Inside the Design Studio: A Conversation with Nina Gutierrez, Senior Designer at Elkay Interior Systems
Contributing Expert | Nina Gutierrez
March 2024
Elkay Interior Systems is beyond excited to unveil the magic behind the recent renovation of our corporate headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, turning it into a vibrant and inspiring hub for innovation. We embarked on a mission to revitalize our office, and that's where our extraordinary designer stepped in.
Meet Nina Gutierrez, the creative genius behind the remodel. Nina has a background in environmental design and architecture. She started at EIS in 2013 with the CAD (computer-aided design) team and quickly shifted to design. She’s been in every market: education, restaurant, and even retail. With a portfolio that speaks volumes and her ability to blend the EIS brand with functionality, Nina brought a unique vision to headquarters!
Elkay Interior Systems: What was your vision for the reception area?
Nina Gutierrez: I initially met with Tony Lutz, our President + CEO, to understand the needs of the space. We asked ourselves, “What was the function and intent of the space?” The main goal was to increase staff security, enhance lobby lighting, and unify the entrance with our brand identity. Identifying the layout was our first and most challenging goal due to limitations and the framework of the existing space.
Regarding the design, we conducted a lot of research on office and lobby trends. What do staff and guests want as they enter an office space? In this case, we were the customer, which was a unique and exciting opportunity for us. We always design for the customer; never are we the customer.
Ultimately, we considered our brand and asked, “How do we make that influence in the lobby? How do we showcase our brand?” That’s through our design, our capabilities, and the quality of our product and materials. It was worth the investment into the thoughtful and intentional design of how we want our space to reflect our company’s values and work environment for current and prospective employees and visitors.
We also wanted a space where people have a positive experience. We’re trying to shape that for them. Walking into work, most people want something bright, something dynamic. We want something refreshing that gets us inspired and radiates creativity. At the same time, we wanted the space to be functional and a light transition into the work environment.
EIS: Are there similarities between this renovation and a client’s project?
NG: It was very similar! That’s why the lobby remodel was so enjoyable. It’s about learning the brand identity and the customer’s goals and objectives. Our customers have a concept, and we bring that vision to life. From start to finish, this is exactly how we do it with our customers.
EIS: Tell us more about the building and your design choices based on that.
NG: Fortunately, our headquarters are in a beautiful historical building that has several unique features. The wood truss and joists in the ceiling are exposed, and the building has exposed Cream City brick. When we realized the trend is now warmth, we chose to preserve those features, creating a comfortable, cozy environment at work.
The brick wall was another way for us to use this incredible space we have as one of the backdrops of the design. We left that entire Cream City brick wall alone and added track lighting to help accent it, offering a balance between accentuation and maintaining the neutrality of the surrounding white walls, ensuring they didn't exude a cool ambiance.
EIS: Sustainability is a trend we’ve seen carried over the past few years. Walk us through your material choices and why you chose them.
NG: The most influential aspect of the design is in the arrival. When someone comes off the elevator and enters the space, they see the reception desk. I wanted it to stand out and to be something special. We install and manufacture tables, chairs, counters, and more in nearly every market – it’s our bread and butter. So, we had to find a way to stand out as a design company and show guests the full scope of our capabilities.
I found a sustainable material that could make that big statement. Vetrazzo is made from 97% post-recycled glass and is highly sustainable, and there’s nothing like it in the market. The color we chose is Classic Black, which is made from post-industrial, recycled architectural glass. It fits so well with who we are and what we do. We also used glass block, a sustainable material that is 100% recyclable, low maintenance, and highly durable.
EIS: Can you tell me about the added security and traffic flow?
NG: The lobby layout was confusing for guests because they didn’t know where to go once they arrived, so we determined the optimal transition from the lobby to the workspace while considering both the needs of staff and visitors. To create a more secure workspace, our new maglock system allows us to have control over office hours and more control over the business's privacy.
We also considered our future for hosting guests, so we kept the space open enough to hold events. It was very much about closing the space so we could provide privacy and security for staff and guests while creating a neat, public space that’s comfortable, inviting, and has all the elements a lobby requires.
EIS: What are your takeaways from this project?
NG: This project gave me the experience to be hands-on and build partnerships with the architect and general contractors. It was more direct because of the proximity. I work with them every day, but they’re all over the country. Being on site gave me exposure and experience into what it’s like, how to build that relationship, and the dialogue to make this a successful project. It was a unique and extraordinary experience for me. I was responsible for overseeing the whole project, but this wouldn't have been possible without the entire Brand Design team and the production facility in Fond du Lac.
Gratitude for Transformation
A sincere thank you goes out to Nina and the teams involved in the stunning remodel to headquarters. The changes in design will have a positive impact on our brand and employee experience for years to come!
About Elkay Interior Systems
Elkay Interior Systems (EIS) is a tight-knit team of industry-leading designers, commercial-grade manufacturers, innovative engineers, resourceful project managers, and sourcing experts committed to every stage of your project by guaranteeing quality and reliability. We stand out from the crowd with our 40+ years of global experience in the restaurant, hospitality, retail, and education markets. We believe in simplifying the complicated.