ASHLEY RIVER CAMPUS
COOPER RIVER CAMPUS
URBAN ELECTRIC
This is a HUGE milestone. But in my mind, this is really just a continuation of what we have always done. For nearly 20 years, we’ve been knocking down, all of us together, a lot of preconceived notions. About American manufacturing, about artisanal craft, about handmade and its relevance in the modern world. And we’ve been exporting now from North Charleston, from the Old Navy Base, the finest lighting fixtures in the world to New York and London and Los Angeles, Dubai and Tokyo. And this building, to me, that we’re standing in is a continuation. It’s just the latest barrier that we’re knocking down.
I’m very proud of everybody on the Urban Electric team. And this building to me is truly a space that is worthy of the world-class work that is done within it. So I want to dedicate this building to every single man and woman on the Urban Electric team who have been living that Never Satisfied motto for the past 16 years. And for dreaming big.
— Dave Dawson
Building 45 Dedication, Jan 2020
Who says that a company like ours can’t live in a space like this. Who says that a small handcrafted company can’t occupy a building that has gorgeous architecture and modern equipment and beautiful art and trees and a barista bar. And I want you guys to know, my team, that this building and everything it represents is a direct result of your passion for your craft, your respect for each other and your determination to kick down obstacles in your path.
OUR CAMPUS OUR CAMPUS
We worked for several years to come up with a long-term facilities strategy to keep up with our growing needs and ambitions for employee amenities and operational excellence. The renovation of our Cooper River Campus (CRC) on the Old Navy base was the first step in that strategy, but it was just the beginning.
In 2021, we identified and secured the other portion of that plan with the addition of our Ashley River Campus (ARC), a 130,000 square foot space about 8 minutes from CRC at a top-notch commercial complex on Leeds Ave and undertook a major renovation to bring it in line with the standards we’ve come to expect of an Urban Electric facility.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
A truly great working space should have a layout and presentation that rises to the level of the quality of work that happens within it.
At The Urban Electric Co., we have collectively evolved to reflect that goal in our existing spaces. In the same way that we strive daily to achieve fluidity in our processes and flow in our factory, we must also continuously strive to create environments that are conducive to maximum efficiency and enjoyment—both for us, our internal community and for our clients. In our growing campus, we are expanding on that goal, doubling down on pride of place and presenting a new model of manufacturing in which the factory is the canvas and places of production blend seamlessly with showrooms and communal areas.
OUR AESTHETIC
Not unlike the high-concept spaces our lights most often hang in, our office environment has a unifying theme throughout that is a distinct reflection of our perspective and complement to the streamlined quality of our fixtures. Functional yet comfortable with utilitarian materials and pops of color throughout, the style can best be described as industrial meets modern.
The furnishings, a mixture of custom pieces sourced from like-minded craft manufacturers and one-of-a-kind vintage finds, reference mid-century design, an homage to an era when conventional notions were challenged and innovative ideas about the future were derived and codified.
CLIENT EXPERIENCE
We’ve long believed that one of the best ways for our clients to fully understand what makes Urban Electric so unique is to invite them to experience our factory for themselves. As a result, we are constantly opening our doors to guests from high-information homeowners to top-tier design talent in our Golden Ticket group tours. For these discerning clients, who are regularly exposed to flawless design work and are inundated with beautiful things, the bar couldn’t be higher.
We aim to exceed these expectations by proving that every aspect of how we carry ourselves in our spaces is a direct reflection of the care and intention we put into our product.
ATTIRE
The way we dress can be its own form of communication that creates an impression with all those who encounter us. While what clothing is considered appropriate can often be subjective, how we present ourselves to our colleagues and clients should be thoughtfully considered to above all be neat, professional and tasteful.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
COMMON AREA FAQs
For my birthday, can I bring in cookies, cakes, pastries?
Of course, just at the end of the day please dispose of them or take them home.
I really love the coasters in the conference rooms, can I keep one at my desk?
No, please keep those in their respective conference rooms and if you need a coaster, some can be provided.
I just finished conducting a meeting in one of our conference rooms. What should I do next?
Remove all trash, put away all keyboards, remotes and mouses you might have used.
I want to bring in salad dressings or condiments that I would like to use throughout the week, can I leave them in the café fridge?
Yes, if you label and date your lunch bag.
How long can my lunch bag remain in the café fridge before it gets thrown out?
Every Friday at 2PM the café staff will go through the lunch bags and Tupperware and if your name and that Friday’s date is not on it, then it will be thrown out.
Someone left a cardboard box sitting on the mailroom counter, what should I do about it?
Break the box down and put it in the recycling bin or reach out to housekeeping to dispose of it.
Can I store lunch leftovers in the caf é fridge?
No, please take leftovers home daily.
