Procurement and Purchasing - ROIDESIGN

E5 Creates People Driven Technology

by Rayanne Rzepka | Jun 15, 2022 | Design News, Interior Design, Lighting Design, Procurement and Purchasing, Workplace Design

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.

Click on the thumbnails below to view larger images.

Faux vs Real: How to Bring More of the Outside In

by Ryan | May 4, 2022 | Interior Design, Procurement and Purchasing

Plantscapes, Biolific Design, and Green Walls

These are all terms that have become part of the vernacular. They refer to the same idea of bringing more of the outdoors inside our businesses. The term Biophilia literally translated means “love of life”. The concept has fueled an industry focusing on connecting the inside to the outside. Natural elements such as plants, water, daylight, natural shapes and forms, and other natural materials all serve to make that connection. Studies have shown that this connection can result in increased well-being, improved cognitive function and focus, and increased use of the space.

If you’re looking to add some natural elements to your space, we can help!

Real or faux plants provide a wonderful connection to the natural world. If you’re a purist and want to keep it real, low maintenance varieties like Sansevieria (Snake Plant), ZZ Plant, Pothos, or Spider plants, in containers that reflect the rest of the décor are the way to go.

Don’t have a green thumb? Consider faux.

The quality of faux plants has improved dramatically. Offering more versatility, they can be used in creative ways. Another way to increase connection to the outside is through artwork. Pictures of nature and natural elements can also foster a connection to the outdoors.

Just let us know how we can help!

The Benefits of Solar Shades

by Ryan | May 4, 2022 | Design News, Interior Design, Procurement and Purchasing, Workplace Design

Consider Solar Shades for your workplace.

Everyone loves natural light, except when it’s reflecting off their computer screen. Unlike louvered blinds, solar shades don’t cast a pattern on the screen and still allow for a filtered view. They optimize natural light while controlling heat and glare.

r.o.i. Design is a distributor of SWF Contract Solar Shading Systems. Solar shades are roller shades that provide a clean design aesthetic along with the ability to manage sunlight and heat. SWF offers a range of materials to suit any commercial environment. SWF products meet or surpass LEED air quality and emission specifications.

In addition to this quality product, we provide the following services:

Free Estimates, Consultations, and Product Selections
Site Measuring and Product Engineering
Installation

We can make it simple for you by taking the project from consultation to installation. Call us for more information:

(616) 459-3539

Or email: rondageyer@roidesign.com

The Derm Institute of West Michigan

by Ryan | May 4, 2022 | Design News, Interior Design, Medical Design, Procurement and Purchasing, Retail Design

Dr. Kristi Hawley and business partner/husband Garrett Adams dream big. They put their sights on developing a compelling practice in Caledonia, Michigan that would offer general dermatology, outpatient skin surgery, psoriasis treatment, and cosmetic skincare. Dr. Hawley has an established reputation in psoriasis treatment and speaks to groups nationally.

r.o.i. Design was introduced to The Derm Institute of West Michigan through First Companies, and we were pleased to be awarded the interior design of the new facility. Working with architect Jon Blair of R2Design Group and the team at First Companies, the office opened its doors in April of 2021. For the year prior, Dr. Hawley had rented space nearby and developed a growing clientele. She had outgrown that space by the time of the move.

The inspiration for the interiors came from their logo’s overlapping circles, suggesting the variety of care the practice offers but also the pattern itself. The radius theme was applied to the check-in/check-out desk, suggesting a gentle approach with multiple points of engagement. The pattern of the circles was also developed into laser-cut screens that were used as dividers in the lobby and backlit ceiling panels in the corridor. A wallpaper that had the same pattern was used at the front desk. The color palette is simple, crisp but warm. Most of the flooring throughout is a warm luxury vinyl tile. Other areas are carpeted in organic patterns to add to the spa-like feel.

We also procured furnishings for the non-medical spaces, creating a hospitality feel in the patient waiting areas.

We were thrilled to get a text from Dr. Hawley on move-in day, “I just want you to know I walked into the office today and it is perfect! Thank you for being my voice and my vision.”

Click on thumbnails below to view larger images.

Darley Village Revisited

by Ryan | Mar 30, 2022 | Designing Public Areas, Interior Design, Procurement and Purchasing

Last June (2021), we introduced you to our project at Darley Village. We recently went back to take some updated photos after the rest of the furniture, decor, and accessories had been installed.

In addition to selecting finishes for the floors and walls of this project, a large part of r.o.i. Design’s role was to provide the procurement of furniture, wall decor, and accessories for the building’s public areas. These new photos showcase the variety of furnishings that we provided.

Below is the rest of the article posted in June 2021:

Returning customer Denis Johnson, of Johnson Newhof  & Associates, reached out to r.o.i. Design for support with the final phase of design of their multifamily project, Darley Village, a full-service senior living community in Muskegon, adjacent to Chestnut Hills Retirement Community. 

Denis was looking for a fresh eye on finishes and assistance procuring common area furnishings. 

The call came in March 2020, at the beginning of the COVID pandemic, so we carefully engaged to review finishes and furniture. We ended up with a neutral palette that is warm and respectful of being close to Lake Michigan. We spiced it up with flooring options that create more of a high-end hospitality look without the cost.

Click on thumbnails below to view larger images.

Animal Emergency Hospital Opens Second Location in Grand Rapids

by Ryan | Feb 23, 2022 | Design News, Interior Design, Medical Design, Procurement and Purchasing

Animal Emergency Hospital (AEH) was busting out of their Plainfield location. With an increase in pet and animal owners in West Michigan and a need for more animal care, they set their eyes on a new and larger location.

Working with First Companies, they selected a family convenient location near the intersection of 68th Street and US-131, where they planned for a 12,000 square foot building. Architect Michael Belisle from The Design Forum envisioned a contemporary building with a large clerestory waiting area, allowing in natural light and giving patients and their owners some space. The plan also included outdoor spaces for staff and patients in a well-appointed patio area.

AEH asked that their new facility replicate another animal hospital that they visited in Wichita, Kansas. While the exterior of the building looks very different the use of space and interior finishes on the inside are similar.

r.o.i. Design was asked by Dr. Marilyn Brink, head of staff and chief veterinarian, to look at the Wichita facility and convert the “look and feel” to the 68th Street facility, along with her personal vision for her hospital’s space.

That “look and feel” included:

Light and bright finishes in white and gray with black trim accents
Large black and white graphics of animals.
Distinctive and clear signage.
Highly maintainable finishes.
Unlike Wichita, the lobby incorporates ceiling clouds and decorative lighting to soften the clerestory experience.

The r.o.i. Design team loves animals and most of us have pets. This project was heartfelt as we go home to our pets Holly, Chica, Layla, Moe, Dottie, Bob, Ronnie, and Charlie!