Posts in category: News

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 in 2012. Her favorite part of her construction job was working with owners, so switching to commercial real estate allowed her to do that full-time. At the same time, the construction background allows Karena to visualize what a space can be, which provides a unique experience for clients who choose to work with her.

“I enjoyed working with a client this year who leased a building for many years and were looking to purchase an existing building or build new. Having that construction background allowed me to assist my client through their options and ultimately the whole process.”

Karena Gilbert

Some of Karena’s clients include local businesses that are expanding. One recent example is Boise Regional Realtors. They wanted to provide their members with more room for parking and classes, so Karena assisted them in the sale and lease back of their existing location as well as securing land and working with the development team on the new construction. She also works with landlords looking to stabilize their properties; working with new and existing tenants. Karena has found that relationship building is the key to knowing what her clients need, delivering on their needs, and creating trust.

Today, Karena builds those relationships while working for Colliers, specializing in office investments and leasing. “What makes Colliers unique is that the Boise office is locally owned but part of a global support network. It is fun and rewarding to work with the many agents and brokers in other offices.” With extensive knowledge and experience working in the Treasure Valley market, we asked Karena to share some of the 2023 commercial real estate trends she sees.

“What makes Colliers unique is that the Boise office is locally owned but part of a global support network. It is fun and rewarding to work with the many agents and brokers in other offices.”

Karena Gilbert

Attracting Talent.

Attracting and retaining talent is a big trend in Boise. Unlike San Francisco or Denver, Boise has a smaller population and fewer employees per company. Therefore, about 80% of the real estate deals are under 4,000 s.f. In a city ripe with highly skilled, educated and community minded people, we’re finding businesses thriving and employees have returned to the office. There is still a degree of remote and hybrid work and business owners are looking to us to assist them in getting people back to the office as well as attract and retain new talent. The benefits of having employees in the office include collaboration, mentorship, and a sense of community and business are looking for healthy, collaborative and inviting locations.

More Grade A Buildings Under Construction.

Many local businesses are expanding, and the scales are tipping toward over 10,000 s.f. office spaces. To help, developers are constructing some gorgeous Class A buildings. The 11th & Idaho building and Eagleview Landing development are a few examples of these large-scale buildings that can accommodate.

Vacancy is low.

Our vacancy rate is low compared to large cities in surrounding states. Business owners have to move on a space quickly or they could lose out. While many large cities feel the effects of inflation and a possible recession, we still see a lot of growth and opportunity. For example, I have a lot of clients in the service industry that need a second location. We are bracing for a recession but have yet to see it.

What To Watch For In The Future.

I think we will see many more high-performance, smart building models. 40% of our annual global CO2 emissions come from buildings and structures. Through smart design, construction and operations, we can reduce the impact.  Tenants are seeking healthier spaces and building owners are seeing the economic benefits, which include reduced operating cost, shorter payback periods and increase in asset value. 

Receive our Newsletter

To receive our newsletter, including new editions of spaces and other digital content, fill out the form below:

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 Idaho. To show its importance, the exterior was designed with sharp angles, tinted windows, and simplified materials. The building was once credited as one of the most magnificent pieces of architecture added to the Downtown Boise Capitol Mall.

The modern judicial system prioritizes access and public service. This last year, the Supreme Court staff updated their building, creating an interior that is more inviting and colorful than ever. The project came together through the vision of Finance & Operations Director Michelle Crist-Aguiar and the implementation of Facilities Manager Tye Nelson. To learn more about the transformation, we sat down with Tye.

The Necessity For Renovation

As the facilities manager, Tye is the “fix it” guy. He ensures everything is in line at all times (even if it occasionally feels like herding cats). It is a big job considering the 50-year-old building has gone from holding 40 people at its construction to over 140 today. That growth and the fact that the building has not been renovated over that time has been the driving factor for the renovation.

“It has been over 50 years since the building was constructed, and this is our first major upgrade,” Tye said. “There was a huge need to take the existing space and make it fit today’s uses.” For example, the 1^st floor workspace was redesigned to provide additional meeting space, which was in short supply.  Through the strategic placement of these spaces and transition to glass walls, the team also addressed noise and lighting issues.

