negatively Impact Productivity
In today’s office environments where footprints continue to shrink, distractions are an ever-present challenge. Despite the modern advancements designed to enhance productivity, employees often find
The Importance of Staying Active at Work
In today’s corporate world, desk jobs are the norm, often requiring long hours of sedentary work. This lifestyle, while sometimes unavoidable, poses significant health risks.
Privacy is Powerful: Privacy Solutions
Why access to privacy solutions is critical in today’s workplace. Hybrid work is taxing our brains in new ways. We’re having to think ahead and
3 Tips to Maximize Productivity in Small Offices
A noticeable trend has taken hold of the business world. According to a recent study, 88% of businesses require employees to be in the office
Wright Brothers Building Company
When you work in an industry tied so closely to wood and steel, designing your new building in the “Mountain Modern/ Industrial” style is the
Personable No Matter The Project
In 2015, Chelsea Lavell was six weeks into her maternity leave with her first baby and got a call that would change her career forever.
Is There A Well-Being Gap Between Leaders and Employees?
According to recent findings conducted by Steelcase, there is a significant difference between a leader’s work experience and their employee’s. With so much recent workplace
How Does Office Furniture Affect Workplace Productivity?
Office furniture impacts the appearance of your workplace. But how does office furniture affect workplace productivity? The answer may surprise you.
Bluberi: It’s A Team Sport
Thirty years ago, Bluberi was a small company in Drummondville, Quebec creating games for slot machines. Today, it is a complete slot machine manufacturer and
Preparing for an Office Move: What Businesses Need To Do
Are you gearing up for an office move? This guide will cover what businesses need to do when preparing for an office move to ensure success at the new location.
The Employee – Leader Gap
Message From The President A gap exists between leaders’ perceived well-being at work and employees’ well-being. According to the recent Steelcase work study, leaders are
Comparing Traditional Meeting Rooms and Modern Hybrid Spaces
Traditional meeting rooms have served businesses well, but it is time to move to modern hybrid spaces. Discover more in this comparison of the two.
When and Why Should You Modernize Your Business’s AV System?
Having an up-to-date AV system is essential to your business’s long-term success. Discover when and why you should modernize your business’s AV system.
Inclusive Spaces for All
Designers, leaders and even inclusive design advocates often ask, “How do we balance everyone’s needs when they are very different?” Or, “Who do we listen to when there are competing needs?” These questions come up often because what might support an equitable experience for one group, may also create challenges for another.
How Long Does It Take To Procure Commercial Office Furniture?
Adding new furniture is a great way to refresh your firm, but you may wonder about the schedule. Learn how long it takes to procure commercial office furniture.
5 Tips for Structured Cabling
In the fast-paced world of modern business, seamless and efficient communication is crucial for success. As technology continues to evolve, businesses increasingly rely on a
The Pros and Cons of Open Office Layouts for Your Business
Explore the advantages and disadvantages of open office layouts to help you decide if they are the right choice for your own business environment.
Building Boise & Beyond
In the basement of the BRS Architects office, there is a wall of tightly wound plan sets. They are set stacked atop each other with
All About Huddle Room AV Solutions for Small Meetings
Explore the revolution of small meetings with huddle room AV solutions, maximizing efficiency, collaboration, and communication in modern offices.
Decommissioning Furniture & Living Their Values
How do you decommission 190,000 square feet of office space under a time constraint and move into a new building without disrupting work efficiency? A
3 Questions To Ask When Choosing a Commercial AV System
Choosing the right commercial AV system is vital. Here are three questions to ask to ensure you make an informed decision that meets your business needs.
The Benefits of Investing in Quality Office Furniture
Discover how investing in quality office furniture can boost productivity, enhance employee well-being, and form a creative commercial environment.
