Siete Family Foods, a beloved Mexican-American food brand, has not only brought flavorful delights to pantry shelves but has also embodied the essence of home and family. As a family of seven (as reflected in their name), the Garza familia’s rich Mexican-American heritage forms the heart of the Siete brand. This cultural legacy, with its emphasis on community and togetherness, played a pivotal role in the design of their new workspace – a Mexican home for their growing team of 100 co-workers.
When faced with the challenge of expanding their workspace beyond the confines of their original office, nestled within a house, Siete Family Foods sought to preserve the essence of their culture and values. The task fell upon Drawn, with a project led by Bryan Taylor, to transform an abandoned kombucha factory in Austin, Texas, into a vibrant and functional workspace that echoed the warmth and familiarity of a Mexican home.
The design team, which included Trask Bedortha and Jobe Corral Architects, approached the project with a deep appreciation for Mexican architectural traditions and urban planning principles. Drawing inspiration from the organic flow patterns of old cities, they crafted a workspace that mirrored the interconnectedness of a tight-knit community.
The resulting design is the fusion of Mexican heritage with modern workplace functionality. The space is structured around the concept of a traditional Mexican home, with various zones representing different facets of domestic life seamlessly integrated into the workplace.
Upon entering, employees are greeted by a network of winding alleys and pathways reminiscent of bustling Mexican neighborhoods. These pathways lead to designated work areas, meeting rooms, and communal spaces, each exuding a distinct sense of character and charm.
Central to the design is a spacious courtyard, akin to the heart of a Mexican home, where employees gather for shared meals, informal meetings, and cultural celebrations. Flanked by lush greenery and adorned with vibrant murals depicting scenes from Mexican folklore, the courtyard serves as a focal point for community-building and collaboration.
At the heart of the workspace lies the communal kitchen, where the aroma of freshly prepared Mexican cuisine permeates the air, invoking a sense of nostalgia and comfort. Here, employees come together to bond over shared meals, swapping stories and forging deeper connections beyond the confines of work.
The design ethos extends beyond aesthetics, incorporating elements of sustainability and functionality. Salvaged materials from the original kombucha factory were repurposed, breathing new life into the space while minimizing environmental impact.
In addition, the workspace is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and flexible furniture arrangements, ensuring adaptability to the evolving needs of the Siete team.
Through meticulous attention to detail and profound respect for Mexican-American culture, Drawn has succeeded in creating more than just a workspace – they’ve crafted a home away from home for the Siete family. It’s a place where heritage is celebrated, bonds are strengthened, and creativity flourishes amidst the backdrop of tradition.
As recipients of the Honorable Mention in Interior Design at the BLT Built Design Awards, the Mexican-American home for 100 co-workers shows the power of design in fostering community, culture, and connection. In the heart of Austin, Texas, Siete Family Foods has found not just a workplace, but a sanctuary that embodies the spirit of familia.