The Court’s Function & Functionality

The Idaho Supreme Court staff has grown not for growth’s sake, but to better support the state’s judicial system as it sustains a growing population. The Supreme Court building houses staff who support all the court systems throughout the state. They develope court processes, maintain court technology, and offer training and support for judges and court staff.

It is a centralized hub of activity, and renovating the building was critical to the staff’s continued productive work. Part of that functionality has been integrating technology into the space. With so many court personnel connecting across Idaho, adding meeting rooms with necessary technology has allowed everyone to connect quickly and easily, making a massive difference in a state that is so geographically spread out.

Redesigning To Support The Staff

To redesign and breathe life into the space, the team worked with CSHQA architects. They revisited existing spaces, relocating divisions, adding color and texture, and generally bringing everything up to date. Furniture also played a significant role in the change, which is where OEC stepped in. OEC helped relocate existing furniture and install new private offices, conference rooms, workstations, privacy walls, and more. “Working with OEC was really good. When I asked for a favor, they did it. Tim and Riley quickly let me know if about supply chain issues. They did things to make a difference for me. Even their install crew came in on the weekend to get things done because they knew I needed it.”

The new furniture offered functionality that the old space lacked. Additionally modern finishes made it a place people love to work. Between new furniture, layout, colors, and some fantastic murals, the Supreme Court looks better than ever.

Creating A Space Where People Love To Work

Better yet, the staff is excited about where they work. “My favorite part of this project has been seeing people’s faces when they return to work, knowing they have more space,” Tye said. “… People are bringing plants, pictures and making it home. Knowing that our effort to make a great space has impacted their happiness has been the best part of this entire renovation.”

With the space now working in tandem with the team, the Idaho Supreme Court staff is ready and equipped to tackle the judicial needs of Idaho for years to come.

Receive our Newsletter

To receive our newsletter, including new editions of spaces and other digital content, fill out the form below:

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 designed for that purpose. I like to see and feel the energy created when talented people work together to solve problems. High performing businesses are fairly complex to create. But I think there some very basic components of business performance that are universal and formulaic. Here is one formula I think makes sense:

People + Place + Passion = Energy.   P(3) = E

People: the first P in the formula is the talent on your team. The right people doing the right job working in a system that holds them accountable and rewards/recognizes good work.

Place: the second P is the place where people work. The key here is Intentional thought and design about what kind of work happens in the various spaces in the building.

Passion: Is there a company mission people are working towards that is bigger than money or one particular task?

Is your organization leveraging the three Ps that generate energy and help everybody feel more energy?

Receive our Newsletter

To receive our newsletter, including new editions of spaces and other digital content, fill out the form below:

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 Senior Designer, Adam Young, join us to share some common AV mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Doing It Yourself

OEC: Josh and Adam, as experts in audio-visual technology integration, what are some of the most common mistakes businesses make?

Josh: The first problem that comes to mind is when a business tries to go it alone. I’ve had companies go straight to Amazon and order a plug-and-play device they think will have the functionality they want. For example, they might bring in a product, and once they use it, it isn’t what they thought it would be. It looks terrible, sounds terrible, and doesn’t work. Many plug-and-play devices will give a different experience than a professional organization wants their clients to have. It doesn’t matter what size company you have; you are constantly marketing yourself. If you have a piece of equipment that makes you look bad, that is bad for business.

Adam: In the end, the amount you pay to work with an integrator is not much different because your IT department has to support and manage all of that technology. You may pay a little more for an integrator to come in and set up a few rooms, but if something happens, they can fix it, and the product is under warranty. The IT staff also doesn’t have to manage the AV anymore. By working with an integrator, you get vetted products, clean installations, and a partner should problems arise.

2. Waiting Too Long On AV

OEC: What is another mistake you have seen lately?