POWER Engineers: Designing For Flexibility
In 1976, two industrious engineers established POWER Engineers. It is an engineering and environmental consulting firm who team together to design integrated, multidiscipline solutions for
Reuse, Recycle, Ring Ring
Recently we helped a customer move to a beautiful new corporate headquarters location. As part of the deal we agreed to help them recycle their
Quick Tips for Designing a Productive Office Space
Creating a productive office space goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about crafting an environment that fosters creativity, efficiency, and well-being.
OEC and Machabee Office Environments Rebrand as Create Spaces
Two exciting announcements to share today: Merging of two great organizations Last October (2023) OEC acquired Machabee Office Environments—. The merger creates a larger company
5 Tips to Uncovering Barriers
Imagine an office space that puts you at ease and makes you feel valued, productive and engaged from entry to exit. Now consider someone very
6 Tips on Active Learning and Active Minds
Regardless of the grade level, subject matter or class size, today’s best learning spaces are designed for participative, active and engaging learning experiences that help
4 Tips on Learning the Future of Working
If machines can learn, what future value do people bring in a time of rapid advances in AI? It’s about developing uniquely human skills so
11 Steps for Designing for Hybrid Collaboration
The earlier you bring design, facilities and IT together to consider how furniture, lights, video and audio will intersect, the more seamless the hybrid collaboration
8 Tips on How to Make Personal Spaces for Focus
1. An open office isn’t always the best place to work – particularly now that many people take virtual calls throughout the day. 2. Offer
Beyond Hybrid. 4 Tips for Going Beyond Hybrid
1. People making more intentional decisions about when and why they go to the office expect a fundamentally new experience. It’s not so much about
Tips For Your Home Office + Creating A Greener Home Office
Homes are now part of the ecosystem of work: 75% of people have a dedicated workspace at home. People have learned how important a high-functioning
The Power of Intentionally Designed Spaces
A single room can do a lot for an organization. Whether that is reinforcing company culture or creating a sense of trust with clients. Today
5 Ways AV Supports Employee Wellbeing
Audiovisual (AV) technology is stepping into a significant role in helping create workplaces that prioritize employee wellbeing. These technologies are enhancing comfort, communication, and the
Red Folder: Striving For Better
In 2019, Dan McKnight was half-retired from the construction industry and needed something to do. His wife Andrea was also looking to get out of
OEC + Machabee Merger Announcement
OEC is pleased to announce it has joined forces with Machabee Office Environments. The merger will increase the OEC footprint to offer interior furniture and
Making Your Office A Destination Location.
Lessons from Silverwood Theme Park Destination Location in the Woods of Northern Idaho? Last year almost a million people traveled to a remote area in
Small Business. Big Impact
8 Insights and ideas for a new era of work. Small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) are crucial to the economy as they make up a
Color. Works. 7 Things To Know About Color Now
1. Color is a key ingredient to creating an inviting office space. Even a subtle change can make a big difference. 2. Color is powerful.
Navigating The Unknown + Embracing Flexibility
How Cradlepoint unlocked the secret (embracing flexibility) to creating a place employees want to work Since the beginning of the pandemic, the phrase “hybrid work”
Pursuing Excellence
Message from the President Last month I gave a brief clinic on financial freedom that focused on getting out of debt. The basic concept is
4 Types of Video Conferencing Rooms
What different types of conference rooms are there? Space and technology have worked together for years to meet an organization’s needs. Technology supports a space
10 Ways Business Effectively Uses Video Conferencing
What video conferencing uses are worth the investment? This is the question organizations worldwide have been asking themselves for years. Video conferencing is a shift
5 Video Conferencing Software Solutions
Benefits of Video Conferencing Many people think video conferencing was merely an effect of COVID-19. In reality, it has been around since the 1980s, with
The Best Video Conferencing Platform for Business
The best video conferencing platform depends on your business’s specific needs. The usage amount and features needed for remote meetings range. The simplest solution is
Advantages + Disadvantages of Video Conferencing
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, video conferencing has become an indispensable tool for communication and collaboration. With the advent of globalization, remote work, and
9 Ways Video Conferencing Benefits Communication
Businesses around the world are constantly asking themselves the question, “How do I communicate better with my employees and my customers?” Businesses aren’t alone in
Examples of Video Conferencing Communication
In recent years, video conferencing has become an integral part of our lives, revolutionizing our communication and collaboration. With the global pandemic forcing organizations and
Video Conferencing for Business
What is the history of video conferencing in business? Since the late 1960’s there have been countless iterations of video conferencing solutions. The Picturephone from
Making Space for Health
Insights and ideas to improve the healthcare experience The pandemic proved to be an extreme pressure test on the entire healthcare system. While clinicians performed
How AV Technology Can Help Your Corporate Event Dazzle
The temperatures are rising, and summer events are popping up everywhere. From concerts and rodeos to wine tastings and corporate events, each offer something special.
