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E5 Creates People Driven Technology 

E5 Creates People Driven Technology 

r.o.i. Design learns so much from our customers, and this project, introduced to us by First Companies, was no different. We saw how the Engen family worked together to make decisions and create a landmark new company with the greatest respect for people, both the inventors of the past and the genius of today.  

They purchased property at 6300 Venture Hills Blvd SW in Byron Center, MI with the plan to house two businesses, E5 Ventures and a new technology company, People Driven Technology 

Architect Ken Dixon of Dixon Architecture created the building footprint and façade, and together with r.o.i. Design, we planned the interior spaces.   

For the offices to feel welcoming, professional, and with a nod to hi-tech, the key features on the inside include:  

  • An uplit perforated metal “wing” over the reception desk.  
  • LED-backlit panels in the reception desk  
  • A variety of flat clouds in the open office at staggered heights with suspended and recessed strip lights.  
  • Metal wall accents in the break room  
  • Graduated steel to gray carpet tiles in the open office.  
  • Glass-fronted offices and conference rooms.  

Of particular interest is how they named the conference rooms, each one after a respected inventor: Thomas Edison, Hedy Lamar, Nikola Tesla, and Elijah McCoy. Each room has a plaque that tells the story of the inventor and r.o.i. Design assisted in selecting artwork of the inventor and their inventions.  

The overall thoughtfulness of the design project is an indication of the owners’ values. Again, we learned so much.  

The Engen Family is a legacy of innovation and technology. Committed to West Michigan, this powerhouse created Netech more than 20 years ago and transitioned that business, selling to Presidio 

E5 Ventures LLC was created in 2016 and the Engen family focuses on targeted real estate and business investments. One of those projects ended up being a start-up that had roots in their understanding of customer service and technology. People Driven Technology is an all-encompassing IT solution for Enterprise Network Security, Hybrid Cloud, User Experience, Cybersecurity, and Physical Security.  

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A New Home for the Midwest Miniatures Museum

A New Home for the Midwest Miniatures Museum

The Midwest Miniatures Museum held its Grand Re-Opening on Nov. 6th, 2021, in Grand Haven, Michigan.

Formerly located at Hickory Corners on the grounds of the Gilmore Car Museum, the Museum had been looking for a new location that was much more accessible and fitting in aesthetic to display their miniatures collections. After an extensive search, they were finally able to acquire the historic Nathaniel and Esther Robbins House in downtown Grand Haven.

r.o.i. Design was referred to the museum by independent museum consultant, Timothy J. Chester, and we were engaged in 2019 by the Museum’s director, Ina Whitney, to assist in the design of the first-floor exhibit. We visited the Hickory Corner location along with Ina and the Museum’s administrator, Hanna Steinman. We selected the items to be displayed and began the process of designing the exhibit.

We designed new display cases and fixtures for the exhibits in a style imitating the interior trim of the home. In addition to supporting the curation of the exhibit, we also managed the execution. We engaged Bluewater Studio to create the exhibit fixtures, and their attention to detail and care for the artifacts made the project a success. We also added new gallery lighting to the historic home and worked with contractors on interior upgrades as needed.

The initial display shows some of the best of their collection from miniature rooms, complete miniature structures, a silver collection, miniature art, textiles, as well as displays of miniature toys, tableware, and so much more.

The museum is now planning for future phases and is engaged in fundraising to add an elevator and create more exhibits on the home’s 2nd and 3rd floors.

If you are in the Grand Haven area, you should plan a visit to the Midwest Miniatures Museum to see this unique collection.

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Pennell CPA Expands to New Office

Pennell CPA Expands to New Office

Fred Pennell of Pennell CPA reached out to us to inquire about our ability to help them plan and execute a move to a new building. We had worked with their landlord previously, and Pennell’s review of our portfolio led them to select us as the group to manage the design-build process for them. As a team, we looked at two or three building sites and reviewed the feasibility of each. When they discovered a property on Cascade Road offering both adequate room for them and additional space to lease, they had found their new home. 

We engaged Tim Allspach of TJA Architects to review code and structural issues, and we interviewed contractors and engaged Pinnacle Construction for the build-out. 

Pennell CPA was experiencing rapid growth, and they needed space to house a growing workforce and a space that appealed to new hires. More importantly, they could benefit from more meeting rooms and collaboration spaces. In addition to space, they were committing to core values and a brand that they wanted to be reflected in their office. 