Josh: Another mistake is waiting until late in the construction phase to engage with an integrator. Usually, AV ends up being one of the last things companies consider integrating. Companies should consider AV with furniture since the two need to work together. By forgetting AV, you miss out on building the technology into the scope of the space. So you get a scenario where you have this cool room and furniture plans, and everything looks great. Then you bring in the furniture and wonder, how do we fit AV into it? Did the AV specify a touch panel? If the table has a glass top, how does that work?

That becomes an RFI, which delays the project. So, now we’re requesting information from the general contractor saying, “Hey, we didn’t think about this early enough. What are we going to do?” And that could be a two-week delay to get a wire through the table. Then the furniture company might come back and say, “We need a change order to swap the table or to drill a hole through the table,” which could void the warranty. If the AV integrator is at the table sooner, they can discuss wire access, pathways, and furniture. By waiting, things get more expensive and time-consuming.

3. Room Acoustics

OEC: Josh, can you give us one more mistake to wrap things up?

Josh: Absolutely. The last mistake I’d highlight is around room acoustics. We currently have a client with many great conference rooms but terrible acoustics. The meetings sound terrible because there is a lot of reverberation in the room. That means we have to come in and take the room offline to design a solution, wait for the product, and then take the room offline again to install it. In this scenario, the employees may have had so many bad experiences that they have lost faith in the technology and don’t want to use the room. Organizationally, you have to build trust in the systems that people are already afraid of. If it doesn’t work, that trust falls away even more.

Adam: If we can get into the conversation early, we ask questions upfront. Is the room going to be three-quarters glass? Is there going to be a hard, reflective floor? Diving into those questions helps us decide on different solutions like sound masking, speakers, and wall treatments. Doing our due diligence up front can really help the client later.

Watch our Creating High Performing Hybrid Collaboration Spaces webinar recording for more tips.

Receive our Newsletter

To receive our newsletter, including new editions of spaces and other digital content, fill out the form below:

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 very good at that,” Larry said. “You know, maybe we ought to start a construction company.” Although Brian’s sheetrock skills may have been lacking, his construction management skills were stellar, and when paired with Larry’s field experience, a great partnership began, and EKC Construction was born.

Type of Construction

EKC Construction does a variety of work, from minor tenant improvements to sizeable pre-engineered metal buildings. They work with several public agencies, Boise city and county, the State of Idaho, federal agencies, school districts, and private companies. While most of their work is in the commercial realm, they do the occasional residential project for a repeat customer. One of the first projects they did was Bear Creek Lodge at the base of Brundage.

Working with Clients

However, if Brian had his way, he would love to do more design-build projects, especially with EKC’s partnership with Butler (one of the first pre-engineered building companies around). “Using the back of a napkin, I can help the client figure out what a building will cost from schematic design to construction drawings. Sometimes these projects take a couple of years to go from the back of the napkin to an erected building. That’s the type of project I really like.”

EKC Projects

EKC is working on a couple of such projects right now. The first is a remodel of Joe’s Crab Shack, nestled beside the Boise River. Over the years, the building has gone into disarray and EKC has been tasked with restoring and reimagining it. They are paying a lot of attention to the existing architecture while transforming it into an upscale Ling & Louie’s that should open in May. They are also constructing a new brewery in downtown Eagle that will be a great addition to the city.

Projects around Idaho

Some of EKC’s larger projects extend beyond the Treasure Valley. They are working in McCall with
Idaho Power and doing a design-build with a plumbing supply company in Twin Falls. A unique project is a Jewish center in Boise called a Chabad, where they will funnel rainwater collected from the roof into a pool used for rituals. Medical facilities also make up a large part of EKC’s client base, and they have been happy to frequently partner with St. Alphonsus, Sagala, and Full Circle.

Growth Over The Years

Since 1993, EKC has grown from a two-man show to 24 people. Larry and Brian worked together for seventeen years until Larry stepped away and Brian took the helm. Today, Brian owns 51% of the company. The remaining 49% is owned by two key employees. This allows him to stay at the helm while teaching everyone about the lessons he has learned over the last twenty-seven years. Because EKC is purely a general contractor and management company, they partner with First Call, a construction worker, and carpentry company, to self-perform some of the work.

