A year ago, we moved into Substance World Headquarters (SWHQ) 2.0. (It’s debatable that it was SWHQ 1.0, but for the sake of argument, we’ll call it 2.0.) Over the course of these 12 months, we added two new members to the Substance team and outgrew the 600 square feet of space down by the railroad tracks.
September 29th marked the first day in the new SWHQ 3.0. If you haven’t had the opportunity to stop by, let us take you on a photographic journey…
Welcome to Substance World Headquarters
Visitors to the new SWHQ are greeted by a beautifully engraved stainless steel plaque. It’s quite shiny.
Big Glass Door
Zoom out from the shiny plaque and you’ll see the big glass roll-up door, along with a normal human sized door on the right. The door on the right is where you’ll probably enter.
The Open Space
Through the front door and the foyer (or atrium, if you like), you enter the space where all the magic happens. It’s a big space that houses the long tables, the living room, the workshop, the kitchenette, and the bathroom. The conference room is off the open space; that’s for special occasions.
The Living Room
Most of the conversations we have at SWHQ don’t take place in meetings… they take place around the long tables where we work, and they take place in the living room. A relaxed conservation area that represents a campfire instead of a watering hole creates better communication and stronger results.
The Workshop
Things have already started changing in this area since I took the photo, but we feel a “workshop” will be an important part of our business in the future. Having a place to work on physical applications helps us develop projects that create an intersection between the physical world and the digital world. Plus, power tools are cool.
Pick a Door, Any Door
If you pick the door on the right, you’ll end up in our lavish storage closet, fully equipped with a utility sink, shelves, and a mirror. If you pick the door on the left, you’ll end up in our lavish restroom, fully equipped with a fancy sink and a toilet. Pick wisely. Oh, and the outside is sheathed in cedar, which keeps the moths away.
Kitchenette
One of the biggest benefits of the new space is the fact that we get an on-site kitchenette. Equipped with a sink, dishwasher, cabinets, refrigerator, microwave, toaster oven, and coffee maker makes it feel like a home away from home. And the tasty beverages stored in the refrigerator make it extra-special.
The Long Table
One of the most defining aspects of the new space is the signature Substance Long Table. Built out of reclaimed gluelam beams, the long table is where everyone sits. Instead of cubicles or individual desks, the long table allows us all to participate in the conversation. It helps in concepting, problem-solving, and how the company is run. No one is so important that they should have a private office; the principals sit next to the employees so everyone is involved in all aspects of the company. (From the left, say “hi” to Cory, Todd and Erin.)
The Long Table, Another View
Here we see Erin hard at work at the long table. Sitting across from Erin are Shaun, Cory and Todd, who are also hard at work. Everyone is hard at work solving problems and coming up with awesome ideas. At least that’s how we define “hard work.”
“Conversation” Room
Currently acting as a storage pit, this room will eventually have a client conservation area, featuring a fireplace, library and sideboard filled with port and sherry.
Some of these photos are already outdated as we clean up and reconfigure the space, but this gives you a good baseline for what we’re starting with. There’s a full photo set up on Flickr to see the outtakes and alternate views.
In the upcoming days and weeks, we’ll start scheduling tours… email us at “info (at) findsubstance.com” and we’ll arrange something. Oh, and here’s where we’re located:
1551 SE Poplar Avenue + Portland, Oregon + 97214
Best of luck in your new digs.
8:08 pm / 1 October 2008
wow.. i hope i work there. nice office, productivity guaranteed!! :)
1:29 am / 7 October 2008
Wow, you guys are just right up the street from Nemo.. nice! It looks like a great place – and you’re SO close to Vincente’s… I’m jealous.
6:03 am / 29 October 2008