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Christenson Electric Headquarters Renovation

Location: Portland
Size: 25,400 square feet
Cost: not disclosed
Start: October 2019
Completion: October 2022
Owner/Developer: Christenson Electric
Architect: Scott Edwards Architecture
Engineer: Harper Houf Peterson Righellis, WDY
General Contractor: Bremik Construction
Submitting Company: Scott Edwards Architecture
Other Associates/Consultants: Bainbridge Design, Christenson Electric, Glumac, Hermanson Co., Lango Hansen Landscape Architects
Subcontractors: AA Asphalting, Anning-Johnson, B&B Tile & Masonry, Black Line Glazing, Buffalo Welding, Cash’s Drapery, Chown Hardware, Dennis’ 7 Dees, Eagle Striping Services, Floor Factors, Gonsalves & Santucci (Conco), Hermanson Co., JW Underground, LaRusso Concrete, Maintenance Man Unlimited, McDonald & Wetle, Pagh Custom Woodworking, Patriot Fire Protection, Pioneer Sheet Metal, Pioneer Waterproofing, Precions Rebar & Access, RedBuilt, Rich Holland Painting, Sign Wizard, T-Plus Steel Fabricators, W.H. Cress

The goal of this project was to create a flowing, cohesive workspace that brings people together and tells Christenson Electric’s story. When the renovation of Christenson Electric’s headquarters started in October 2019, the initial plan was to build a new 10,000-square-foot building. When the pandemic began and the project was put on hold, the team switched gears and went back to the drawing board. The redesigned project resumed in December 2020, as a reconfiguration of the space that was already there. They were intentional about eliminating the maze of hallways that contributed to the fractured flow of the office layout. The final design boasts a more functional space that is open, comfortable and encourages collaboration between staff.

To ensure the space felt and looked more open, the project incorporated a lot of light. Painting various walls white, removing acoustic tiles and adding skylights helped raise the ceilings and make things feel bigger. The new main break area now has a large, flexible gathering space and a large glass folding door brings additional light in while providing serene views of the outdoor courtyard space.

Outside, plants and pavers were added to shield the building from wind. The brick exterior also flows to the office interior, with brick displayed on various feature walls. Warm wood was added to high traffic hallways. The new training space, which is used by both administrative staff and construction crews, was placed centrally, allowing both sets of staff to overlap, connect and build a stronger sense of corporate community. The interior designer, Bainbridge Design, offers a fresh take to Christenson Electric’s existing palette and chose key moments to apply the brand’s iconic red.

Telling the story of Christenson Electric’s 75-year legacy in business was also a key part of the process. This storytelling piece spans an entire wall in the refurbished space with images and significant milestones that celebrate the company’s operations.

With regards to safety, Bremik Con-struction required all employees to wear a safety helmet rather than the traditional hard hat on the job. It is the first Portland contractor to use this method and it is part of the company’s innovative safety program.