What Makes EKC Unique

To grow your business in a competitive market, you have to set yourself apart from the competition. EKC’s unique offering is how much they concentrate on personal relationships with their clients and use the best technology available to manage projects. “We are state of the art regarding what is available to run projects. While there are bigger companies, we strive to be more personal. Here you will work with one of the principles. We don’t strive to be the biggest company, but we do strive to be the best.”

Being The Best

EKC also has a unique definition of what it looks like to be the best. Something extremely important to Brian is supporting the community, specifically how it grows. “I served on planning and zoning as a
volunteer for nine years and then on various nonprofit boards. When growth happens fast, it is hard to control. Boise has a lot of recreational opportunities that don’t exist in other places. As we grow, we need to protect the things that make Boise special. I believe we can help with that as a company.”

Whether reimagining an old restaurant or constructing a massive medical facility, EKC looks forward to building spaces of importance one project at a time.

Receive our Newsletter

To receive our newsletter, including new editions of spaces and other digital content, fill out the form below:

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 vehicle wraps, large electrical signs, outdoor signs, and more. About five years ago, Signs2U expanded into 3M Di-NOC architectural film, a thick vinyl product that can conform around objects. While Di-NOC has many LEED-certified indoor and outdoor applications, it is especially good at refreshing interior spaces like elevators, walls, cabinetry, and more.

Refreshing the Morrison Center

Signs2U recently completed two Di-NOC projects worth highlighting. First is the Morrison Center project. After many years of hosting events, the Morrison Center staff decided some parts of the building needed a refresh. They contacted local contractors to find out how much it would cost to replace some of the concession counters. After receiving some quotes, someone had the brilliant idea of wrapping the existing furniture.

“The Morrison center reached out to us for help, and we suggested using Di-NOC,” says Signs2U President and Co-Owner Karen Warner. “With over one-thousand product options, the hardest part was settling on the right style.”

The Morrison Center chose a quartz-style countertop and dark gray wood grain wrap for the full alcove. Wrapping all three floors took only three days. In the end, the Morrison Center received a beautiful refresh at a fraction of the replacement cost.

Hosting A Local Showcase

The second project was unique. Due to its transformational abilities, Di-NOC is an excellent addition to the commercial interiors world and, by extension, OEC’s product lineup. To showcase this product’s capabilities, OEC partnered with Signs2U to show local architects, designers, and facilities managers what the vinyl film can do by refreshing OEC’s showroom elevator. In one day, Signs2U took a dark, dated space and made it bright and inviting.

What Makes Di-NOC Unique

However, not everyone can do this installation. “Di-NOC is a unique product. People like to think it is like buying a roll of contact paper, but they are very different. Di-NOC is very durable, you can patch and repaired it quickly, and the manufacturer recommends installation by a 3M endorsed installer,” says Karen. Signs2U is an endorsed local installer, making them an essential part of the showcase.

Di-NOC is very durable, can be patched and repaired quickly, and the manufacturer recommends installation by a 3M endorsed installer.

Karen Warner

Whether you are an interior designer interested in an outdoor covered installation, or a facilities manager wrapping cabinetry, Di-NOC is an excellent product. Even better, OEC can help you find the perfect finish before partnering with Signs2U on the installation. Are you ready to get wrapping?

Receive our Newsletter

To receive our newsletter, including new editions of spaces and other digital content, fill out the form below:

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 high percentage of meetings today involve one or more remote participants. Conference, huddle, and focus rooms should be designed to accommodate both remote and in-person collaboration

1. Simplicity

One Cord Or One Touch
Your user should be able to start a meeting either by plugging in one cord to their own device or by touching one button.

Reservable
Collaboration rooms should be easy to schedule from a phone, computer, or right at the room scheduling console device.

Supplies Are Easy To Find
Supplies such as dry erase markers, hdmi dongles, and room sanitization materials should always be accessible in the room.

