HUMANE SOCIETY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY
DESIGNING A WORKPLACE REFRESH FOR A WORTHY CAUSE
PROJECTS FOR GOOD | WORKPLACE DESIGN
The Columbia Humane Society is a nonprofit no-kill animal shelter that relies on community support for its operations. Based in a less developed community nearly an hour from Portland, the small staff works long hours, often taking personal time during nights and weekends to care for animals that need extra care.
A generous supporter of the shelter recognized that the small, no-frills front reception area and office was not conducive to a positive work environment, and commissioned Studio Butch to redesign the space.
A view of the adoption consultation area. Color, pattern, and material choices were intended to soften and elevate the space to encourage positive energy as would-be pets met with their forever families for the first time.
With pops of color, light, and warm textures and patterns, we turned the once drab “cave” (as their team called it), into a bright, clean space with distinctive areas to serve the small shelter’s various needs. With adoptions at the forefront of their mind, we took what had once been a small dry erase board nailed to the wall where employees listed out pets who had been adopted and designed a focal point, Wall of Adoption, where the names of furry friends can be showcased, celebrating a forever home.
Upon completion of the project, we were overwhelmed by the response from the staff.
“I've been here for over 20 years and I just about cried when I saw what it looked like,” Lisa Beggio, CHS executive director said. “Nobody has ever given us a gift like this, you know, and cared enough about the staff to give a gift. This is our working environment and it's amazing.”
“I'VE BEEN HERE FOR OVER 20 YEARS AND I JUST ABOUT CRIED WHEN I SAW WHAT IT LOOKED LIKE … THIS IS OUR WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND IT'S AMAZING.”
—LISA BEGGIO,
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CHS
The adoption wall, with plaques to name pets that have been adopted in the previous weeks and months, was a focal point of the space, and placed front and center for emphasis.
We at Studio Butch have a commitment to our community, and making the world a better place, one small design project at a time. We take on pro bono and discounted projects for causes that we believe in. While we can’t take on every opportunity that comes our way, if you have an opportunity you’d like to pitch, we’d love to hear from you.
AT-A-GLANCE
CLIENT: Columbia Humane Society
TYPE: Space Design
LOCATION: St. Helens, OR
ACTUALIZATION: Interior refresh to space.
OUR ROLE:
Zoning + Merchandising
Graphic Design - Space Design
Concepts - Brand Moments
Art Installations
Production Management
Installation Oversight
PROJECT GALLERY
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