The Tepa Companies came to Playwell Bricks to commission a custom-designed set of the Paskenta Nomlaki Administration Building that would be given out to the kids attending Camp Tepa. The camp, for older kids, was created to introduce “Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians tribal members and descendants to potential career paths” and be a fun, bonding experience that helps create and celebrate community and culture. The client outlined certain aspects of the building they wanted to be represented, and then Playwell Bricks began the design.

One of the things that the client requested was to have four posts within the build itself. Playwell Bricks Garrett Gourley explains, “In the interior of the build there are four posts. These represent the four wooden beans that supported a traditional round house, a local meeting place for the tribe from their long history as a people.

"It's a hidden feature, but I know that it means a lot to the culture to have that included in their own building and that I could include it in this model.” The instructions photo above shows this feature as the giftees would see it while they are building this special set.

Due to a possible communication error, the client wasn’t entirely sure this request had made it into the final design, which was unfortunate. In their feedback after delivery of the final sets, they told us, “I don't remember anyone confirming if this was possible either way (should probably double-check my emails though). I was very pleasantly surprised to see them included in the final product.”

“I find passion in building smaller architecture models. I get joy out of creating small models that can still capture all the same features as the large-scale building,” Garrett tells me.

When asked if he learned anything from this project, Garrett nods. “I learned that measurements aren't hardline details. I built a larger model to fit the build description, but it didn't truly embody what could be a better detailed build in a smaller display based on the limited piece count. I now know it's a suggestion, and more about getting the build right and worrying about the size later.”

When asked for a rating out of ten, the client told us, “I would give you a ten. Laura and Jared were responsive, proactive, and consistent. The project was completed a little early, which is always nice. I felt very good about the communication content and frequency along the way. I appreciated the ability to give input in the early stages regarding the design as well.”

Garrett summed it up for the whole team when he said, “I really appreciated the chance to capture the heritage of the Paskenta Nomlaki people as they have captured it in their new administration build where children will get to learn about their culture.”

If you’re interested in commissioning a custom set of a building with special meaning to you and yours, Playwell Bricks specializes in custom design for corporate gifting. Our team of dedicated designers will work with your ideas, branding, and budget to help you build your dreams. Contact us today to build well, brand well, gift well, with Playwell!