2. Aesthetics

Branding + Design

• Does the furniture match?
• Does the design look intentional?
• How does the room reinforce company branding and values?
• Beyond furniture, consider the walls, flooring, and lighting as opportunities to give your space personality and interest.

Clean + Neat
All equipment/supplies not currently in use should be hidden away nicely. Avoid using furniture that scratches easily or shows fingerprints.

3. Cameras + Acoustics

Room + Camera
Position your furniture so each participant’s face can be clearly seen on camera. Choose cameras that show individuals and groups.

Acoustics
Wall treatments will reduce echo in the room and prevent voices from carrying into unwanted spaces. Sound masking can
control sound outside of rooms.

Microphones + Speakers
Make sure your microphones and speakers are distributed evenly throughout the room.

4. Functionality

Collaboration spaces should be functional, meaning they should perform just as good as they look. Here are some general and furniture-specific functionalities:

• How many people in the room?
• Length of meeting for this room?
• Do you want a formal or casual setting?
• Does this room need storage?
• How will the technology integrate into the furniture?
• Will you need specific cut outs in the
• furniture or walls for power or data?
• Is the furniture easy to clean?

Receive our Newsletter

To receive our newsletter, including new editions of spaces and other digital content, fill out the form below:

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. There I said it. Before joining (and now leading) the OEC furniture team, I owned several technology-centric companies. I love all things tech. Moving to furniture was kind of a big change for me. And ever since day one I have been patiently waiting for us to add a technology division.

Dream team assembled.

The wait is finally over. During the past year I’ve been assembling my dream team of talent to lead our Audio-Visual technology division at OEC.

Space + Technology.

How can you make your work and collaboration spaces more appealing and useful to your employees? What are employees looking for at the office to make them want to leave the comforts of working from home? In this, and upcoming issues, we will explore Space + Technology together to see if we can help employers figure out what they need to do to earn the commute.

Sincerely,

Scott Galloway

President

Receive our Newsletter

To receive our newsletter, including new editions of spaces and other digital content, fill out the form below:

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. Read below to learn his tips about choosing the right commercial window coverings for your business.

What kind of shades can I choose from?

Manual Shades

Let’s start with the basics. There is a wide range of shades and blinds with unique functions and price ranges. Your most cost-effective choice will be manual roller shades. These are a go-to choice for general contractors because they are cost effective. They require manual operation typically using a chain and if they are large shades, the weight of the shade can make the turning gear hard to operate.

Motorized Shades

The next step up in price and convenience is motorized shades. This shade is operated by a motor rather than a chain loop and is activated using a switch from somewhere in the room. Motorized shades are much easier for the user to operate, especially if the large window shades are fifteen to twenty feet high.

Automated Shades

A step up from motorized shades is automated shades. Different manufacturers will set up these shades differently, but the easiest way is to use a solar sensor that adheres to the glass on the interior face of the window. When that sensor detects sunlight, it will roll down the shades to account for the light shining in. Then when the sunlight is gone the shades will roll back up. These shades are often used in large high rise buildings where the shades are run by the building management team. The shades save these large buildings a significant sum on heating and cooling costs.

Solar Link

A top tier solar shade that OEC’s partner Mecho Shades carries, is their Solar Link option. This is the most energy efficient operating system that takes a 3d map of the building so it can tell if a building is blocked by the sun in any direction. It understands where shades need to be rolled down and where they done. It will even look at the weather forecast and other data to proactively move shades to control the heat inside the building.

Do you have shades that look residential?

If you are interested in a more residential looking shade, OEC’s partner, Graber specializes in faux wood blinds. They also carry roman shades, sliding panels, commercial blinds, and other roller shades including honeycomb shades. OEC can procure and install any of these products in your commercial space if that is the look you want.

How transparent should my commercial window coverings be?

The transparency of your blinds should be determined by your space. If your office has an open floor plan, you will want shades with more transparency because it brightens the space. In contrast, if you have mainly heads-down office spaces where people work for a sustained period of time, you want to block more of that solar value to keep the heat off your employees.

