When planning an office remodel in 2005, KEPCO+'s top priority was to create an office space that could double as a point-of-sale showcase, reflecting our full capabilities through visual representation while also reinforcing our brand marketing and demonstrating the significance and beauty of natural stone.  The remodel's success was validated when KEPCO+ received the 2007 MIA Rocky Award for Best Point-of-Purchase Display.

Though it sounded simple, accomplishing this goal presented many challenges.  Because our cladding systems are designed based on the unique specifications of an individual project, we do not have product samples that can be displayed for potential clients to review.  Due to space limitations, creating a full-size mock-up of even a generic system would be implausible.  Because our projects are located throughout the country with differing construction and installation schedules, it is rare that we are both fabricating panels and installing a cladding system on a local project so taking potential clients to a jobsite is also not always an option.  We needed an office/point-of-sale space that could communicate to potential clients our full range of services and capabilities without ever leaving the building. 

The reception area features a custom reception desk that was fabricated to abstractly resemble our stone truss panel system, incorporating polished steel and two different granites.  Behind the desk, three large professional photos are displayed on a vibrant red wall, showcasing the versatility our cladding systems offer.  Custom built-ins on either side of the desk house our project awards and emphasize KEPCO+'s previous successes.  If a potential client uses the hallway to his left (the “Stone Hall of Fame”) to reach the conference room, he will be reminded of the historical importance and quiet dignity of natural stone as he passes images of notable stone structures throughout the world, including the Coliseum, the Parthenon, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.  Alternatively, if taking the hall to the right, potential clients will be able to view KEPCO+'s “Wall of Fame” featuring framed articles on previous projects, award letters, and capability brochures.

Arguably the most important room in the office, the conference room was designed to hold enough displays to answer virtually any question, while still reflecting an uncluttered, elegant look. Designed in the shape of a plus sign, the conference room, with its vibrant red walls and gallery-style photography, is located in the center of the building; a 10' x 10' granite conference table which seats 12 is located in the very center of the plus.  Photography was of great importance, and over 100 photos can be found throughout the office space, with 20 displayed in the conference area. 

To maintain the open gallery feeling while still creating a sense of enclosure and privacy,  large granite and steel partitions, which also abstractly represent our stone truss panels, were installed at the ends of the plus sign.  In front of each partition is a granite slab which displays actual stone examples from some of our more detailed projects.  Oversized photos of the same projects adorn the walls, providing visitors with an overall impression of the building while also giving them a hands-on example of the quality and level of detail that can be etched into each stone piece.  Visitors can examine a 4' tall, 3,000 pound hand-carved star stone from the Nauvoo Temple Re-creation, an otherwise impossible feat since the stones were installed as part of the building's entablature. 

The perimeter halls surrounding the conference room display additional project images, as well as fabrication photos from our facility, allowing sales representatives to give potential clients a tour of our shop without ever leaving the office.  Installation photos are also dispersed throughout the building, allowing the luxury of ‘freezing time' so that a sales rep may point out unique panel features and connection details, all without the need for a hard hat!