“You might expect the appetite for architecture to stop at the porch, and then once you get inside, it’s all kitchen. But the interior space is also quite wonderful and beautiful. … I’m inspired to think this is something that could happen in other cities.”
— Thomas Robinson, AIA
Location Austin
Client Ghostline Kitchens
Architect A Parallel Architecture
Design Team Eric Barth, AIA, Ryan Burke, AIA, Aaron Manns, AIA
Contractor Capital Constructors Group
Structural Engineer Arch Consulting Engineers
MEP Engineer AYS Engineering
Civil Engineer KBGE/Civil & Environmental Consultants
Geotechnical Engineer ECS Southwest
Kitchen Consultant GOTU Consulting
Landscape Architect Benkendorfer + Associates
While the creative office as a typology has flourished over the past 30 years, commercial kitchens have largely been relegated to anonymous windowless buildings and basements. This prototype flagship facility in South Austin represents the evolution of the food industry. It creates an accessible, affordable food production facility serving chefs, bakers, restaurateurs, and food vendors in a purpose-built space designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and well-being. The steel and glass coworking and lobby space is flooded with daylight and connects to covered outdoor spaces and a community-focused “fairground.” The production kitchens and warehouse spaces balance efficiency, flexibility, and comfort. The result is a highly functional and adaptable building that can transform with the ever-changing trends and technologies of the industry.