THE ASK

The Cristo Rey Network is the largest private education organization in the United States with 37 schools around the country serving over 13,000 students every year. They were in need of a new national office that would not only afford the organization the square footage and layout needed to conduct daily operations efficiently, but one that could also serve as a hub for its many workshops and professional learning programs. Cristo Rey engaged Medley to manage their office relocation along with devising a strategy to capitalize on the momentum and excitement surrounding this milestone and designing a space that would showcase the Cristo Rey mission to staff and visitors alike.

Services

• Space Selection

• Floor Plan Design

• Move Logistics

• Environmental Graphics

• Communication Plan

Finding the right space

Medley began this project by interviewing stakeholders on daily usage and workflow, along with the limitations they saw in their current office space. From there we created a list of must-haves, high-priority considerations, and wishlist items for their new location. Partnering with a commercial brokerage group specializing in not-for-profit real estate needs ensured a focused and organized search process, and from there we set clear parameters around location and budget and got to it...

What we found was a move-in ready, furnished sublease, with nearly all of the must-haves and high-priority items included: abundant natural light, a welcoming entrance with enough square footage to serve as an overflow area during workshop breaks, a kitchen-area for the staff with a flexible lounge area, a second kitchen for guest meal set-ups, ample interior rooms to serve as collaborative team spaces, and a large conference room to host groups of approximately 40 people with a secondary and adjoining room to serve as breakout space.

Designing the office for success

With the lease secured and move-in date set, the planning phase began. We carefully considered individual and team needs and how the organization might best arrange and utilize the available square footage to ensure each staff member had sufficient workspace in the right location within the office, and developed a strategy for collaborative spaces and team rooms that would provide flexible but dedicated office area for each department as well. We presented our recommendations and worked through multiple floor plan iterations, all with the goal in mind to help the organization promote efficiency, enhance collaboration, and reinforce daily structures and workflow dynamics.

Services

• Utilization Mapping

• Floor Plan Design

• Furniture Selection

• Vendor Management

Designing the Office for Impact

One of the most important components of this entire project was what this new space should say about the Cristo Rey Network, its work, its scale, and its impact across the country. Our task was to design environmental graphics and other elements that would be incorporated into the space to tell that story while remaining budget conscious. We began by conducting research and seeking inspiration from other nonprofits’ offices. We put together a few concept boards and presented them to Cristo Rey, narrowed our ideas down those that would be most impactful and work with the available wall space. We also ensured optimal visibility to both visitors and employees who would be coming to the office.

From there we matched paint colors to the Cristo Rey brand Pantone colors, designed several environment graphic pieces, and managed production and installation of all components.

GETTING People excited about the new space

One of the primary reasons for moving the Cristo Rey Network into a new office was to have the in-house meeting space needed to host professional learning programs, workshops, seminars, board meetings, and other events. A key component to continued development efforts was crafting simple but effective messaging around the new office, espousing its benefits, and how it would be utilized to bring leaders and practitioners from across the Network together. Medley then created a “We’ve Moved” teaser mailing and e-blast, which was used in an Open House invitation to bring friends, donors, and stakeholders together to see the completed space in person.

The Outcome

10+ weeks
of professional development programming

Not only did we help streamline and execute the physical relocation process for the Cristo Rey Network, but we also designed the layout and usage plan to support effective operations and promote collaboration and cohesion. In addition, we created environmental graphics that enhance the space and reflect the scale and impact the Cristo Rey movement has reached on a national level, and remind staff and visitors alike how powerful their mission is.