Author: brad@sidecarpr.com

Based in Denver, Innovest is an independent provider of investment-related consulting services for retirement plans, nonprofits, families, individuals, and family offices. The firm’s culture is defined by their mission of stewardship and their emphasis on hiring and developing high-character, talented professionals. These values come to life in their office space.

Elsy’s first project with Innovest was more than a decade ago with a refresh of their 10,000 square foot former office space. Ten years later, Innovest has matured as a firm and wanted their new 20,000 square foot office space, located at 7979 E Tufts Ave. in the Denver Tech Center, to reflect their best-in-class financial and investment service offerings while creating a sense of togetherness for their tight-knit team.

Reflective of their streamlined approach to business, the space incorporates clean lines and neutrals throughout. Elements of Innovest’s logo – a triangle representative of the stock market’s cycles – are found throughout the space, from ceiling elements to the kitchen island. Similarly, wood slats in the conference room are carried through to the reception resembling a bar graph much like those that depict financial trends.

It was important for Innovest to have a space that accommodates visits from investors while attracting and retaining top talent. Two seating areas welcome guests and serve as informal meeting areas. The large conference room doors open to make way for open houses and office celebrations.

In the office space, natural light pours in through tall framed-glass office fronts. Day-to-day mentoring takes place in the collaborative bullpen areas, where an open ceiling adds a sense of dimension and space. The team’s rituals – including regularly eating lunch together and their annual “Crocktober” crockpot cookoff – called for a breakroom and kitchen area that accommodates 30+ team members at one time.

The clean, simple, bright design of the space captures Innovest’s no-nonsense approach to business that is balanced by the firm’s culture of togetherness.

Executing the design of a new 40,000 SF office in the middle of a pandemic was no small feat, but between our team and the pros at NGL Energy Partners, we pulled off a fresh, modern space for their employees to return to in 2021. NGL was moving from their offices in Cherry Creek and taking over three floors in the new 9^th and Colorado development. They wanted each floor to reflect their high-end, sophisticated aesthetic without ever becoming stuffy.  

The biggest challenge in the design of this space was the long, narrow floorplate. For maximum functionality, offices were placed at the perimeter, but that left us with a skinny corridor that ran the expanse of the floor. To keep the space from feeling like a tunnel, we created interest and a sense of movement in the ceiling in the form of wood-look baffles that lend an undulating effect and a warmth to the otherwise exposed ceiling.

A timeless, neutral color palette makes for a soothing and cohesive experience across the three floors with differentiated color and pattern treatments as you exit each elevator to support wayfinding. NGL was thrilled to give their employees an updated and modern space to come back to, and we are proud to have supported a smooth transition to an inspiring space after a trying year.

Transforming a dated office space in Golden into a dynamic physical therapy and sports training facility for Next Level was a true team effort. Designed for motivation and collaboration, Next Level’s facility features an energetic, bold infusion of color and shape, along with thoughtful programming that maximizes the usability of their state-of-the-art equipment.

The owner’s history as an NFL athletic trainer and the company’s culture of investing in their athletes’ success both factored heavily into the personalization of the space. The neutral color palette provides the ideal backdrop for flags that will be raised in the space to honor athletes who complete their training with Next Level – a ritual that started years ago with a Navy athlete who was able to keep her scholarship as a result of training with Next Level.

A custom ceiling element constructed of reclaimed trailer decking and painted wood slats adds visual interest, along with zigzags of blue and orange across the walls. Graphic film and motivational words throughout the space serve as visual encouragement to Next Level’s athletes. Air quality and ventilation are addressed with programmed operable windows that support an infusion of fresh air throughout the day.

The resulting space raises the bar for Next Level’s brand and creates an ideal environment for both their athletes and trainers.