Business Interiors is proud to have provided the furniture solutions and installation for Akima’s 31,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Huntsville, Alabama.

This project represents a significant milestone for Akima, as it provides a secure and high-performance workplace tailored to their mission-driven work and underscores their commitment to Huntsville. McMillan Pazdan Smith (formerly Fuqua & Partners Architects) designed the new office, which features a comprehensive furniture solution that includes Herman Miller Canvas workstations, private offices, multiple conference rooms, and collaborative areas, as well as a large breakroom.

Business Interiors worked closely with the A+D firm to select finishes and refine the layout details. We also seamlessly coordinated with Akima’s team at their corporate headquarters in Washington D.C., handling all logistics for remote finish packages, showroom walkthroughs, and demo chair deliveries.

A unique aspect of this project was the successful integration of Akima’s Alaska Native heritage into the design. Culturally significant elements, such as a kayak installed in the lobby ceiling and authentic artifacts, that honor the company’s roots and complement the building’s natural surroundings. The floor-to-ceiling windows and mature trees provided a compelling connection between the interior and exterior environments, enhancing the design intent and creating a beautiful and functional workspace.

Business Interiors is proud to have partnered with Akima, delivering a dynamic and functional workspace that honors their heritage and supports their mission. We are privileged to have been selected for this competitive bid and to contribute to a space that will help them “win,” which is the Iñupiaq translation of “Akima.”

A+D Firm: McMillan Pazdan Smith

Photography by: Chad Baumer

Business Interiors is pleased to announce the successful completion of the furniture selection, design, and installation for Guardian Credit Union’s new 57,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Prattville, Alabama.

This project represents a significant achievement for Guardian Credit Union, consolidating their administrative and operational teams into a unified, contemporary facility designed to encourage collaboration and support their ongoing expansion. Designed by Foshee Architecture and constructed by Russell Construction, the new headquarters facilitates the consolidation of Guardian Credit Union’s teams from multiple locations, promoting enhanced collaboration and efficiency, and contributes to the economic development of Prattville by bringing more than 100 jobs to the area.

Business Interiors provided a comprehensive furniture solution, encompassing the selection of high-quality, functional, and aesthetically pleasing furniture that reflected Guardian Credit Union’s brand and operational requirements, as well as the coordination of the interior design vision, including material and textile selection, to establish a cohesive and welcoming workspace. Our scope of work encompassed the private offices, team centers, collaboration and workspace areas, training rooms, meeting spaces, and a café. Finally, we oversaw the professional and efficient installation of all furniture, ensuring seamless integration with the building’s architecture and design.

Business Interiors is proud to have partnered with Guardian Credit Union on this transformative project, delivering a dynamic and functional workspace that will serve their employees and members for years to come.

After 30 years in their Birmingham headquarters, Vulcan Materials, the nation’s largest producer of construction aggregate, chose renovation over relocation. Vulcan aimed to create a modern, healthy work environment for employees returning to the office, partnering once again with Williams Blackstock Architects (WBA) for the significant architectural redesign of their 187,000 square foot, six-floor office space.

Business Interiors, in partnership with MillerKnoll, proudly worked with Vulcan and WBA to provide the furnishings solutions for this transformation. Vulcan Materials clearly defined the goals for the renovation: a complete office overhaul, including all new furnishings; redesigned workstations with lower panels, upgraded storage, and enhanced ergonomics; a variety of meeting areas to accommodate diverse work styles; and a sit-stand workstation or desk for every employee.

Designing the Modern Workplace
Working closely with WBA, BI helped achieve Vulcan’s vision. The architecture and interior design embraced biophilic principles, maximizing natural light and exterior views. Open floor plans and glass-lined offices achieved this goal. The renovation successfully opened up the office, creating longer sightlines from the building’s core to the windows. This transformed both private and shared workspaces.

Vulcan modernized workstations for the post-COVID era, featuring lower panels, upgraded storage, and enhanced ergonomics. They redesigned private offices, and the team added numerous collaborative and meeting spaces, including centralized café and lounge areas. MillerKnoll was a key partner in providing furniture solutions, with their brands comprising nearly 90% of the project’s furnishings.

Identity, Durability, and Sustainability
The design also prioritized creating a visually and culturally rich environment. Natural materials like concrete and stone reflect Vulcan’s identity, simultaneously fostering collaboration and connection. Strong imagery and graphics from Vulcan’s quarries around the world appear throughout the building, celebrating the company’s culture, employees, and history. The project incorporated current design trends regarding function and finish, but it prioritized the long-term durability of both the style and the furnishings themselves, ensuring they would remain relevant and functional for the next three decades.

Beyond the new additions, Business Interiors also addressed the challenge of managing six floors of 30-year-old furniture. Business Interiors and MillerKnoll implemented a comprehensive furniture removal plan, achieving an impressive 97% landfill diversion rate. They successfully donated the majority of the furniture to numerous local charities, nonprofits, and civic organizations.

This project reflects Vulcan Materials’ commitment to providing an elevated workplace experience for their employees. We are honored to have been a part of this significant project.

Photography by: Luker Photography

The Sheraton Birmingham Hotel completed a comprehensive $5 million lobby transformation. This change marks a pivotal moment in the hotel’s commitment to the new Sheraton brand standard. The BJCC made this significant investment. It reimagined the entire ground-floor public space to blend Southern hospitality with a modern, community-centric aesthetic. Business Interiors proudly provided the furnishing solutions that helped bring this vibrant, multi-functional design and the overall Sheraton Lobby Furniture Renovation to life.

The new lobby concept was inspired by the idea of a “Public Square.” This demanded a strategic approach to furniture. Our mandate was simple: Deliver stylish, durable, and flexible products. These products had to support various activities, from quick coffee breaks to full-scale meetings. They also needed to transition seamlessly from day to evening. We ensured the furniture renovation elevated the guest experience.

We curated distinct zones throughout the expansive lobby:

• • The Signature Bar & Dining Area: &More by Sheraton is the brand’s new signature café/bar and restaurant. It is central to the new space. We furnished this fluid area to handle high-volume dining. We also maintained a refined, welcoming look. The seating and tables facilitate breakfast and lunch service. They transform into a sophisticated cocktail setting in the evening.

  • Collaborative Work Areas: We served the modern traveler by providing high-tech, multi-functional furniture for gathering and working. This includes the custom-designed Community Tables. These tables come equipped with integrated power and lighting. We also included comfortable sitting nooks. They offer semi-private spots for solo work or casual conversation.

  • The Studios (Breakout/Meeting Rooms): The introduction of The Studios was a key functional upgrade. Business Interiors outfitted these glass-enclosed, state-of-the-art meeting areas with flexible, ergonomic furniture. Guests can book these rooms. They offer the necessary privacy for productive sessions while staying connected to the lobby’s dynamic energy.

     

The design palette honors Birmingham’s industrial heritage. Rich colors and textures celebrate elements like iron and limestone. Our overall furniture selection emphasizes both luxurious comfort and enduring durability. We chose every piece to withstand the rigors of a high-traffic hotel setting. The selection still maintains the elevated, refined feel of the new design.

A+D Firm: KPS Group

Photography by: Luker Photography