Raiz Federal Credit Union (formerly named: El Paso Area Teachers Federal Credit Union) was looking to create a beautiful operations center that was not only a cost effective solution for their members but also a creative, friendly, engaging and functional environment for their employees. Redmond designed and built the two-story, 32,000 sf facility to accommodate their current employees and allowing for room and growth over the next 10 years. When fully utilized, the building will be able to house a projected 180 employees.

The Redmond Company was able to achieve this by utilizing a number of architectural techniques, including: designing an aesthetically pleasing rectangular foot print to maximize square footage while reducing cost; thoughtful application of accent stone on the bottom to increase the substantiality of the building and warm the overall appearance; proper planning and unique application of facility lighting to warm the appearance of the building; office door bump outs with stone applications to ground the entrance of the facility, break up the length of the building, and increase the substantiality of the building; application of unique window awnings to improve the aesthetics of the building while also reducing the heat load in the hot Texas sun.

The operations center has numerous design features to encourage a healthy and collaborative workplace. A centrally-located café acts as a social hub and greeting space for the building. A spacious break room acts as a retreat from workstations and offers employees ample daylight and varying seating options. LED lighting is incorporated throughout the facility as a ‘green’ solution to lighting, while natural daylighting floods the building with light and outdoor views from all open and private office spaces. The work spaces have furniture featuring ergonomically-designed solutions, including sit-stand elements. The multiple conference rooms of varying sizes provides the credit union with greatly-needed meeting space. The interior design of the operations center has been described as “playful”, providing employees an interesting work environment.

Photos by: Brian Wancho Photography