All Fired Up on The Block

nCino, a rapidly growing financial services technology company based in Wilmington, has designed its global corporate headquarters with a strong focus on employee well-being and a commitment to local community and sustainability. The company, known for its recent IPO and significant global expansion, achieved over $250 million in revenues in 2021 and serves more than 1,200 financial institutions worldwide. This growth is mirrored in its workplace design philosophy, which aims to create a 'home away from home' for its employees. The interior design of the headquarters on Parker Farm Road at Mayfaire is characterized by a warm and casual ambiance. It incorporates noise-dampening accent walls, natural stone, and soft textures and hues, reflecting the company's investment in its workforce. Katie Smith, senior vice president of finance and operations, highlights that the relaxing indoor environment is crucial given the demands placed on employees. The design balances modern elements, such as stainless steel and expansive interior glass walls, with natural features like hardwood ceilings and ledger stone accent walls. The entrance lobby sets the tone with a water wall, vintage light fixtures, and lush botanicals. A popular upper-level conference room features a large botanical accent wall from Kim Fisher Designs, which, along with a custom-fabricated metal logo, symbolizes the company's forward-focused technology rooted in nature. This approach also considers the potential for plants to enhance indoor air quality. nCino's dedication to its employees extends to providing unique amenities and fostering a supportive internal culture. The headquarters includes a Bitty and Beau’s coffee shop, marking only the second such partnership for the company that employs individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The first floor also boasts a rec room with ping pong and foosball tables, a kegerator, a full kitchen, and a 'jam zone' for musical talents. Currently, these areas overlook a construction site for a new 90,000-square-foot nCino building, which will further enhance employee facilities with professionally designed outdoor spaces for gatherings and alternative work environments. A surfboard check-out zone is also available, promoting outdoor activities and work-life balance. The company’s internal culture is a key factor in its recognition as one of the 25 highest-rated public cloud computing companies to work for by Battery Ventures, and its inclusion on Comparably lists for best company for diversity, best company culture, best work-life balance, and best company happiness in 2021. CEO Pierre Naudé emphasizes that fostering a positive culture and taking care of employees fuels their passion and commitment to nCino’s continued growth, which saw its workforce expand from 1,200 to over 1,500 in 2021. Candice Gurganus, operations project manager, explains that coastal-themed artwork and extensive use of rich wood accents contribute to an inviting and casual space. The design intentionally balances large glass expansions with warm textures and natural elements like the main water wall and botanical accents. The company also prioritizes repurposing existing materials and supporting local artists and designers. An executive-level conference room features a massive live-edge resin table crafted by a local Raleigh artist, which had to be installed via crane through a window. Reclaimed wood is utilized in cubicles, and phone booths with a modern twist offer quiet spaces for focused work or calls, further illustrating the careful consideration given to every detail of the workplace environment. #WorkplaceDesign #CorporateCulture #EmployeeWellbeing #SustainableDesign #OfficeInteriors #FinancialTechnology #WilmingtonNC #CommunityPartnerships #ModernArchitecture

Grace Guck, clubhouse manager at the Edgartown Yacht Club, and her fiancé, Josh Cotterill, transformed an old Kingston horse trailer into a mobile upscale bar named "The Rolling Bar" for special events. This innovative solution addresses the common issue of makeshift bar setups at outdoor weddings and other events, particularly in scenic locations like the Vineyard where traditional facilities may be lacking. Guck, with her extensive experience in wedding and event planning, recognized a need for a more organized and aesthetically pleasing beverage service option, akin to the growing popularity of food trucks. The conversion process involved significant work. Josh Cotterill, an electrician, handled the wiring to establish a low-voltage lighting system powered by a battery, making the bar operational even in areas without electricity. He also incorporated low-voltage bistro lights to enhance its festive appearance. His cousin, Eric Toole, contributed carpentry skills, crafting a back bar from live-edge oak sourced from a Vermont mill, which was then beautifully finished. This custom back bar includes backlit shelving for bottle displays and a countertop for mixing drinks. The interior of the trailer retains some of its original charm, with crackle paint on the walls, which was preserved and sealed. The original wide plank wood floors were also kept; after pulling up the mats, they discovered children's handwriting of horse names, which they chose to refinish but leave visible, adding a unique personal touch. The overall aesthetic of the converted trailer, with its burnished wood and indirect lighting, is described as charming and elegant, reminiscent of a luxurious 'tiny house'. Construction of The Rolling Bar was completed in February 2020. Despite the initial launch plans being disrupted by the pandemic, the team adapted. They managed to rent the bar for two small weddings and it was utilized by the Barn Bowl and Bistro as an outdoor service station. These initial uses helped them to refine operations and address any logistical challenges, ensuring it was fully prepared for a relaunch in 2021. Grace remains optimistic about the venture, with bookings already scheduled for late summer and fall, including her own wedding. In addition to The Rolling Bar, Grace Guck also operates another entrepreneurial project called MV Ponies, where she and her pony, Popcorn (dressed as a unicorn), attend children's birthday parties with Grace dressed as a princess. This venture highlights her creative and versatile approach to event services. The Rolling Bar is available for rental, with renters responsible for supplying liquor and bartenders, though Grace offers guidance on local suppliers. The project stands as a testament to creative problem-solving and repurposing, transforming a functional but outdated item into a stylish and practical asset for the event industry. #MobileBar #HorseTrailerConversion #EventPlanning #Martha'sVineyard #SmallBusiness #WeddingServices #DIYProject #CreativeDesign #Entrepreneurship