Press Releases

BREAKROOM FEATURED IN INTERIOR DESIGN
"This space has become the heart and soul of the company," says Bill Grant, speaking of the break room and development center that his firm, i.e., design, created for Blue Ridge Commercial Carpet's manufacturing facility in Ellijay, Georgia. "It brings employees together in a truly amazing way-a real space for real people." Initiated last fall, the break room renovation was part of i.e., design's larger project of repositioning the carpet company's brand and image. Blue Ridge's president and CEO, Mike Gallman, "wanted to make a statement with the project," recalls Grant. "He wanted to illustrate the power and impact of design as it relates to basic quality-of-life and work issues." As part of a new management team, Gallman also wanted the redesigned space to encourage the convergence of employees from all areas of the business, from manufacturing to office staff to management.

The size and shape of the existing 800-sq.-ft. space were not altered, but surfaces were changed throughout, and MDF and metal "barn doors" were installed so that training and meetings can occur on one side, while eating and socializing take place on the other. Windows that look into the plant were left untouched and uncovered, adds the designer, "to facilitate an open approach to training, meetings, and the day-to-day manufacturing operations." Stainless steel, MDF, and raw concrete figure prominently in the materials palette, appropriate choices given the industrial context of the project. Custom fabricated furniture, area rugs made with Blue Ridge's newest designs, and stainless-steel wall panels that provide display surfaces for product samples create an inviting atmosphere that underscores the company's renewed interest in design.

An interior window emphasizes the connection of the manufacturing facility to all other aspects of the company operations.

Custom tables with iron bases and unfinished MDF tops provide flexible work stations in the training area, while stainless-steel wall panels are used for the display of new product samples.