Graphics Packaging Headquarters Transformation: 223,000 SF Workplace Designed for Innovation and Growth

As a leader in renewable and recycled consumer packaging, Graphics Packaging continuously invests in innovation to better serve its customers and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. When the company decided to renovate its 223,000-square-foot Atlanta headquarters, it saw an opportunity to create a workplace that would embody the same forward-thinking mindset driving its business. The vision was to transform nine floors into a modern, sustainable workplace that would enhance collaboration, support employee well-being, attract top talent, and provide the flexibility needed for future growth. However, turning that vision into reality required overcoming several complex challenges.

Large-scale headquarters projects often involve competing priorities, and Graphics Packaging's renovation was no exception. The organization needed to maximize its investment while preserving the design intent and employee experience envisioned for the space. Early pricing challenges threatened to impact project scope and budget alignment, creating pressure to find solutions that would maintain quality without sacrificing long-term value. At the same time, the workplace needed to support a variety of workstyles, optimize space utilization, and deliver a seamless employee experience. Clean infrastructure integration, efficient floor planning, and flexible environments were critical requirements.

The company also wanted the project to reflect its commitment to sustainability, not only in the workplace itself but also in the processes used to support employees after move-in. Graphics Packaging partnered with Corporate Environments to help navigate these challenges and deliver a workplace aligned with its business objectives. Working closely with project partners throughout the planning and design process, Corporate Environments focused on maintaining open communication, proactive problem-solving, and budget-conscious decision-making.

When early pricing exceeded project targets, the team collaborated with partners to identify strategic alternatives that preserved the original design vision while bringing the project back into alignment financially. This approach allowed Graphics Packaging to maximize the value of its investment without compromising workplace performance or employee experience.

By engaging early and often with stakeholders, the team was also able to address key operational priorities, including space optimization, workplace flexibility, and infrastructure coordination, ensuring every aspect of the environment supported the company's goals. The success was built on a strong partnership among multiple organizations working toward a shared vision. Corporate Environments partnered with HOK Atlanta, Cushman & Wakefield, HITT Contracting, and MillerKnoll to create a unified approach from planning through installation.

This collaborative process allowed the team to quickly address challenges, maintain project momentum, and make informed decisions throughout the renovation. As Corporate Environments designer Naureen reflected: "Challenges are inevitable, but clear conversations and a unified team approach helped us push through and find solutions. It's not just about delivering a space; it's about building a long-lasting partnership with the client."

That spirit of trust and collaboration helped transform obstacles into opportunities and strengthened the ongoing relationship between Graphics Packaging and its project partners. The renovated headquarters delivers far more than a refreshed office; it provides a strategic workplace platform designed to support Graphics Packaging's people, culture, and future growth.

The transformed environment includes:

• 223,000 square feet of renovated workspace across nine floors

• 755 employee workstations supporting organizational growth

• 133 private and executive offices

• Flexible collaboration zones and focus spaces

• Employee amenities include a café, barista bar, and fitness center

• Biophilic elements and live greenery that promote wellbeing and workplace engagement

The new headquarters creates an environment where employees can connect, collaborate, and innovate more effectively while supporting a variety of work styles and business needs. To align with Graphics Packaging's sustainability goals, Corporate Environments developed a custom digital resource hub that provided employees with workspace information, workstation adjustment guides, and warranty documentation. By replacing traditional printed materials, the solution reduced paper consumption and delivered a more accessible employee experience. Graphics Packaging's headquarters now serves as a physical reflection of the company's innovative spirit and commitment to sustainability.

By aligning workplace strategy with business objectives, the project achieved measurable outcomes that extend beyond the built environment:

• Optimized a 223,000-square-foot headquarters for greater workplace efficiency

• Created capacity for more than 755 employees across multiple work modes

• Preserved project value through strategic budget management and cost optimization

• Enhanced employee experience through flexible, collaborative environments

• Advanced sustainability initiatives through digital-first workplace resources

• Strengthened organizational culture by bringing teams together in a purpose-built headquarters

Graphics Packaging gained a workplace designed to evolve alongside its business, a destination that empowers employees, supports innovation, and positions the organization for continued success well into the future.