What Gen Z Wants at Work
Insights and ideas for a new era of work Gen Z (born 1997-2012), the youngest generation in the workplace now, is growing up in a
Namebrand | The Enemy of Intangibles
Namebrand is a promotional product company that is doing things differently. Since its establishment in 2014, Namebrand has evolved from a promotional product company to
Boise State University: Providing An Environment For Better Learning
Responsibilities of the BSU Capital Planning and Space Management Team Boise State University is continually expanding, and with that comes a plethora of logistics
Sound
And Its Effects on Employee Privacy, Productivity, + Health As employees head back to the office for the first time in years, they bring expectations
Care From Ranch To Table
There is nothing like biting into a cut of high-quality, perfectly cooked steak. Thanks to locally owned company Agri Beef, more and more people are
4 Design Principles for Collaboration Spaces
Half of all meetings these days are spent on video. Employees want to work and hold meetings in spaces where they look better, sound better,
Digital Displays: Making A Lasting Impression
Whether or not you have ever heard the term “digital signage,” chances are you have seen it in use. In today’s fast-paced environment, companies, schools,
Zoom vs. Microsoft Teams: Which Is Better For Your Org?
If you are struggling to decide which video conferencing system to standardize on, we can help. Right now, the two most prominent video conferencing solutions
A Place For Multiple Generations To Thrive
BR Wealth Management Most of the time, when wealth management is mentioned, the first thought that comes to mind is managing portfolios. That is not
How BYOM Is Making Technology Simple
What should be an organization’s goal when developing collaboration spaces? At OEC technology, we believe the most important part of installing new technology is ensuring
Raising The Next Generation In The Trades
OEC Academy and Internships In the summer of 2022, OEC had a problem. The summer was booked full of project installations, with too few installers
Stepping Into His Shoes
Four Generations of Grasmick Produce “Grandchildren are a grandparent’s link to the future. Grandparents are the child’s link to the past.” In the 1950s, Henry
Building Trust Through Transparency
Message From The President Building trust is important in every organization. One way to build trust is through transparency. How transparent is your leadership team?
How To Choose The Best Office Chair
Three questions to ask when choosing the best office chair for you Sitting – we all do it, some of us more than others. But
Mitigate Noise Without Sacrificing Style
Jeff Adams is the VP of Sales at MPS acoustics based in Dallas, Texas. When he started with MPS, he knew nothing about acoustics, commercial
2023 Design Trends
Catie Buck has worked in commercial interior design for years, and her passion for the industry recently led her to open her own studio, Josephine
2023 Commercial Real Estate Trends
Featuring Karena Gilbert with Colliers International After receiving a degree in Construction Management and working in commercial construction, Karena Gilbert got her real estate license
Making An Impact
The Idaho State Supreme Court Renovation The Idaho State Supreme Court building was constructed between 1969 and 1970 and functions as the highest court in
The Three Ps To Boost Energy
One of the favorite parts of my job is walking through the building and seeing our 50+ employees engaged in diverse business activities in spaces
Common Audio-Visual Mistakes + How To Avoid Them
When adding audio-visual technology into your space, it is essential to get it right the first time. OEC’s Vice President of Technology, Josh Messner, and
EKC Construction: Building On Relationships
The year was 1993, and Brian Ellsworth was between construction jobs. He was hanging some sheetrock when Larry Kincaid walked in the door. “You’re not
3M Di-NOC: Dark + Dated to Bright + Inviting
Signs2U is a locally owned and family-run small business that has been operating since 2007. They handle everything to do with branding for businesses, including
Creating High Performing Hybrid Collaboration Spaces
4 Design concepts to consider when it comes to creating amazing modern collaboration spaces. With the proliferation of hybrid and work-from-home strategies, it’s likely a
Confessions of a Recovering Technology Nerd
Message from the President True confessions I’ll let you in on a little secret. I have some confessions to make, I’m a recovering technology nerd.