PRODUCTION / FABRICATION FAQs
What should I do when I arrive at the office at the beginning of the day?
When you arrive at work, you should get ready for the workday by getting coffee/drinks, put all personal items in your locker, clock-in, etc. so that you’re prepared to begin work when the shift starts.
Can I have a can or bottled drink at my workstation throughout the workday?
Yes, just make sure all cups, cans, etc. are emptied and disposed of at the end of the day.
What should I do when I get up from my workstation for a longer period of time or during my lunch break?
Ensure your work content and area is organized (to prevent opportunities for defects) and push in your chair.
Can I have a heater or fan at my workstation?
No. The production/fabrication areas are climate controlled and we want to keep our work areas as neat, organized and standardized as possible. Fans and heaters are not allowed in the production/fabrication areas.
I am expecting a flower delivery, can I leave them at my workstation for the week?
No, we ask that you enjoy them for that day then bring them home when you leave.
I am cleaning up my workstation to leave for the day, what is the end of the day clean up protocol?
Please refer to the Pride of Place 5S Standards posted for each workstation for EOD expectations. These standards have been developed not only for the EOD, but for after each use and often end of week so that we are respectful of those who use workstations afterwards, maintain a great work environment and improve productivity.
OFFICE FAQs
What should I do when I arrive at the office at the beginning of the day?
When you arrive at work, store all outerwear in the coat closet or credenza (including rain boots, umbrellas, scarves, etc.)
Does my purse have to go in the coat room?
It can go in the open credenza at your desk.
Can I have a can or bottled drink at my desk throughout the day?
No, we ask that any canned or bottled beverages be poured in UECo provided (clear) glassware.
What should I do when I get up from my desk for a longer period of time or during my lunch break?
Tuck in your chair, throw away any unnecessary trash and lock your computer.
Am I able to use a blanket at my desk or keep a coat or scarf on my chair?
Yes, please use these items to stay warm, but when not in use, we ask that you fold them up and put them in your credenza or hang in the coat room.
Can I bring in my own room fragrance or a candle from home?
No, please do not bring in home fragrances including candles, diffusers, incense, or room sprays. However, you may light a UECo candle (Baies by Diptyque) as long as everyone in your area agrees.
I am expecting a flower delivery, can I leave them out on my desk for the week?
No, we ask that you enjoy them for that day then bring them home when you leave.
What do I do with the UECo provided dishware I used from the café?
Return it to the café, wash it out in the sink and put it in the dishwasher not in use.
Can I eat lunch at my desk?
Yes, you are welcome to eat lunch at your desk or in the café. If you choose to eat at your desk, just be sure to dispose of food/containers promptly. All waste should be thrown away in the café or in the mail room - not in your desk bin.
DESK FAQs
Am I able to display my UECo provided awards?
YES! Show them off with pride!
Post-It notes help keep me organized, can I leave them on my desk, desk wall or computer?
If you must use Post-Its, please affix them to the inside of a manilla folder and take the folder out each day.
I just finished drinking my coffee and eating a snack, can I throw it away in my gray desk trash can?
No, we ask that any opened food or drinks be disposed of in the mailroom trash can.
How often should I clean out any unused files or paperwork? Quarterly.
Should any paperwork be left on my desk at the end of the day?
No, put all paperwork in a gray manilla folder then that folder can be put on your UNUM clear rack.
Is it ok to display personal photos or art?
You will be provided with three acrylic frames when you start, you can use those for personal photos or postcard-style art. Please do not bring in personal frames or other types of statues, figurines or free-standing art.
Can I keep a plant at my desk?
We have been very thoughtful about placing plants and trees throughout the office, please no outside plants or pots.
Are tissues and hand sanitizer ok to keep out?
Yes, during the day you can keep these items on your desk, please just put them back in your credenza at the end of the day.
I am cleaning up my desk to leave for the day, what is the end of day desk protocol?
Please leave your desk in the sitting position and tuck in your chair.
SALES / SHOWROOM
THE CAFÉ
PATIO
CAF É
DRIGGERS ARTROOM
CRC
THE MEZZANINE
MEZZANINE ACCESS
FIRST FLOOR OFFICE
SECOND FLOOR OFFICE
THE CAFÉ
CAF É
REAR STAIR ACCESS
THE PATIO
CONTACTS
CANDACE EDWARDS
CANDACE.EDWARDS@URBANELECTRIC.COM
AC/Maintenance Issue, Desk Malfunction, Cleaning Supplies, Pest Issues, Catering Needs
BETH MEEKS
BETH.MEEKS@URBANELECTRIC.COM
Toner/Copier Issue
JENNY WILEY
JENNY.WILEY@URBANELECTRIC.COM
Office Supply Needs
ERIN SIMMONS
ERIN.SIMMONS@URBANELECTRIC.COM
Showroom Issues/Needs