Chocolate Kitchen/Lab Design

[Sebastian]

I've recently taken a new position with another chocolate company, and the first thing I'm being asked to do is create a state of the art development/applications lab. I know the equipment and process flow inside and out, so that's not an issue for me, but my wife says I'm...how shall we put it...aesthetically challenged 8-)

Have any of you experience with design companies that offer industrial lab/kitchen design services? I'm looking for someone who can address layout, cabinet design, colors, etc so that if I say 'here's a pile of equipment that i have to put in here' they can say 'i know how to make it look like you didn't just throw a pile of equipment in here'...i need it be functional and very aesthetic.

If there's any resident experience in here with lab design places, I'd love to hear who they are and what your experiences were with them...

[tsquare]

You might want to identify your location.

We once did this for a production bakery. They ended up renovating it years later to make it look more like a french bistro. Sad.

Anyway, you should be able to find an architect who's portfolio matches your needs. Either look for someone with some restaurant or retail experience, or try someone who just has the right aesthetic. Since you know the equipment and flow, their job won't be too difficult.

[Sebastian]

Thanks tsquare - it will be in the mid atlantic area. I know there are folks who specialize in this type of thing, i just don't know who they are...

[tsquare]

Well, you could start with the local chapter of the AIA - they typically have lists on-line that show who specializes in what - and links to the firms websites. Good luck.