The design-build process through COVID had been extended, but we are very pleased with what Pennell describes as a warm, open, and functional space. 

A few details we are proud of include the wood wall in the lobby, the creative carpet patterns, the lighting plan and lighting fixtures, the break room ceiling details, and the furnishings. 

 

As their motto states, “Everything is Awesome” at Pennell CPA!

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Wellspring Church Reinvents Their Youth and Staff Spaces 

Wellspring Church Reinvents Their Youth and Staff Spaces 

Steve Fridsma, our friend at Elevate Studio, introduced us to Dan Bolkema, Executive Director, and Tanya Bolkema of Wellspring Church who was redesigning several spaces within their facility. They were looking for our help with interior finish selections, lighting design, and selections of furnishings for youth ministry areas and staff offices.

They have a strong young adult program, attracting visitors from regional colleges and their community is multi-generational with a large children’s program. This remodel was intended to create needed improvements to support these programs.

Dan’s background in the construction industry led to great insight into the feasibility and he offered the “can-do” spirit for creative details. His and Tanya’s interest and understanding of colors and materials made this a fun project for r.o.i. Design.

This vibrant destination community in Hudsonville Michigan has opened its doors carefully during COVID and the remodel was recently completed. r.o.i. Design was happy to supply a variety of contract furnishings to complete the look.

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New Landmark Office Building for Coach Road Capital and EQI

New Landmark Office Building for Coach Road Capital and EQI

Relationships and innovation create great designs. Dixon Architecture and Coach Road Capital gave us a level of trust that allowed us to push the envelope on the design for this four-suite, state-of-the-art office building. We thank Jim Reyers of Copper Rock Construction for the willingness to listen to design needs and help us execute our customers’ visions.

Building owner Coach Road Capital has a variety of businesses including, but not limited to, US Retail, which manages over 40 locations of Pet Supplies Plus. As Coach Road Capital, they are real estate developers and business investors.

Our work with Coach Road established building standards for all suites, as well as created a design for communal areas. We worked with the first two tenants to customize their space to meet their business and brand needs.

Coach Road Capital

Not only had they outgrown their offices, but they were also looking to create a more collaborative and open environment for their team.
Their new office offers a spacious feel with interesting details. Our favorite features are the ceiling clouds and lighting, the metal siding on the interior of the space, the wood walls in the conference room, and the natural color scheme.

We appreciated the leadership of Val and Aaron Young and Terry Nash who gave us the direction and encouragement to help them make this a wonderful space for their team. They were tireless in their efforts and we appreciate their trust.

EQI

EQI provides tailored design, engineering, procurement, and logistics services for metal castings across diverse end markets at a global scale. The Spring Lake corporate office provides design and project management as they work with their offices in China, Vietnam, and India for the manufacturing and fulfillment of customized products.

Again, this company had outgrown its space but also wanted to change how they work. They needed their team to be more exposed to all department activities and to understand how their work fits into the entire project and business outcomes.

The new space offices a variety of meeting and break out areas which were lacking before. All offices have glass walls to the open areas, connecting everyone visually. A large break room/kitchen is an inviting “other” space that hopes to bring people together for a variety of social and work activities.

We are especially excited about the interior brick wall, the interesting light fixtures, the open staircase the warm color scheme, and the subtle placement of brand-friendly finishes.

President and CEO of EQI, Blake Phillips, was attentive and patient as we designed the space through the time of COVID, and he inspired us as a strong believer in the importance of design.

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© All Photos Courtesy of Coach Road Capital

Wolverine Building Group Updates Their Conference Room

Wolverine Building Group Updates Their Conference Room

r.o.i. Design has a 25-year relationship with Wolverine Building Group, and we are grateful for the work they give us in the industrial and retail builds. 

When Aaron Jonker and Curt Mulder purchased the company and became the new presidents and co-owners of Wolverine, they looked to redesign their office spaces. While Wolverine does have designers on staff, they wanted outside help with their first-floor main conference room which is highly visible and used frequently. 

Our design included updating the lighting and finishes. The back accent wall of the room is clad in large monolithic ceramic tiles with a metallic finish. The carpet tiles create a unique gradient pattern along the length of the room. Wolverine replaced their old conference table with a new custom table using an ash burl top and a base of reclaimed steel girders designed by Robert Mulder. r.o.i. Design also provided custom glass white boards.

The room was transformed and will stand the test of time for the next generation of leadership at Wolverine Building Group.

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