From Dingy to Dapper - An Inside Look at the Olsson Electric Remodel

April 11, 2016 | 9:30 am CDT

If you want to know just what a difference a beautiful space can make to both employee pride and customer service, just ask Olsson Industrial Electric. When Olsson grew out of their old headquarters last year, they knew they wanted their new space in Springfield to be a welcoming place for both employees and customers—and one that fit with their image as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in Oregon.

Olsson Electric's entryway and waiting area.

It wasn’t going to be an easy task. Previously, the new space was leased by a mechanical contractor, and it had been used as a shared shop and office space. “It was rather dingy,” said Shelly Walter, Olsson’s Human Resources director. Olsson completely gutted the building, adding office spaces and a beautiful conference room, all paneled in plank-matched alder from Timber Products. “We wanted it to be warm, professional and to match the rest of our facilities,” said Walter.

The alder wood panels (on MDF), were used in the cabinetry, in the staircases and as wainscoting throughout the office to create a sophisticated feel. Additionally, the alder was used to create a modern tiled ceiling complete with recessed lighting.

Olsson Electric's kitchen coffee area and staircase.

“Most people seem to assume that because we are an industrial construction contractor, our offices may be rugged,” said Walter. But visitors to Olsson’s offices are frequently surprised by how refined the offices are. Visitors are first greeted by a comfortable reception area with an alder-paneled reception desk, and meetings are held in the conference room where wood-framed windows and a continuation of the alder wainscoting give it an open, elegant feel. “We believe they rival any professional office environment in the Eugene-Springfield area,” said Walter.

Olsson Electric's conference room.

It’s not just customers who are impressed by the space. From the training room’s beautifully engineered hardwood floor and sound-dampening ceiling tiles to the gorgeous manufactured cabinets in the break room, employee-centric spaces have all been remodeled with the same care and attention to detail. “Our employees are very proud of their surroundings,” said Walter.