PARKER’S KITCHEN: A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

In crafting The Parker Companies' new headquarters, the CEO's vision extended beyond mere innovation—it aimed to cultivate a workplace centered on employee collaboration. Our journey with, Greg Parker, CEO of Parker’s Kitchen, and the HOK design team positioned Corporate Environments (CE) as the crucial conduit between concept and reality.

The initial challenge was the existing space—a dark, segmented layout that needed complete renovation. The mission was clear: integrate teams, create functional workspaces, and fill the space with a seamless, future-flexible aesthetic. It was a transformation from a 'gray box' into a light, bright, and inviting space. The CE Savannah team met this challenge head-on, prioritizing open communication and collaboration among teams.

A unique aspect of Corporate Environment’s approach was the use of high-quality furniture from manufacturers such as Knoll, Herman Miller, Global, and others. The precision achieved by using Knoll products throughout the offices and workstations resonated perfectly with the client's vision. Value-engineering was another tool employed in areas to keep budgeted dollars where they best made sense, without sacrificing the vision. This, especially with such a design-minded, high-quality client, made the difference to the client between just executing the project versus partnering with them as if their vision AND their dollars were our own.

The project spanned 12 months, from design to installation completion, encompassing several phases. We not only provided top-tier furniture solutions but also integrated architectural solutions including DIRTT’s "Reflect" glass walls with a special 'champagne' finish and sound masking to address sound migration concerns and bring more value-added installation through DIRTT’s prefabricated construction approach.

The strong emphasis on quality presented numerous opportunities for CE to shine. The Corporate Environments team engaged in extensive collaboration sessions, challenging the client to consider fresh possibilities while respecting their preferences. The result was a space that not only met but exceeded the client's expectations. A memorable moment occurred during installation when the client, having faced an attempt by a local competitor to sway his decision, walked into the nearly completed space on a Saturday. Impressed by the transformation, he acknowledged CE's success, stating, "No other dealer could have accomplished this. You all aced it. I love it." This validation was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the CE team.

Despite the initial hurdles, CE came in to deliver exceptional design solutions aligning perfectly with the client's vision. The Parker's Kitchen Headquarters now stands as a great example of how collaboration, innovation, and attention to detail can turn a plain space into functional and aesthetically pleasing, all within a healthy budget.

Year

2023

Location

Partners

Savannah

HOK