We’re just doing what is right – creating a comfortable, enjoyable space for our San Diego public relations employees to find more joy and a break from the office desk.

It just happens that we went out of our way to save money and the environment at the same time.

The result is an environmentally pleasing, employee-stoking, community-enhancing outdoor space that makes my heart beat stronger and the neighbors stop over. It started when the suffocating nature of my first corporate office job magnified my addiction to walking amongst trees and commuting on two wheels.

I needed to be outside. Feel the breeze. See the sun. Smell the rosemary. Hear the birds.

I needed office space that welcomes an occasional bird poop splatter just as much as it courts water cooler clatter.

The office space for our San Diego public relations agency does just this, and I’m proud to say we used repurposed or salvaged items, engaged two local business owners, prioritized drought-tolerant features and captured a whole lot of happiness at the same time.

In case you didn’t notice, here’s what you experience in the great outdoors at Mixte Communications:

• Permeable pavers that allow rain to soak through into the ground beneath
• Native or drought-tolerant landscaping to reduce water use
• A rain barrel hand-painted by local artist Ruth McGraw
• A conducive patio space outlined by landscaping features carefully considered by local drought-tolerate landscaper John Noble of Coastal Sage
• Reclaimed restaurant furniture modernized and Mixtefied by Ruth – yes, that hand-painted bicyclist is throwing the car away
• Handmade bench made from reclaimed pallets and wood
• Two bike racks donated by our Director of Canine Relations Karim Bouris
• Shade sails installed to maximize our time outside

And a whole lotta love.

Is this a surprise? Not to me. We empower nice companies – those that keep America healthy, fight for environmental justice, keep our waters clean, make more bike lanes, feed the hungry and help homeless neighbors off the street.

We’re about small business supporting small business and all the good that come from those who stand for more – even if you’re not standing at our repurposed, homemade standing desk with wheels for use indoors and outdoors.