Brentano Opens New Studio Bolstering Morale and Anticipating Growth
December 18, 2009
WHEELING, Illinois - Brentano has opened a new sustainable studio, following the move to its current corporate headquarters in 2008, which combined three separate units under one roof.
President E-Kwan Chen and Vice President Iris Wang decided that while the 2008 move brought all their employees together, fostering more communication between the different departments, they wanted to open a new studio as part of the companys 20th anniversary celebration.
The new studio was previously a warehouse so Wang and Chen were able to maximize the spaces potential for imagination and inspiration, unfettered by preexisting building conditions. Wang also highlighted green design, choosing many eco-friendly materials like dual level florescent lighting fixtures, a 20 percent pre-consumer comprised porcelain floor, high-efficiency rooftop HVAC units and a power exhaust fan that circulates air. The wooden doors are crafted from FSC certified wood and the insulation uses 20 percent post consumer recycled content and 20 percent regional materials.
Wang incorporated eco-friendly elements into the architecture as well, making sure that the zoning allowed the studio to have opening windows, replacing air conditioning with fresh air in the summer months. There are also ample skylights offering an abundance of natural light and the lamps that do exist can be switched from fluorescent to incandescent.
Wang explained three reasons for construction of the studio despite the economic turmoil that was prevalent when the building began in May 2009: One, Brentano had started the project and wanted to see it through, two, Wang wanted to anticipation future growth, and three, Wang believes that while she cannot alter external circumstances of the economy, she can influence her companys internal atmosphere. The creation of this studio is an illustration of Brentanos desire to remain proactive, optimistic and focused during these trying times. Brentano has blossomed from its modest beginnings in 1990. Once offering a mere eight patterns, the 20-year-old company has evolved into an internationally represented textile house featuring everything from fire-resistant, outdooor and faux-leather fabrics to Crypton/Nano-tex and eco-friendly products.
President E-Kwan Chen and Vice President Iris Wang decided that while the 2008 move brought all their employees together, fostering more communication between the different departments, they wanted to open a new studio as part of the companys 20th anniversary celebration.
The new studio was previously a warehouse so Wang and Chen were able to maximize the spaces potential for imagination and inspiration, unfettered by preexisting building conditions. Wang also highlighted green design, choosing many eco-friendly materials like dual level florescent lighting fixtures, a 20 percent pre-consumer comprised porcelain floor, high-efficiency rooftop HVAC units and a power exhaust fan that circulates air. The wooden doors are crafted from FSC certified wood and the insulation uses 20 percent post consumer recycled content and 20 percent regional materials.
Wang incorporated eco-friendly elements into the architecture as well, making sure that the zoning allowed the studio to have opening windows, replacing air conditioning with fresh air in the summer months. There are also ample skylights offering an abundance of natural light and the lamps that do exist can be switched from fluorescent to incandescent.
Wang explained three reasons for construction of the studio despite the economic turmoil that was prevalent when the building began in May 2009: One, Brentano had started the project and wanted to see it through, two, Wang wanted to anticipation future growth, and three, Wang believes that while she cannot alter external circumstances of the economy, she can influence her companys internal atmosphere. The creation of this studio is an illustration of Brentanos desire to remain proactive, optimistic and focused during these trying times. Brentano has blossomed from its modest beginnings in 1990. Once offering a mere eight patterns, the 20-year-old company has evolved into an internationally represented textile house featuring everything from fire-resistant, outdooor and faux-leather fabrics to Crypton/Nano-tex and eco-friendly products.
