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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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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