Environ Spring 2016 Newsletter

ENVIRON Inc.: Thrive through Design

As a Creative Director for Environ, Mick’s goal is to consistently bring the highest level of concept, design, visuals, writing and production to media elements for project teams and clients. Mick works side by side with Environ's principals to understand client needs and helps guide the process using innovative and intuitive techniques. Mick is also an accomplished artist and photographer who lives in Long Beach with his wife and two daughters. He spends time teaching elementary students how to photograph abstract images. This year's class has named him "Mr. Awesomesauce."

For the past 20 years, Julianna has been creating public and private landscapes and gardens using natives and edibles with attention to historic preservation, climate health and sustainability. She has joined the Environ office to offer her expertise in landscape design with an emphasis on the connection between the human condition, quality of life and the environments of our clients. Julianna travels the world as an advocate for human rights, with particular focus on children, and volunteers creating vertical gardens with the visually impaired. She also enjoys spending time creating herbal and flower jams and jellies.

Michele Dremmer has joined Environ as a Design Specialist. She recently landed in Southern California after a rich career in Chicago as an Interior Designer for award winning projects. Her role at Environ will be focused on projects with historical significance, libraries, universities and hospitality. She is on the board of the National Public Housing Museum leading the site development committee. When she is not designing, Michele volunteers for Dream Catcher of Los Angeles, whose mission is to improve the lives of people with disabilities through the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding.

The Long Beach Police Department East Division Substation is now up and running. The building formerly known as Schroeder Hall now houses the East Division headquarters as well as the Juvenile facilities. The project was led by Leticia Mimila.

HISTORY
The building is eligible for the National Registry of Historical Buildings. As such, the exterior of the building could not be altered and maintains a sturdy surface of red brick, which also remained exposed in most walls of the interior. The renovation included a mailroom, report room, evidence room, break room, evidence lockers, and a gymnasium with lockers and showers.

STYLE
The finishes were chosen via collaboration with the police department heads and the unanimous vote on color was one that evokes feelings of trust and solidarity. "We suggested several accent colors," explains Environ's Interior Designer Barbara Hordyk, "and the client insisted it must be blue! Red is for the fire department and green is for the Sherriff. Blue belongs to the Police Department."

SUSTAINABILITY
The project is LEED equivalent, which means measures were taken when possible to use "green" materials. One such feature is the gym floor, which is made from recycled tires. In addition, period appropriate natural linoleum flooring was used throughout for its durability and sustainability. With proper maintenance it will last decades. Drought-resistant plants were chosen for landscaping.

Environ President Alan Burks adds, "One quote that resonates with me is 'You need to know the past to understand the present,' but it's not just the cultural significance an older building can offer to future generations. Saving an already standing structure also has a positive impact on the environment. After all, the most sustainable building is one that already exists. I am very pleased we were able to work to preserve such a historically significant building."

FUNCTION
By adding elements of sustainability and creating an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere, not only are the new facilities organized and functional, but the new environment will enhance the experience of its occupants and visitors, and help Long Beach's finest continue to serve and protect.

Environ was pleased to host town hall meetings for 2nd District Councilmember candidates Joen Garnica, Eric Gray and Jeannine Pearce, as well as Long Beach City College Governing Board Area 2 candidate Irma Archuleta. Guests enjoyed drinks, appetizers and great conversation.

Our client California Resources Corporation recently moved into their fresh offices in Ventura, CA. The new space now serves as a consolidated facility bringing multiple departments and disciplines together. Improvements included glass entry doors, new finishes, playful pendant lights and blue accent walls. Previously a maze of high panels, Environ's Willetta McCulloh and Barbara Hordyk worked with the client to achieve a more modern and open look.

The lower work stations allow for a more inclusive, less claustrophobic environment. We also worked with the client to select furniture and fixtures for their presentation room. This required coordination with AV and IT personnel. The space is much more functional and welcoming.

We are so proud of Environ's Aimee Mandala for being elected as President of the Women's Business Council. She has served on the board since 2012 and most recently held the title of Vice President of Programs. Aimee will now continue to serve as President for the 2016-2017 term. The Women's Business Council holds monthly events and provides a supportive environment for business professionals to network, to achieve personal growth and to contribute to the betterment of the community. Follow their success on Facebook.

Environ's Willetta McCulloh completed another year with the youth program Camp Enterprise, a Long Beach Rotary program in which Rotarians and selected LBUSD 17 year olds spend a few days together for entrepreneurial mentoring. Both the mentors and teenagers engage in physical team building challenges, followed by a presentation to all 60 youths and 30 Rotarians. With the guidance of the Rotarians, the students get to dream up their ideal product and create a business plan for it, right down to where the funding comes from. 2016 marks Camp Enterprise's 25th year! It is indeed a rewarding learning experience for all.

Willetta McCulloh is in her 6th year serving as a Rotarian and was recently named a Paul Harris Fellow. One-hundred percent of all funds donated through the Paul Harris Society go to community, national and global programs to improve the lives of others.

NEWSLETTER|SPRING 2016