Newsletter December 2017

As the year wraps up, we reflect on 2017 at Environ.

Environ turns 25! The firm opened its doors in 1992 by founder and President, Alan Burks. A few years later, he partnered with Willetta McCulloh, Vice President, and the two have been leading Environ ever since. We are grateful for this journey and look forward to Environ's future.

Mental Health America Breaks Ground

Pictured here are Environ's Senior Architect, Leticia Mimila and President Alan Burks, who have been leading the team on the Mental Health America project since its conceptual design in 2014. In September of this year, we attended the groundbreaking of the new facility located on Long Beach Boulevard, which is currently under construction. Above is the latest rendering of MHA.

A Decade for Aimee Mandala

Aimee Mandala celebrates 10 years at Environ! As Director of Operations, Aimee handles all aspects of keeping the office running smoothly. She is a LEED Accredited Professional through the US Green Business Council and a Certified Design Firm Administrator through the Society of Design Administration. To learn more about her career success, check out the "Hats Off to Aimee Mandala!" feature. 

In Process: Bixby Business Center

Plans are underway for the renovation of the exterior and lobby areas of the Bixby Business Center, located at the cross section of Atlantic Avenue and San Antonio Drive. Above are renderings of the proposed upgrades.

Let There Be Light: A Study in Safety

Environ's CityWorks division has partnered with Lighting Designer Oculus and Safety Consultant Guidepost Solutions to improve downtown Hermosa Beach through a process called CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design). The proposed changes will not only provide a safer environment, but also an enhanced aesthetic to the area. Click on the image below for the CityWorks slideshow.

Introducing: Michael Anthony Gentile

Environ is pleased to announce its latest addition, Interior Designer, Michael Anthony Gentile.  Michael is a creative designer with a diverse set of skills including project and design management for multi-component international hospitality projects. With a dynamic design approach and focus on design communication, Michael is recognized for award winning projects.

In addition to a Bachelor of Fine Arts from SLU, Michael is LEED AP, and a member of NEWH, The Hospitality Industry Network. Michael lives in Long Beach with his wife and three children. We are thrilled to have him on our team.

"Flexing" for the Camera

Our latest flex space design is for a security technology company, ECAM Secure. They provide state of the art surveillance products and services for a wide variety of clients. This year, ECAM Secure is combining multiple locations into one. The space will serve to function on many levels with the technical departments operating alongside the administrative teams. Shown in the rendering below are the executive offices and conference room, which will be housed in one of four separate mezzanines planned for the space.

Introducing: The ON Series by EnvirON

an educational and fun periodical - look for more issues in 2018. Click on image to enlarge.

Kebony recognizes Environ's Blog

Kudos to our marketing team! We were listed number 20 of the top 100 architectural blogs to follow: "Environ’s blog stands out by offering more than most with tips on workplace branding, culture preservation and more. The casual mood of the blog conveys information in an entertaining, yet very professional, manner. " Thanks Kebony! To follow us, click HERE.

Holiday Cheer!

In December, Environ's Willetta McCulloh hosted the Long Beach Rotary Club's "5 O'Clock Somewhere" event, complete with live music, a mashed potato bar by TGIS and wine from The Wine Country. We also enjoyed an office Pictionary competition and gift exchange. Click HERE for complete photo album.

The Significance of Branding in Your Workplace

Most small and medium sized businesses overlook an important first step when they start their company: their workplace branding. Existing businesses need to revisit their workplace branding from time to time as well because their products, employees or services change and the marketplace does too. 

·    How does workplace branding differ from branding in general? 
·    Why is it important?     

Workplace branding is an extension of your personal or your company’s brand. Your workplace (skyscraper, office, warehouse, desk, etc.) is where you do your work. The simple branding model is YOU + your passion and knowledge or a company’s collective passion and knowledge. For companies of any size successful branding begins with the honest appraisal of your company’s main business, your strengths and your customers’ needs…and how you address them. Workplace branding is like putting the clothes on the model.
If you have not chosen the location for your business, or if you’re thinking of moving or upgrading, make sure your workplace and the company’s culturally distinct workspace inside it are a direct extension of the simpler branding ideal. Be it a warehouse, an office or a trendy loft, your workplace brand should reflect who you are and how you want both your employees and your customers to perceive you.