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Emery Ed Fund Finds a New Home to Better Serve Emery Schools and Students

Lisa Finin-Ciccoli
Community Relations, IKEA Emeryville
May 2007

One of the foundations of IKEA is to give back to the community in which it resides with a focus on causes that create a better the everyday life for children. So when IKEA Emeryville got the e-mail from Bob Canter at the Emeryville Chamber of Commerce about the Emery Ed Fund, the decision was an easy one. Its mission -- to mobilize local and regional resources to bring increased funding, innovative programs and strong partnerships to Emeryville’s public schools – is excellent match with IKEA’s plan of giving. Their need, a new office for their staff welcoming meeting place for community members and staff was just what IKEA does best: utilizing our home furnishings expertise and innovative products to create beautiful interiors.

When I walked into the Emery School’s old Research and Development Office I met Eugenia Bowman, executive Director of the Emery Ed Fund, Julliette Dunn, Director of Wellness and Food Services, and Nieves Cediel, Arts Consultant. You can’t help but immediately notice the contrast between the bright and vibrant group of women and the drab and dreary office environment, with a mixed matched collection of furniture from many eras. It truly did not meet their day-to-day needs nor inspire collaborations and synergy. After a group effort a plan was born and then implemented with the help of IKEA coworkers, Eugenia, Juliette, Nives, Taninha Ferreira, a graduate intern in Public Administration, and Menaka Subramaniam, Program Coordinator for the Emery Ed Fund. One of the highlights of the project for me was seeing Menaka put together a coat rack using a power drill. In her culture men assemble things and this was a new experience for her. She jumped right in and assembled it with determination and perseverance. It never ceases to amaze me how Interior Design can create change not only in a room but within people as well.

The simple but elegant plan for the room was to create a unified, organized office with personality, beauty and functionality at the forefront of the design. Scandinavian colors of birch, silver and red combine to create a feeling of warmth with a sense of lightness. Lighting and textiles soften the space and give it a warm and cozy glow that is inviting and relaxing. The addition of guest chairs and a large community/meeting table make the Research and Development Office a space for everyone -- a space where people can exchange ideas, brainstorm and problem solve to better the everyday life of the students at the Emery Schools. I am very glad IKEA had this opportunity and it was a privilege to assist with this project. I look forward to seeing what wonderful things come out of the dynamic new Emery Ed Fund Office. Their enthusiasm and creativity are a testament to the wonderful things they have and will accomplish for our Emery Schools.