When it was time to design new offices for King’s Hawaiian, producer of Hawaii-inspired baked goods in Southern California, the first thought was to reconnect to the company’s origins in the islands. They wanted to convey the uniquely Hawaiian approach to hospitality, generosity and commitment.

Our design team went to work to meet our client’s objective – making everyone feel Hawaiian hospitality through the office’s design elements. By elevating the employee experience, team building has been encouraged. The goal was to create spaces that suited the workstyles of all the different departments.

We used bold colors, pattern, textural materials and soft flexible furniture that gives the office an energy that appeals to the staff’s younger demographic and progressive approach. The reception area includes a photo gallery depicting the company’s growth and evolution. A coral fish tank works as an architectural solution creating privacy by dividing the space.

In the boardroom is a wood-accented wall inspired by Polynesian tapa. Pendant lighting was selected for its texture and strong resemblance to Hawaiian fish traps. The unexpected use of intense color references the client’s love of the ocean and wallcoverings of woven abaca reflect the weave of fish nets. The overall effect is contemporary Asian reflecting the founder’s heritage.

There is a family and demonstration kitchen set up to allow family members to cook together and doubles as an instructive area. The glazed basalt backsplash references an element prevalent on the Big Island of Hawaii. The CEO’s office and conference room are designed around his semi-formal, whimsical personality. We’ve taken a more residential approach to this area by using floating shelves and millwork to display his personal collection. A telescoping door separates the CEO’s office from a conference room.

The Training Room/Employee Lunch Room are less formal. Here we placed large orange felt lighting fixtures to accentuate the room’s high ceilings thereby promoting drama. On one wall is a decorative tropical jungle mural. There are coffee bars situated throughout the building with lounges allowing a choice of work areas. Hand-assembled screens create visual separation in the more conventional work area.

King’s Hawaiian in its new quarters has managed to expand and grow without losing the precious feeling of ohana they value so much.