Overview
Columbia Distributing has roots in Oregon, and their Northwest values – Inclusivity, Accountability, Integrity, Wellness and Trust – have helped them grow a beverage portfolio that’s one of the most diverse and robust in the country. But being big doesn’t keep them from thinking small. They’ve tailored their teams and practices to meet the unique needs of emerging names while supporting Miller-Coors and other industry titans.
The project spanned two locations. Columbia Distributing’s lease at their former location was expiring and they wanted a new location which would reflect their growing brand and have ample space for all areas of business - i.e., vendor area for all hands (pub), printing, IT and expansion - and be in closer proximity to their new Distribution Center. The former location was tired and lacked many areas that supported the way they worked. By moving to the new locations, it would allow for the new work experience to contribute to their brand and culture.
In conjunction with JLL, Perlo Construction and LRS Architects, Columbia Distributing partnered with Hyphn early for assistance across a set of holistic workplace services. “We ultimately chose hyphn because of their ability to assist with all facets of the move – design, furniture, change management and technology integration. They are truly the one-stop-shop for a holistic office move/update.” -Lindsi Taylor, Director of Corporate Communications
This project began prior to the Global Pandemic and due to open lines of communication, the project team had little difficulty pivoting to the new reality.
The project began with Hyphn’s Consulting and Design teams meeting with Columbia Distributing’s Leadership to begin work on outlining project goals. Those included project budget and aesthetic goals, but also the “people” goal of providing a similar experience for all employees whether in the warehouse or office.
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Project Statistics
Wilsonville HQ
70,000 RSF
189 Workstations,
40 Private Offices;
48 Ancillary Areas including:
Large Training Room
Pub
Breakroom
Open Collaboration Areas
Conference Rooms
Phone Rooms
Canby Warehouse
16,000 RSF
38 Workstations,
10 Private Offices;
13 Ancillary Areas including:
Training Room
Conference Rooms
Open Collaboration
Phone Rooms
Services Provided
People
Change Agent Workshop
Leadership Workshop
Protocol Workshop
Welcome Guide
Product Education Videos
Future: Return to Work Survey + Activities
Place
Project budgeting
Space Planning
Furnishings
Installation
COVID-19 reimagination
Technology Consulting
AV Technology Review
Digital Conference Reservation System
“We went from a very private, walled-off environment to one where few walls, even half walls, separate employees. That was a big obstacle for many people. Helping employees identify the new ways of working together and “code of conduct” guidelines (ie how to work more quietly and use collaborative areas for conversation) was key to getting adoption and making people feel comfortable with the new space.
We ultimately chose Hyphn because of their ability to assist with all facets of the move – design, furniture, change management and technology integration. They are truly the one-stop-shop for a holistic office move/update.”
Results
Through the work with JLL, Perlo, LRS and Hyphn, Columbia Distributing now has a beautiful new space to move into when the COVID-19 Pandemic subsides and it is safe to return to the office. They also have a workforce that is ready and excited about their change of location as well as a new way of working together. Hyphn was brought into the conversation early which allowed for a holistic approach to Columbia Distributing’s people, place and technology which resulted in a project that completed all of the desired outcomes. On time. And on budget.
“I’d stress the importance of finding a partner who is more than a furniture vendor. Find a company who can look at every aspect of your business, including unique ways of working, and the challenge of getting employees to embrace and adopt a move. It needs to be a vendor who does this homework even before you walk in the door for your first working session. That’s what Hyphn did for us and they kept doing it. EVEN IN A PANDEMIC, Hyphn continued their excellent customer service and communication. They found new, creative (and safe!) ways to keep the project moving and make us feel confident that the work was getting done.
And at the end of the day, as I’ve told others, you want a vendor who you’d happily share a beer with. That’s the Hyphn team.” -Lindsi Taylor, Director of Corporate Communications.
Early engagement and active collaboration allowed for the project to come in under budget, meet the desired “Refined Grunge” aesthetic, and gave time for us to help in educating employees on how to use their new, beautiful space.