Best Commercial Window Coverings In Boise
Travis Palmer is an estimator at OEC. He didn’t intend to become the roller shade specialist, but when there was a need, Travis stepped up.
What To Know Before Your Office Relocation
Moving is a complicated process. Whether you are moving from your home or planning an office relocation, there are so many things to keep track
Blindsource: Customer Service Makes All The Difference
A Life Changing Invitation Mark Wilkins was applying for grad school in international business at Thunderbird in Arizona when an invitation from his cousin changed
Headwaters Construction Company
Headwaters Construction Co in Rexburg, Idaho, has been tearing up the southeastern Idaho commercial construction scene. To learn more about the company, we sat down
B.O.S.S. Retirement Solutions
Opening A Permanent Office B.O.S.S. (Build the Optimal System of Security) Retirement Solutions is a Utah-based company that expanded into Idaho in October 2021.
Dealing With Surprises: Message From The President
About a year ago my dad went to the pet store and picked up three femalebunnies. He has a bunny pen in the backyard (he
What Services Does OEC Boise Offer?
Going Beyond Commercial Furniture While OEC in Boise, ID, is known for helping clients create amazing spaces that attract and retain talent, we do much
How To Build An Alluring Office Where Employees Want To Work
One of the main reasons employees enjoy working from home is control; control over their schedules, their focus, and their postures. When working from home,
Looking For Leg Room
Outgrowing your house is painful. There comes a point when the space you once thought you could never fill becomes cramped and uncomfortable. Many families
Empowering Managers Is The Key
Covid changed the workplace forever as employees adopted work from home. Now employers want their teams back in the office. Can they compromise? In this
The Social Impact of the Office
Covid changed the workplace forever as employees adopted work from home. Now employers want their teams back in the office. Can they compromise? In this
TELEO Capital: Center of Excellence
Erin Warwick is a finance director at TELEO Capital in Boise, but recently she has been wearing many other hats. One of those hats includes
Get Up & Move: Message From The President
Movement is important in nearly every aspect of your life. Regarding your work life, movement is key to having a healthy, productive, and pain-free work
The New Hybrid Neighborhood
A workplace worth the commute Despite employers’ best efforts to entice everyone back to the office, people are dragging their feet. Their reluctance isn’t about
Magic Valley Electric & Magic Services: Building Something Different
When Magic Valley Electric (MVE) decided to build their first office in Eastern Idaho, they wanted something special. It had to be a place
The Great Workplace Compromise Part 3: Managing Remotely
Dave was sent home on Friday the 13th. In true spooky fashion he got back from lunch having no idea what was going on as
The Great Workplace Compromise Part 2: The Digital Nomad
Before Covid, Brendan was living and working full-time in San Francisco. He had an apartment in Presidio Heights and took the bus into work every
The Great Workplace Compromise Part 1: Managing As A New Father
Covid Changed The Workplace Forever When Covid hit in the early months of 2020 there was speculation that the office would change forever. Employees were
Layton + ICS: Constructing With Integrity
Layton Construction has been in business for almost 70 years. It has grown from a small, family-held construction company to a major Contractor operating in