Urban Systems gets a unique new space

Urban Systems has moved to a unique new space in Nelson, B.C., that reflects the company's philosophies

1 of 3Recycled materials were used to help create this inviting work environment. — David Gluns photo

2 of 3This large work table provides a collaborative area for facilitating a team approach. — David Gluns photo

3 of 3Urban Systems' new office is located at 625 Front Sreet in Nelson. — David Gluns photo

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Urban Systems offers consulting services in civil engineering, community planning and landscape architecture through seven offices across Western Canada. Recently, the company's office in Nelson, British Columbia, was moved to a new location and expanded from a two-person to a five-person office. Urban Systems has been recognized as one of Canada's Best Workplaces by the Great Place to Work Institute and the Globe and Mail for six years running. When you see the new Nelson office, you can see why.

Urban Systems' new office is located at 625 Front Sreet, and the unique renovation has incorporated recycled materials and other sustainable design concepts. Anthony Comazzetto, managing partner of the Nelson branch, said the space reflects the innovative business model that Urban Systems subscribes to. This model highlights effective team structures and highly collaborative work environments. Comazzetto said the space promotes and encourages this team approach.

“It allows all of our professionals to practise side by side, each adding value to the other through shared experience,” said Comazzetto. “Spreading out into public spaces allows collaboration and group thinking to make wiser use of what each of us has to offer.”

He said the communal work areas, such as the large work table, emphasize an environment that facilitates working together.

Keeping it friendly towards the environment

During demolition, materials were given to people or reused in the space, said Comazzetto. Lighting was designed to minimize unnecessary energy use. Other features include a small hot-water heater, low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints and low-flow water fixtures. The original fir and larch flooring was levelled out and refinished.

Comazzetto said that the desks, shared work table and other millwork were constructed from reclaimed materials such as old stadium bleachers and a salvaged steam engine boiler.

Urban Systems has been a fixture in the area for 16 years. Comazzetto said he believes the highly collaborative and desirable work environment will sustain the company's presence and professionalism in the area for the long term.

“It will ensure that we continue to attract and retain the best talent available,” he said.

An attractive and sustainable approach

Comazzetto said much of the work they do in communities involves the communities asking about social and environmental costs as well as economic costs.

“As a company, we try to promote that edge," said Comazzetto, “so when we do an internal project, we want to make sure we walk the talk, so to speak. Waste that has a use is no longer waste, and reusing materials adds character and soul to an environment."

A great work environment is the natural outcome of a community of excellent people who always bring their passion and commitment to work, Comazzetto said.

“Our job is to simply foster the working conditions where these qualities can come to life,” he said. “At Urban Systems, employees enjoy a high degree of trust, freedom and accountability. Staff can create something from 'Hey, that’s a cool idea' to real action in the world. Having a stake in your actions means you have control of your own destiny. Who doesn’t want that?”