Facilities Services' fourth annual First Impressions Project focused on reinventing UCSF break room and common spaces. Pictured above are members of the Epilepsy Division within the Department of Neurology enjoying the grand reveal of their new space in the Parnassus Heights Campus. Top row, from left to right: Patrick Hullett, Paul Garcia, Maritza Lopez, Matthew Jensen, Brandon Kopald, Tina Shih, Jon Kleen, Joline Fan, Edwina Tran. Bottom row: Robert Knowlton and his dog Eloise Knowlton 🐕
Facilities Services beautifies the UCSF campus inside and out with First Impressions! Nine projects were chosen as the winners from our list of submissions and each received up to $15,000 to upgrade common spaces used by faculty, students, and staff. Check out a snapshot of our finished projects below!
Parnassus Campus
Epilepsy Division Common Space
This multifunctional space was lacking a community feel before renovations. The space which once used to be dark and dingy with unrealized potential was madeover with a fresh coat of white paint accompanied by an energizing purple accent wall. The project team also removed the overbearing cabinets and mounted up the TV which was occupying counter space. Light and slim-looking new office chairs replaced the unwieldy old chairs, and a new counter was added to add storage space and hold the recycling and garbage bins in one sleek unit. The new break room was happily received by the staff of the Epilepsy Division who love the futuristic feel of the room and enjoy spending time collaborating in it.
Submission: Jon Kleen, Professor, PhD
Department: Department of Neurology
School of Pharmacy Resident Break Room
This was the first project for this round of First Impressions completed in 2021. Residents of the School of Pharmacy have been enjoying the modern look of the newly improved break room in the Residency Office. The First Impressions team figured out how to make the best use of the compact space, allowing room for everything that’s needed in a more delineated way. The Residency Office now has a properly designated space for folks to eat lunch, have tea or coffee with friends, or just take a break. New paint and carpeting complete the refreshed look. Compared to the previous space, it’s much more modern with a breakfast bar and barstools, proper counter space for the microwave and coffee maker, and cabinetry to keep items neatly organized and stored out of sight.
Submission: Julie Erich, Operations Analyst
Department: School of Pharmacy
Millberry Union Parking and Transportation Break Room
This break room is a shared space between the Campus Life Services and Parking and Transportation staff. The main changes to this room included new furniture for the staff to enjoy their breaks on and a coat of new paint to brighten the room. We said goodbye to the eyesore orange wall and heavy, brown, worn-out couches to make this room feel less like a garage hang-out spot and more like a communal break space that our staff can be proud to use.
Submission: Carlos Vides, Transit Supervisor, Jon Lynn, Shuttle Driver, David Macfarlane, Shuttle Driver, Albert Cheng, Shuttle Driver
Department: CLS Transportation
Millberry Union P8 Lobby
Though this small lobby space may have been overlooked by some, our First Impressions team spared no details when it came to beautifying even the smallest campus area. To spruce up the space, corner guards were added to protect the walls around the elevator, the entire restroom was repainted, a metal plate was added behind the toilet to prevent wall marks from the flush handle usage, and a high power clean, strip, and wax was performed to the flooring in the bathroom. They also replaced the lobby flooring with a darker color floor to keep a clean look in the high-traffic area. Lastly, the lobby walls were repainted including adding, an accent wall to match the door leading to the clinic. These updates give this space a more cohesive feel.
Submission: Rodelyn Montemayor, Practice Manager
Department: Student Health and Counseling Services
Mission Bay Campus
1650 Owens Break Space
This break room is used by over 130 transportation and parking staff. The room was once dim and drab – with seat cushions worn down from years of use, overflow of furniture, and tight spaces. The new break room features modern flooring to replace the dark carpets and new seating furniture. The design plans also included repainting the room and rearranging the seating to create more room for staff to relax in on their breaks.
Submission: Carlos Vides, Transit Supervisor, Jon Lynn, Shuttle Driver, David Macfarlane, Shuttle Driver, Albert Cheng, Shuttle Driver
Department: CLS Transportation
Housing Custodial/Trades Break Room
The goal for this room was to go from an outdated storage overflow to an oasis where employees can socialize, rest, and reset between shifts. The project included a complete overhaul of the space, tearing out the clunky metal lockers, dilapidated carpet, and secluded workstations. The room is now an open space that the staff can call a place of their own. The First Impressions team added brand new furniture, a large-screen TV for group Zoom meetings and town halls, and a new stainless-steel fridge. Taking out old furniture cleared the way for updated storage in modern white tones complimented by the freshly painted green accent wall. The floors also have a renewed look and feel with easy-to-clean panels.
Submission: Emily Lefson, Event Service Venue Manager
Department: CLS Housing
Other Projects
Also chosen for the First Impressions renewal projects for 2021 were the break rooms in Environmental Health & Safety Kitchen Space at Parnassus Heights submitted by Rodelyn Montemayor, Byers Hall Third Floor Break Room in Mission Bay submitted by Krzysztof Langer, and the Mount Zion Courtyard submitted by Alberto Alfaro. These projects are almost complete and anticipated to be finished in early 2023 once shipments arrive for the new furniture. In its first three years, the First Impressions Contest has transformed 36 campus eyesores into inviting spaces that enrich the working environment at UCSF. Our fifth annual First Impressions program is coming up in late February, Facilities Services looks forward to seeing your new ideas for ways to beautify UCSF.
