Project Description
FROM THE ARCHITECTS:
Garrett
Brands, one of Chicago’s most prominent retailers, required a larger floor
plate to accommodate the growth of its Garrett Popcorn Brand.
Garrett
sought a flexible, interactive workspace that incorporates the brand’s
traditional values but positions it for the future. In expanding and
re-imagining its corporate headquarters, Harley Ellis Devereaux (HED) worked
closely with Garrett’s internal design team throughout the planning and design
process to ensure that all corporate and branding needs were met.
As
a brand synonymous with Chicago, the new headquarters is located in the heart
of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile and was designed to take full advantage of views
of Chicago’s skyline.
A
key component of the new headquarters is its strong visual identity. Throughout
the space, the brand’s palette is interwoven into each element of the design —
from the navy blue-striped carpet, an homage to the brand’s iconic blue-striped
tins, to the copper coloring, symbolizing the old-fashioned copper kettles used
to pop the popcorn. Custom reclaimed wood in the reception and cafe areas
represents the wooden spoons used to churn the popcorn.
To
attract and retain new talent, Garrett sought an office that reflected its
traditional features in a contemporary environment. In this vein, a ping
pong table and splatter wall area were added to encourage camaraderie amongst
colleagues. The office also features private spaces for executives and open
office benching for staff.