How do I clean my shades?

Once your commercial shades are installed you have a few cleaning options. They can be vacuumed periodically by the building’s cleaning team to remove dust and dander that gathers in them. Alternatively, the OEC Team can also expertly clean the shades on a regular basis.

What do I do if my shades break?

When commercial shades are in high-use areas it is common for them to get jammed. Mecho shades have a great warranty on both their mechanisms and their shade cloth. If your shades get jammed or torn, give the OEC team a call. They are knowledgeable, have a lot of experience, and are great at on the job problem solving. They can get your shades fixed and working smoothly again in no time.

Why should I choose to get my commercial window coverings from OEC?

OEC can do just about everything with window coverings. That includes quoting, ordering, installing, and servicing shades. As partners with Mecho, it is easy to get specialty shades for options like pitch windows, trapezoids, and skylights. OEC also had a great relationship with WT Shades for all standard sizes with hard-to-beat prices.

Receive our Newsletter

To receive our newsletter, including new editions of spaces and other digital content, fill out the form below:

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 of along the way. When you want to have a successful business move, it is vital to hire experts. Speaking of experts, OEC’s project manager, Riley Weber shares the questions you should be asking your office moving company to ensure you have the best moving experience possible.

When should I use a commercial moving company?

When moving an office from one location to a new one, it is best to enlist office moving services from a professional. Not only does a commercial mover know how to guarantee safe handling and transportation of your office, but they can also do it quickly and keep things organized. Keeping things organized is essential when working with a moving company. That is why OEC pays close attention to detail during any office relocation.

How does OEC organize an office move?

The first step in any move is finding out how much product a client needs to move and where. If the old office furniture does not fit in the new space, it is best to know ahead of time so the furniture can be replaced or reconfigured to fit.

For this reason, OEC involves a designer in the moving process early on. The designer can help space plan the new layout and keep track of all the furniture to be moved. Once the designer makes the plan, the OEC moving team will start packing up the old office for the move.

What should I use to move my office items?

One of the best things OEC offers their moving clients is large blue totes and proper labeling. Each employee gets one blue tote to pack all their personal belongings. Along with these totes are specific moving labels with building and room number blanks for the employees to write precisely where their tote needs to go. For the employee’s computers and other technology, OEC provides computer racks to transport all the technology, again using labels.

Will there be a point person on my business relocation?

OEC’s moving team works together to ensure everyone is on the same page. There will always be a lead installer on the project coordinating with the client’s onsite contact and working off the designer’s installation plans. The lead will share the game plan with the rest of his team before any items are moved. Before moving day, the team will review the furniture that needs to be disassembled, packed, and relocated before being rebuilt, unpacked, and reconfigured in its new space.

What if I am moving from multiple locations?

OEC has helped multiple organizations move from multiple buildings into one. For example, when Idaho Fish & Game built its new headquarters in downtown Boise, OEC moved employees from Boise, Nampa, and Caldwell into the new space. While multiple locations and long-distance moves make the relocation more complicated, OEC has the knowledge and expertise to handle the move professionally and timely.

What can go wrong if you don’t use a professional?

The move can go south quickly if you hire an inexperienced commercial relocation company. First off, they may damage the existing furniture or not know how to disassemble it. Because OEC’s moving team has extensive knowledge of commercial furniture, they know how to protect, handle, and build the furniture correctly.

Secondly, a mover may not know how to organize these large projects. Unlike moving houses, where one family does all the unpacking, an office sometimes has hundreds of employees who need their items moved. If any detail is off, you could disrupt that employee’s productivity for days to weeks.

Finally, movers without a team behind them will struggle to succeed. At OEC, the furniture team members have worked together for years and strictly follows the designer’s installation plans. They provide a full service, stress free, and organized move by communicate with clients well. When you hire OEC for office relocation services, you can breathe easy knowing they will make your complex move simple.

Receive our Newsletter

To receive our newsletter, including new editions of spaces and other digital content, fill out the form below: